I remember when the Hollywood Palladium sold too many tickets for the Ramones. There was panic and riot and I watched 5000 people get hosed down on Sunset Blvd by Firemen from the comfort of Denny's and a chicken fried steak. This is as close to serious social unrest I've encountered.

What does all that have to do with world democracy, you ask? Well, to be perfectly honest I don't know. But somehow the spirit of rock 'n roll is helping change our world. The Iranians held an election today. And unlike Saddam who just killed every dissident, the Iranians have to be mindful that their kids are wearing lipstick, blue jeans, and listening to rock 'n roll - despite the clerics best attempts otherwise.

I suppose that the Ramones show went on is a flimsy parallel to the situation for Iranians and others oppressed around the world. But I don't think it's too much to say that the spirit of rock 'n roll is playing a major factor for fostering change.

Best Music for "World Traveler"-type Themes!

Mine:
Bowie* - Lodger
Patrick Wolf - Wind In The Wires
Mountain Goats - The Sunset Tree

*And Ziggy too if we're not limiting ourselves to this world, but I'll save that one for another thread. ;-)