Why Even Trump-Friendly Artists Won't Perform at His Inauguration

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Weeks before Donald Trump's presidential inauguration, the subject of securing performances has been contentious. Last night, the president-elect weighed in on the debacle (on Twitter, naturally), saying in his inimitable way that he didn't need "so-called 'A' list celebrities." "I want the PEOPLE!" he tweeted. But according to top music managers, Trump's team has been hustling to secure a high calibre of talent and star-power for the event nonetheless.

"We've gotten calls that almost sound a little bit desperate: 'Does anybody want to perform?'" says Ken Levitan, a top music manager who represents liberal and conservative artists including Kings of Leon, Hank Williams Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd and Emmylou Harris. "At this point, we haven't had anybody that has any desire to perform at the inauguration.

"Even if you're a Trump supporter, you've got to look at how he plays the media [and] the public, in terms of how he attacks and twists things around. I've got to think there's a fear of talking about things and working with him," Levitan continues. "I do know some of the very conservative [artists] have no desire to do it. ... [They] just don't want to be involved in the circus — it's a media circus, and not necessarily in a good way."

Elton John, Garth Brooks and Celine Dion have reportedly turned down offers. Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli was allegedly turned down by Trump, according to inaugural committee chairman Thomas J. Barrack, Jr. And most recently, The Beach Boys, who've performed at events for Presidents Reagan, Clinton and George H.W. Bush, have said they're considering an invitation to perform at an inauguration event, according to a representative for the band. So far, the confirmed inauguration performers include the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Radio City Rockettes and 16-year-old singer Jackie Evancho. 

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/why-even-trump-friendly-artists-wont-perform-at-his-inauguration-w457677?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=daily&utm_campaign=122316_14

[femmedem]

1. Plus he probably wouldn't pay them what they were owed.

He would say later that the exposure should be payment enough.

[uponit7771]

8. Yeap, Benedict Donald is a fuckin thief... billions of dollars supposedly and his grifts people...

... like that.

What a fucker

[safeinOhio]

2. Worried about getting

Paid.

[shenmue]

6. Yep

[Merlot]

11. Because Celen Dion and Elton John need the money?

They're probably more worried about how their fans and the rest of the world would view them performing for someone with such anti-gay/woman/minority views,

[SledDriver]

3. Pathetic

[dubyadiprecession]

4. Wayne Newton is the last resort, I guess.

[Bucky]

20. Wayne Newton is a pro. I doubt he'd take the gig

Being conservative means being cautious, not just stupid. No sane person wants the backlash of standing up for this bigot

[democratisphere]

5. If the Rockettes perform they had better hire

Last edited Sat Dec 24, 2016, 01:55 PM - Edit history (1)

body guards and lock the dressing room door.

[uponit7771]

7. ... and hell, the Rockettes don't even want to be their either !!I pray they pull out at last minute

[BlueStater]

9. This asshole has been a fame leech for his entire miserable existence.

Of course it bothers the hell out of him that no major celebrities want anything to do with him.

[Johnny2X2X]

10. Shame

In the not too distant future anyone who was ever photographed with Donald will feel ashamed. He is going to be a horror for the world.

[DonCoquixote]

12. ok, if trump cannot even get Skynrd and Bocephus to show

that is a sign of serious infection right there.

[Initech]

13. Trump wants a grand arena filling shindig worthy of his massive ego.

Instead he's going to get open mic night at the coffee shop.

[Liberal_in_LA]

14. "how he attacks and twists things around"..so even conservatives view trump as out of controllers

[Cha]

15. Yeah, The Rockettes don't want to.. they're being coerced..

funny if the d string beach boys do it.. singing California Girls.

the Mormon choir.. shame on them.

[treestar]

19. Haha. California girls voted

For Hillary! Funny for me The Beach Boys are republicans. I don't like their music.

[Cha]

22. Silly to be repubs.. they stand for nothing but destruction..

The Rockettes could wear Pantsuits!

Merry Christmas, treestar!

[Baitball Blogger]

16. Jesus Christ! If conservative talent doesn't want any part of Trump's inauguaration because

of the way he twists everything and plays the media, why the hell did they vote for this loon? Nothing about Trump says that he's going to handle anything else about the presidency any differently.

"Even if you're a Trump supporter, you've got to look at how he plays the media the public, in terms of how he attacks and twists things around..."

[AgadorSparticus]

18. Right?!?!!? I don't understand how they can vote for a guy they don't want to have anything to do wi

Shameless. They deserve the next 4 years. Unfortunately, they will take us down with them.

[crazycatlady]

17. Kid Rock and Ted Nugent aren't available?

Kayne? Does Scott Baio sing?

[Bucky]

21. At this point, taking the gig would take actual backbone and require standing up for a principle

so, to answer your question: no

[Martin Eden]

23. Donald Trump is a Pariah

... a pariah that will soon represent our country on the world stage