Today I address a topic that has caused much disagreement between parties amongst the people of my circle.

The question is: When you are at a concert, do you find it annoying when a lead singer starts talking about charity or compassion? Perhaps even politics?

This question came to mind, because recently AC/DC singer Brian Johnson lashed out at U2 frontman Bono for his outspoken activism and public charity work.

Just a quick summary of what U2 frontman Bono has done courtesy of his activism...

• Has been a leader in the fight against poverty, and has helped to create the ONE Campaign, DATA, (RED) and EDUN, a clothing company which is striving to stimulate trade with poverty stricken countries
• On Forbes' Generous Celebrity List for his work with Debt AIDS Trade Africa (DATA) against the spread of AIDS and for debt relief in Africa, participation in fundraising concerts like Live 8, and his donation of $50,000 to One In Four Ireland, a charity that helps survivors of sexual abuse
• Received 3 nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize

That isn't even the tip of the iceberg in regards to all the good this man has done. Do you think he could of done any of that, or raised a quarter of the money he has without reaching out directly to his fans when they are most under his spell? "Cooking With Bono" would have never happened if he didn't have a stage to serve as his pulpit.
Brian Johnson bluntly states, "When I was a working man I didn't want to go to a concert for some bastard to talk down to me that I should be thinking of some kid in Africa. I'm sorry mate, do it yourself, spend some of your own money and get it done. It just makes me angry. I become all tyrannical."

Brian said that the members of AC/DC prefer to make their charitable contributions in private. "Do a charity gig, fair enough, but not on worldwide television." AC/DC turned down a slot at Live Aid in 1985.

Brian continued, "I do it myself, I don't tell everybody I'm doing it. I don't tell everybody they should give money. They can't afford it."

Now, I understand the "not talking down to fans", but maybe there are a couple of people who could afford it. I know it's been awhile since you have bought a concert ticket Brian, but they aren't exactly cheap! It any case, it's not like Bono is doing any of this for publicity. He's had a message since U2's Bar Mitzvah playing years. Regardless, there isn't a right or wrong answer here, just a difference of opinion. I say if you have a platform, you can use it to simply fatten your bank account, or to better the world. I'll listen to Bono preach all night long just as long as he squeezes "With Or Without You" and "Numb" in-between the words of "Saving The Planet" and "Making Poverty History". Plus, you need more than just being "the world's most successful rock band" to get you a spot on one of the greatest shows, "The Family Guy". I have the perfect solution! AC/DC & U2 should play a free concert for ME and all of my fellow amigos of the 93 ROCK Nation! And don't worry Brian, we won't tell a soul!

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