Last week Revolution shouted out a Cheers to Squirrel Flower for her refusal to participate in the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival because of its military sponsorship. Greg Abbott, the Republi-fascist governor of Texas, responded to Squirrel Flower and others who withdrew from SXSW by telling them, “Don’t come back.”
But Abbott’s arrogant bravado backfired on him. It contributed to what became a mass exodus of performers from SXSW, and an impromptu festival of musical performers from many countries opposed to Israel’s genocidal, U.S.-backed onslaught upon Palestinian people. About 100 artists withdrew from SXSW, including the entire contingent of bands and singers from Ireland. Kneecap, a rap trio from Belfast, Northern Ireland, said, “We cannot in good conscience attend an arts festival that has the U.S. Army as a 'super sponsor.’” They said that not being part of SXSW would have a significant impact on their group, and then added, "But it isn't an iota of hardship when compared to the unimaginable suffering being inflicted every minute, every day on the people of Gaza."
Performers boycotting SXSW appeared in numerous “unofficial” Austin venues. There were at least three full programs, a day-long concert at Austin City Hall, and an evening of Irish bands, including some of the 12 who had boycotted SXSW. A couple of revcom supporters went out to some of these events and talked with performers and patrons. They distributed several dozen copies of the flyer “Bob Avakian (BA) on Israel’s Genocide Against the Palestinian People, and the Only Just and Viable Solution.”
The revcoms were invited to set up a table outside a University of Texas residential co-op during an unofficial SXSW event. They raised about $200 for the revolution selling mac & cheese, cookies, and cake balls. Photo: Special to revcom.us
The revcoms chat with students outside a University of Texas residential co-op during an unofficial SXSW event. Photo: Special to revcom.us
At an “unofficial” venue where a few of the boycotting bands were performing, the revolutionaries set up outside the entrance with a large sign that said, “From Palestine to the USA, Revolution is the Way,” and another reading, “No Fascist Trump, No Genocide Joe, The Whole Damn System’s Got to Go.” One reported, “Some party-goers took pictures, some donated to the revolution, some snapped the BobAvakianOfficial QR code we had hanging on our lanyards, some argued over things like ‘lesser evil’ bullshit, and some performers who had proudly boycotted thanked the revolutionaries for being there.”
The wellspring of opposition that erupted to SXSW’s involvement with the U.S. war machine is inspiring. It needs to be carried into all spheres of life. It also indicates how what begins as a small action, even by one person acting righteously to oppose U.S. war crimes, can quickly gain momentum, help break things open, and set better terms for further struggle.
