Rock Against Racism
Rock Against Racism was a movement formed in the 1970’s in reaction to rising xenophobia and racism fuelled by organisations like the National Front. At the time, David Bowie allegedly said that Britain was ready for a fascist leader and Eric Clapton made drunken comments at a concert telling the crowd to vote for Enoch Powell.
The most memorable Rock Against Racism event was the April 1978 “Carnival against the Nazis”. A huge rally of 100,000 people marched the six miles from Trafalgar Square through London’s East End - the heart of National Front territory - to a Rock Against Racism concert in Victoria Park, Hackney.
X-Ray Spex, The Clash, Steel Pulse, and Tom Robinson were on the bill - a diverse selection of music for a diverse multi-cultural crowd.
Today the Anti Nazi League is campaigning again in the name of Love Music Hate Racism - a demonstration of the positive energy of the music scene.
Love Music Hate Racism 2008
The LMHRÂ carnival has already passed. It was held on Sunday 27th April and played by Hard-Fi and The Good, The Bad & The Queen. The crowds were somewhat below the 100,000 record due to rain and many people wondered away from the speeches by Tony Benn and Ken Livingston - though others stayed and cheered.
Tuesday 29th April 2008
- Scouting for Girls will play at Fat Sam’s Live in Dundee as part of Rock Against Racism.
- Love Music Hate Racism Post-Carnival Bash: Location: VIBE BAR, 91-95 BRICK LANE, LONDON, E1 6QL, Free - but donations to LMHR welcome.
Thursday 1st May
- Fundraiser with Ben Bailey and friends: Ben Bailey (His Lost Boys) will host & play this FREE acoustic night with friends & specials guest (Drew McConnell confirmed): 7pm-12midnight, Thursday 1 May: Donations to LMHR upon entry: Filthy MacNastys, 68 Amwell Street, London EC1R 1UU, 020 7837 6067, more info here.
If you have a LMHR event - let us know in the comments box below.
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