Picking a side on Ed Sheeran, Israel and Palestine | Letters
Celebrities like Ed Sheeran should not shy away from expressing political opinions, writes Dr Richard J Goy, while Anna Emms praises the singer’s commitment to his fans. Plus a letter from David Parry
Nadia Khomami provides an excellent analysis of current dilemmas regarding political songs and engagement (‘A maelstrom of his own making’: how Ed Sheeran’s tour turned into a full-blown culture war, 19 September).
However, I do feel that it lacks a longer timeframe. Outspoken, overtly political singers and songwriters have been active for decades. My own generation was brought up on Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. A bit further back were Woody Guthrie and Billie Holiday. Who would dare to write Strange Fruit today? In all, far too many are being deterred by fears of censorship by media billionaires and their like. They need to get out there and shout and scream about the world’s appalling injustices. We need a hundred Billy Braggs, not just one.
Dr Richard J Goy
Cambridge
