Faith No More still cares a lot

...about Pussy Riot, among other things.

MUSIC For all of you who aren't already entirely fed up hearing about the old Pussy Riot scandal, here's more of that for you.
First off, here's the back story in short (for anyone who's been living under a rock over the past year): Early this year (as of 2012) a group of female punk-rockers got convicted and imprisoned for playing too loud in some Russian church (or something along those lines). Not sure who booked the gig, but apparently you can't play political punk music, much of it criticising the Russian president, in church and get away with it. Hence, the bandmates are now facing two years together in the slammer.

Lead Chili Pepper Anthony Kiedis, performing in a fashionable Pussy Riot shirt.

Ever since their arrest, back in early March, the case has obviously been covered extensively by the media as well as fellow artists in the music industry. Countless celebrities are being praised for their huge commitment to the debate, for instance by wearing a Pussy Riot shirt on stage, or prudently replying "yes" to the question whether they support Pussy Riot, in some random interview. And who doesn't? Standing behind their conviction, would be a mockery of human rights; and the freedom of speech, in particular. If people still aren't allowed to criticise authorities or religion, we haven't come very far over the last centuries, in terms of human rights, have we?

A Pussy Riot riot. Somehow they managed to take the wrong bikini part off...

Luckily there are still well-recognised bands that take a more active approach in the debate. Old-timers Faith No More joined, and surpassed, the collective of musicians supporting the provocative Russian punk-rockers, by sharing stage with a Pussy Riot support team demonstrating their fury and rejection towards Putin and the people in charge of their country. As an homage the band itself were also performing in stylish and colourful balaclavas; which is the hallmark of sorts, of Pussy Riot's.

Faith No More supporting Pussy Riot

But I know what you're thinking; "Faith No More? Are they still around?" - And if the above video wasn't assuring enough, they certainly are! And it's good to see there are still bands that do something useful with their stage time, raising awareness and delivering meaningful musical content to its spectators. In this difficult time in music where record sales is damn near non-existent, I bet the record companies have their artists in an even tighter leash. That makes it so refreshing to see that some guys still have the balls to take their responsibility as the influential rock band still they are -- to fight injustice, and ultimately do what the hell they feel like, instead of being the teacher's [read: manager's] pet.

I kinda wish they had the same commitment in making a new "Album of the Year", after 15 long years of absence. Unlike many other old bands, their line-up has stayed fairly intact, so I don't see why they couldn't just sit down and jam for a bit, which could result in some brand new FNM tunes. But apparently they seem to be fine with just the touring part of the "rock star life", so that'll have to do. At least for now...

See also:

Bands that Influenced PUSSY RIOT