Arizona could have one killer rock concert, on par with Coachella, if all the bands who're cancelling Cactus Country gigs or boycotting the state due to SB 1070 were to participate.
The East L.A. Chicano rock band Los Lobos is the latest to kill a concert here in Sand Land over opposition to Arizona's new "papers, please" legislation. The Grammy award-winning act is axing a concert at the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, scheduled for June 10.
The quintet released the following statement on its Web site:
"We support the boycott of Arizona. The new law will inevitably lead to unfair racial profiling and possible abuse of people who just happen to look Latino. As a result, in good conscience, we could not see ourselves performing in Arizona. We regret the inconvenience this may have caused the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, Casino Arizona, Talking Stick Resort and our fans, but we feel strongly that it is the right thing to do."
They join Cypress Hill, rapper Pit Bull, and the musicians of Sound Strike, in boycotting the state. Sound Strike is led by former Rage Against the Machine frontman Zack de la Rocha, and includes such acts as Kanye West and Tenacious D.
The Lilith Fair also canceled its scheduled Phoenix appearance, after the Go-Go's Belinda Carlisle called for the fair to avoid Phoenix due to SB 1070.
Look, I'm all for a boycott of the state. I think the increased economic pressure and loss of revenue will aid in (one day) getting this law repealed.
That said, it won't be happening anytime soon, and in the short term, the boycott will bolster those supporting the law, increasing their backlash against "outsiders" attempting to influence the state.
Personally, I'm hoping a federal judge enjoins the law before it goes into effect late July, so the state won't have to be wiped off the map economically.
Meanwhile, here's a notion: Why don't all of these big acts get together and throw a huge benefit concert, maybe on Native American land, with all proceeds going to fight the law?
They should do it soon. Arizona in the summer time is bad enough as it is, and opponents of the law need something to boost their spirits as they organize and register voters for the fall elections in an effort called Freedom Summer. In fact, the concert could go to help fund that very effort.
Hey, just an idea...
