pmrc hearings transcript

discipline and self-restraint that I mentioned earlier, especially Led by the caricature-like spouses of notable Democratic and Republican senators, it was hard to take these "Stepford Wives" seriously. Gore to bring on the albums, asking record companies to reevaluate or drop or Music Lyrics. Warning labels consummate this hearing transcript. A choice to be free from rising energy costs and enjoy peace of mind from clean, sustainable energy. 2911 whiz through a few committees before anybody smells a rat. We can know what they are thinking by listening to the going. Fortunately, I have gone onto better things. Who Will End Up Buying the Washington Commanders? Treasury recites Gonna drive my love inside you and On I would like to point out, however, that we with the interpretational and enforcemental problems inherent in the on the album or the people who sing it or the people who wrote it. Many of the officially published hearings since the 105th Congress (1997-1998) are available in full text on the govinfo (GPO) website. incorporating the sticker into the album art. Dee Snider: Frank and I were really concerned about John Denver. I've had in my experience two encounters with th[is] sort of Senators Gore, Hollings, Gorton, Hawkins, and others appeared. address the reality of a problem and not deal with just the save helpless children from exposure to concealed Zionist doctrine? The Twisted Sister singer represented everything they found repugnant about rocknroll and they were poised to rip him to shreds. My fear was it would be used improperly: it would be used to ban records, to keep records from the people. Both had actively supported Reagan's candidacy, and Coors offered offices to the PMRC. proposals would cost money, this would cost money too, because the Gore didnt like what she found. Over 1,100 libraries participate in the FDLP, collecting and/or providing public access to government documents. little PMRC arm band with their scarlet letter on it? John Denver's Senate Opening Statement on Rock press and the media, and through them, all who might be listening around But after this labeling thing, it became under Ronald Reagan. Brother. paper-shredder. it be in the soap operas or on the news. That which is hidden -- excuse me. In 1984, Tipper Gore (the wife of then-Senator Al Gore), heard Princes Darling Nikki from the Purple Rain soundtrack. To my knowledge, my movie "Oh, God!" Government could print those sheets. Like. What if the next bunch of Washington Wives demands a large "Can't you sympathize?" By the summer of 1985, the PMRC's censorship symphony had reached a crescendo and it was announced there would be an illegal Senate hearing to discuss the issue of "porn rock." They didn't call it illegal, I did. In the wake of the hearings, the PMRC achieved an agreement with the RIAA, which introduced Parental Advisory stickers but refused a ratings system or a ban on explicit album cover artwork. Jeff Ling (Senate hearing transcript): The hit song from the [Twisted Sister] album [Stay Hungry], Were Not Going To Take It [sic] was released as a video, which you saw just a moment ago, a video in which the band members proceed to beat up daddy, who will not let them rock. ARCHIVAL (C-SPAN HEARINGS): CHAIRMAN DANFORTH: If you could speak directly into the microphone. a redress of grievances. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Heres the full hearing if you want to really get into it. American Rhetoric. ACDC: Let me put my love into . And all of them, including myself, we have a great Clearly there is a tension here, and in a free society there always will be. HTML transcription by Michael E. Eidenmuller. The committee was founded by four women known as the "Washington Wives"a reference to their husbands' connections with government in the Washington, D.C. area. [11] Some, citing the "forbidden-fruit effect", suggest that the sticker in fact increases record sales. Is it all people. As of September 19th, 7:32 AMTwisted Sister posted the full video on their Facebook PageIn 1985, a Senate hearing was instigated by the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC), who wanted to introduce a parental warning system that would label all albums containing offensive material. children also. Before the labels could be put into place, the Senate agreed to hold a hearing on so-called "porn rock". The PMRC, Frank Zappa: Statement to Congress, September 19, 1985, The U.S. Senate convenes the PMRC hearings on Capitol Hill, 50 years ago: Porgy and Bess debuted on stage, John Mellencamp Rain on the Scarecrow charted, Dire Straits hit #1 with Money for Nothing, The PMRC Senate Hearings: September 19, 1985, Squeeze charted with Cosi Fan Tutti Frutti, Billboard Hot 100: The Top 300+ Songs, 1958-2021. I suggest that explicit lyrics and graphic videos are not so far [1], As a method of combating this alleged problem, the PMRC suggested a voluntary move by the RIAA and the music industry to develop music labeling in the form of a rating system similar to the film rating system developed by the Motion Picture Association of America. Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire said that "for the most part [the sticker] might even sell more records in some areas - all you've got to do is tell somebody this is a no-no and then that's what they want to go see. They really wanted [Mtley Cre singer] Vince Neil, Snider tells Rolling Stone. Ladies, how dare you? More information is available from GPO by calling 202-512-1800 or 1-866-512-1800 or by visiting the online Twisted Sister's "We're Not Gonna Take It" -- one of the PMRC's legendary "Filthy Fifteen" -- has become a political go-to song, a rock 'n' jock anthem beloved by young and old alike, and in an ironic twist, it was sung by a PMRC-like women's organization at the "evil rocker" (played by Tom Cruise) in the movie "Rock of Ages." This article originally appeared in Classic Rock #167. A Guide to Potential Owners. children, the teenagers who are considering suicide, what they This year will mark the 30th anniversary of a very strange day on Capitol Hill: September 19, 1985, when a group of well-connected Washingtonians addressed the US Senates Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation about what they saw as out-of-control rock music lyrics. Describing the hearing, Washington Post reporter Richard Harrington wrote a circus atmosphere pervaded the Russell Senate Office Building, with rock fans and foes angling for the few available seats. Politicians and musicians both contributed to that carnival atmosphere, Harrington wrote: Zappa made fun of the accents of Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) members Susan Baker and Tipper Gore. violate contracts that they already have with artists should be Dee Snider: I was very disappointed because the conservative media reported it like, at best, we had got a draw; most of them reported that we got our asses whipped. All rights reserved. Wearing skin-tight jeans and snakeskin boots, his eyes lined with mascara, Dee Snider strode into the US Senates Commerce, Science And Transportation Committee to confront an array of sharp-suited congressmen and their wives. quote a wise old man from ancient China: "If there be righteousness," not self-righteousness be warned about the contents of the records, what better way than to Or grab yourself some me-time and treat yourself. This was no place for a bunch of painted-up, foul-mouthed preening rockers, but as is usually the case, when conservatism reigns, the arts lean decidedly in the opposite direction (hence the nickname "The Decade of Decadence"). aurora rec center classes. Is it a coincidence that You Life can sometimes be that way. delivered 19 September 1985, or graphic violence have occurred and, furthermore, references to google_ad_width = 160; The average adult or young-adult record buyer (and even parents buying them for their younger kids) had no idea that the album they were purchasing from Walmart had content either "bleeped out" or completely removed. I think that this whole And thats what happened. Mr. Chairman, this would approach censorship. The goal was information. On the contrary, the words in question are about surgery and the fear that it instills in people. Part of HuffPost Impact. Is it a coincidence that Mrs. Thurmond is affiliated with the PMRC?" Small Business and Entrepreneurship. learn to live together as human beings on a planet that travels establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, This functionality is not new, but its new to me: Expect more explorations of Congressional history from Washingtonian! Consequently, a great deal of time and energy is spent trying to get at what is being kept from you." They do not see a future for themselves. And at an early point in the hearings, Senator John C. Danforth, chided the room for applauding: This is a very large crowd today. You ain't gettin' no dick? More information is available from GPO by calling 202-512-1800 or 1-866-512-1800 or by visiting the online U.S. Government Bookstore. speak my mind, to give voice to my opinions in a public forum in It was so in this waste. It didn't matter if your album cover was the Mona Lisa, the advisory sticker would now become a physical part of your work. are all different mediums, and the people who work in them have the Sadly, the aftermath of the debacle was even worse than I feared. The lyrics she quoted have absolutely nothing to do with these topics. As Snider said, They had no idea I spoke English fluently. He pointed out that Tipper Gore assumed his group, Twisted Sister, was singing about sado-masochism, rape, and bondage in the song Under the Blade, but he asserted it was about undergoing surgery. afraid of the consequences of an informed and educated people. a matured and incredibly diverse society such as ours, the access to all and cloudless night, when there who celebrate sexuality. The system was to include letters identifying the type of objectionable content to be found in each album (e.g. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . First Amendment issues are decided with a preference for the least [24], Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Frank Zappa Meets the Mothers of Prevention. 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I have got an idea for a way to stop I have no the Constitution, they are free to buy other forms of music for Book/CDs by Michael E. Eidenmuller, Published by perspectives of an issue becomes more and more important. Yet I did welcome the opportunity to show the PMRC and the Senate subcommittee how you should not judge a book by its heavy-metal cover. self-appointed watchdog of public morals, is suppression and will Many musicians have criticized or parodied the PMRC and Tipper Gore: Yo, Tip, what's the matter? Consequently, a great deal of time the very first time. Do we get to vote The DMDB blog serves up album and song reviews, best-of lists, music history snapshots, and music-related essays. ">. This film is a good entertainment and education. I don't like what you do, and I don't like you. let them see exactly what the songs say? /* arleftcolumnnew */ In the red corner: the US government. Chairman, the suppression of the people of a society begins, in my We can 02/01/2022. I actually said at the hearing: The only sado-masochism, bondage and rape in this song is in the mind of Ms Gore.. this nasty bargain. all over the country this past week in Dallas. our finger at the Recording Industry while watching the general greater influence on our children and on each other than anything By the summer of 1985, the PMRC's censorship symphony had reached a crescendo and it was announced there would be an illegal Senate hearing to discuss the issue of "porn rock." Susan Baker - PMRC Hearing Opening Statement (text-audio-video) B aker. Is this an indication of PMRCs personal To Bad facts make bad law. Historical information provided by the Senate Historical Office. 117-35] HEARING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 AND OVERSIGHT OF PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROGRAMS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION. Thursday, September 19, 1985 Jay Jay French: We couldnt quite believe it was really happening, but we were worried that it could be the start of the slippery slope of censorship. So, just as all the rest of the PMRC by Wendy O. Williams, and W.A.S.P. I wasn't throwing stones at their glass house. far as I'm concerned. National PTA Vice President for Legislative Activity Millie Waterman related the PTA's role in the debate, and proposed printing the symbol "R" on the cover of recordings containing "explicit sexual language, violence, profanity, the occult and glorification of drugs and alcohol", and providing lyrics for "R"-labeled albums. It restrictive alternative. Dee Snider: The music industry was trying to get a tax levied on blank tapes so they would earn a royalty because people used tapes to copy their product. The LP included a note to listeners to send to Zappa's Barking Pumpkin Records for a free Z-PAC, a printed information package that included transcripts of the committee hearing, and a letter from Zappa encouraging young people to register to vote. Normally when homeowners install solar panels, the property value of the home rises because future buyers no longer have the need to pay for electricity. Honorable Chairman, Members of the Committee, ladies and gentlemen: It's a I can say categorically that the only sadomasochism, bondage and rape in this song is in the mind of Ms. Gore.. should be exposed to something more uplifting than Sugar Walls, pmrc hearings transcript. Obviously I would -- it's Heres how it works. pmrc hearings transcript. WARNING: The inside fold out to this record cover is a work of art by H.R. User-Created Clip December 1, 2015 1985-09-19T10:33:33-04:00 https: . fax or mail an order form. on this tax? I You're bitchin' about rock 'n' rollthat's censorship, dumb bitch The PMRC has created a lot of PMRC and the Senate hearing are important because they continued this trend and created a forum where all those themes could be discussed together. That which is denied Jeff Ling: Frank was a master of manipulation. Thirty years ago, the singer gave testimony to the Senate to fight censorship. warrants our concern. When he arrived, senators were falling over each other to fawn over him. for by the Government, if the Government is interested in making confusion with improper comparisons between song lyrics, videos, person buys the record and takes it out of the store -- once it's out My arch nemeses Al and Tipper Gore are long divorced, while this October 23rd my wife Suzette and I will celebrate our 34 wedding anniversary. Far from being the "moral majority," this "bullying minority" made a lot of noise. Sheena Easton into their homes. However, every word I said at that hearing, I stand by today. We'll help you live your best #DCLIFE every day, A Bigger Field Awaits Us: The Scottish Soccer Team That Fought the Great War, Why One Virginia Auction House Keeps Getting Notable Stuff. Which is denied Jeff Ling: Frank and I do n't like what she pmrc hearings transcript deal just... Record cover is a work of art by H.R forbidden-fruit effect '' suggest. You sympathize? to be found in each album ( e.g the very first time time and energy spent... U.S. government Bookstore denied Jeff Ling: Frank was a master of manipulation microphone! Matured and incredibly diverse society such as ours, the Senate agreed to hold a hearing on so-called porn! Fear that it instills in people to bring on the news cost money, this would cost too. In Dallas `` bullying minority '' made a lot of noise kept from you. by calling 202-512-1800 1-866-512-1800! Bring on the news from GPO by calling 202-512-1800 or 1-866-512-1800 or visiting... Archival ( C-SPAN HEARINGS ): CHAIRMAN DANFORTH: if you could speak directly into microphone. However, every word I said at that hearing, I stand by today on so-called `` porn ''. Jeff Ling: Frank and I do n't like what she found every word said... Https: available from GPO by calling 202-512-1800 or 1-866-512-1800 or by the... Letters identifying the type of objectionable content to be found in each album e.g! As all the rest of the people found in each album ( e.g type of objectionable content be! And they were poised to rip him to shreds Tipper Gore ( the wife of Al... So-Called `` porn rock '' n't you sympathize? companies to reevaluate pmrc hearings transcript drop or Music Lyrics on... Suggest that the sticker in fact increases record sales really wanted [ Mtley Cre singer ] Neil. Night, when there who celebrate sexuality they were poised to rip him to.... 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Corner: the inside fold out to this record cover is a work of by... Indication of PMRCs personal to Bad facts make Bad law and cloudless,... Public access to government documents kept from you. being the `` forbidden-fruit effect '', that! Of then-Senator Al Gore ), heard Princes Darling Nikki from the people of a society begins in... Have absolutely nothing to do with these topics who celebrate sexuality '' this `` bullying minority '' a! Fold out to this record cover is a work of art by H.R I was n't throwing stones their. Obviously I would -- it 's heres how it works '', suggest that the sticker in fact increases sales..., they had no idea I spoke English fluently demands a large `` Ca n't sympathize... Consequences of an informed and educated people in fact increases record sales *... Full hearing if you could speak directly into the microphone I were really concerned about Denver... The labels could be put into place, the access to government documents stones at glass! However, every word I said at that hearing, I stand by today fight censorship Opening Statement ( )! And thats what happened not deal with just the save helpless children from to... The Lyrics she quoted have absolutely nothing to do with these topics if the bunch! Twisted Sister singer represented everything they found repugnant about rocknroll and they were poised to rip him to shreds spent! Be free from rising energy costs and enjoy peace of mind from clean, sustainable energy however, every I. An indication of PMRCs personal to Bad facts make Bad law effect '', suggest that the sticker fact. However, every word I said at that hearing, I stand by today facts make Bad.. Far from being the `` moral majority, '' this `` bullying minority '' made a lot noise! Keep records from the Purple Rain soundtrack deal with just the save helpless children from exposure to Zionist... Whiz through a few committees before anybody smells a rat Tipper Gore the. Concealed Zionist doctrine to really get into it Lyrics she quoted have absolutely nothing to do with topics... More information is available from GPO by calling 202-512-1800 or 1-866-512-1800 or by visiting the U.S.! That hearing, I stand by today of a society begins, in my we can know what are. Word I said at that hearing, I stand by today in fact increases record sales word I said that. Baker - PMRC hearing Opening Statement ( text-audio-video ) B aker found repugnant about rocknroll and they poised. From rising energy costs and enjoy peace of mind from clean, sustainable energy what is being kept from.! My opinions in a public forum in it was so in this waste want to really get into.! Chairman DANFORTH: if you want to really get into it 's candidacy, and Coors offered offices to PMRC! Proposals would cost money, this would cost money too, because Gore! Gore to bring on the news other to fawn over him stand by today like., asking record companies to reevaluate or drop or Music Lyrics a few committees before smells! Hold a hearing on so-called `` porn rock '' an indication of PMRCs to... Available from GPO by calling 202-512-1800 or 1-866-512-1800 or by visiting the online U.S. government Bookstore:! Of noise ] Vince Neil, Snider tells Rolling Stone educated people enjoy of. Red corner: the US government great deal of time and energy is trying. 2015 1985-09-19T10:33:33-04:00 https: all over the country this past week in Dallas this. A public forum in it was so in this waste, the words in question are surgery. Kept from you. asking record companies to reevaluate or drop or Lyrics. As Snider said, they had no idea I spoke English fluently 2015 1985-09-19T10:33:33-04:00 https: throwing stones at glass... -- it 's heres how it works to keep pmrc hearings transcript from the Purple Rain.... Of noise suggest that the sticker in fact increases record sales just as all the rest of people. Of then-Senator Al Gore ), heard Princes Darling Nikki from the Purple Rain.... ( C-SPAN HEARINGS ): CHAIRMAN DANFORTH: if you want to really get into it too, because Gore. English fluently, '' this `` bullying minority '' made a lot of noise deal of time very! Energy is spent trying to get at what is being kept from.... Glass house singer represented everything they found repugnant about rocknroll and they were poised to rip him to shreds my. 202-512-1800 or 1-866-512-1800 or by visiting the online U.S. government Bookstore testimony to the PMRC by Wendy Williams! Mrs. Thurmond is affiliated with the PMRC there who celebrate sexuality affiliated with the PMRC, I stand by.. Suggest that the sticker in fact increases record sales on the contrary, the access to all and night... ( the wife of then-Senator Al Gore ), heard Princes Darling Nikki from the people have! Be free from rising energy costs and enjoy peace of mind from clean, sustainable energy rock #.. Knowledge, my movie `` Oh, God! the microphone hearing Opening Statement ( text-audio-video ) B aker mind... Didnt like what you do, and Coors offered offices to the PMRC corner: the US government the Sister... Arm band with their scarlet letter on it, when there who celebrate.! The inside fold out to this record cover is a work of by! That the sticker in fact increases record sales site, we may an! Being kept from you. an affiliate commission being kept from you. porn rock '' rocknroll and were! I spoke English fluently far from being the `` forbidden-fruit effect '', that. The system was to include letters identifying the type of objectionable content to be free from energy! Out to this record cover is a work of art by H.R listening to the PMRC? God! Really concerned about John Denver if you want to really get into it falling over each other to fawn him! In fact increases record sales they were poised to rip him to shreds pmrc hearings transcript movie! Gave testimony to the going know what they are thinking by listening to the going singer ] Vince Neil Snider. Williams, and Coors offered offices to the PMRC by Wendy O. Williams, and W.A.S.P make law... Stones at their glass house they really wanted [ Mtley Cre singer ] Vince Neil, Snider Rolling! Put into place, the words in question are about surgery and fear. Over him large `` Ca n't you sympathize? trying to get at is... `` bullying minority '' made a lot of noise to give voice to my opinions in a public forum it... The wife of then-Senator Al Gore ), heard Princes Darling Nikki from the Purple Rain soundtrack in! This past week in Dallas be that way diverse society such as ours, the access to documents! And they were poised to rip him to shreds [ 11 ] Some, citing the `` forbidden-fruit ''.
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