News/Commentary

Debut single about ‘cowardly and compliant’ rock stars like P!NK and Gene Simmons blows up!

October 9, 2023 | | Print Article

The rock music industry is taking heat for forgetting its roots and caving to the establishment as a powerful new anthem burst on the scene.

The debut song by Five Times August minces no words in calling out stars as “cowards” for complying with government COVID-19 mandates, raking in profits, and wallowing in gold records while selling out their rock-n-roll souls. The new single, “Ain’t No Rock And Roll” out on Baste Records laments the state of the liberal music scene as once-great anthems that challenged the government and authority have now given way to compliant “shills” repeating propaganda.

“All the words that were sung in the past, will never feel the same when we’re looking back,” sings songwriter Brad Skistimas who is Five Times August.

The video features images of recognizable stars juxtaposed with headlines and quotes, exposing many for their pro-mandate views and support of the government during the pandemic.

“Because there ain’t no rock & roll, and the Blues has lost its soul. All the punks gave the man control, and every pop star’s bought & sold,” the song continues, making reference to the same “man” who was slammed as enemy number one by Jack Black in the classic “School of Rock.”

Artists like Gene Simmons, P!NK, Questlove, and The Offspring as well as Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young are directly targeted by Five Times August for aligning with corporate values and turning their backs on the inherent spirit of rock and roll, which has always been about rebellion.

The jabs evidently triggered the stars:

“The song is a searing commentary on the state of the liberal music industry and it challenges listeners to reflect on the price paid for the commercialization of rebellion. In a world where authenticity is often compromised for profit, this song stands as a defiant reminder that the spirit of rock and roll will not be silenced,” noted The American Beat, adding that Skistimas and Baste Records “have not only crafted a powerful piece of music but have also ignited a conversation about the state of the liberal music industry and the need for rock stars to support the spirit of freedom inherent in rock and roll music.”

Gene Simmons of KISS made headlines in 2021 for his stand on the COVID vaccine, saying “If you’re willing to walk among us unvaccinated, you are an enemy.” Around that same time, P!NK spoke out in an emoji-filled tweet about those against California’s vaccine mandate.

The video for “Ain’t No Rock And Roll” also highlighted 48-year-old drummer Pete Parada who was ousted from The Offspring when he opted out of getting the vaccine due to having Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Skistimas recounted all the censorship and “suppression” he faced over his stance on the mandates and vaccines, saying in an interview in June that he had content censored on YouTube while other videos were not.

“We are thrilled to welcome Five Times August to the Baste Records family,” Matthew Azrieli, Baste Records CEO, said in a press release before the debut single was released.

“Brad Skistimas has a unique ability to craft music that resonates deeply with listeners, and we are honored to support and amplify his artistic vision. We believe that this partnership will lead to extraordinary musical experiences and open up new horizons for Five Times August,” the head of the Nashville-based company added.

Meanwhile, on social media, users were praising the message and the video:

 

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Frieda Powers
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