There’s the ideologies: conservatism and xenophobia. Two sides of the same coin; wanting to keep society as they believe it used to be, and fear of outsiders coming in and bringing about social change.

Then of course there is the is apparatus of money, power and traditional/social media control.

I think the best way for Sheeran to stay above the politics is to simply sit back, say nothing and let his opening acts say whatever they want to say.

I don’t agree with Roger Waters’ “the West is always in the wrong” worldview, but his music has always been heavily political and opinionated, and is better for it.

Not every band has something to say about society and the world at large, but Pink Floyd and Roger Waters certainly do.

These are important things to know when you’re listening to fucking music I guess.

Commercial musicians make music based on what the listeners want to hear. Genuine artists make music based on what they want listeners to hear.

One is marketing, the other is expression.

I find it ridiculous when either side tells artists that they need to stay out of politics or stay in their lane.