Bernie Sanders will electrify Los Angeles during the second stop of his tour, “Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go From Here,” where he brings iconic artists and public figures to Gloria Molina Grand Park on Saturday afternoon (April 12). As expected, the concert will serve as an alternative demonstration to Sanders trumping tariffs.
A Musical and Political Force to Be Reckoned With
Sanders will be joined on stage by his tour mate, Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as legendary artists Neil Young and Joan Baez. Also happening at the rally are sets from Maggie Rogers, Jeff Rosenstock, Dirty Projectors, Indigo De Souza, The Red Pears, and the Raise Gospel Choir, all of which will make for a powerful ensemble.
Sanders Criticism of Trump’s Tariffs:
Sanders has consistently criticised the Trump tariffs, which have created significant turbulence in the market and raised fears of a global recession or depression. On Wednesday, during a CNN town hall with Anderson Cooper, Sanders criticised Trump’s foreign policy, saying, “We don’t have to hate China. We don’t have to hate other people. Let’s figure out a way to work together.”
An Urgent Appeal for Unity Across the Globe:
With Trump’s constant changes to tariff policy, most notably the increase of tariffs on China to 125% while simultaneously lifting tariffs on many other nations, Sanders, in a bid for unity at 83, stated, “The aim has got to be to tear down these walls that divide us as human beings.”
Economic Fallout: Market Volatility Hits Music Stocks
The music industry was also impacted by the Trump Era’s market volatility, a trend that has been primarily driven by politics, especially Trump’s tariff policies. As highlighted in the textbook example, music stocks—along with other securities—plummeted after the tariffs were announced on “Liberation Day.” The “Wall Street bloodbath” that followed led to staggering losses for music companies, with MSG Entertainment falling 6.8% and Sphere Entertainment Co. losing 13.9% last Thursday.
A Nationwide Tour: Sanders and AOC Draw Massive Crowds
Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez’s travels have taken them to Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, where they’ve been drawing tens of thousands of attendees to their rallies. These events help galvanise support and provide a forum to publicly denounce the administration and its policies.
Controversy and Artistic Expression:
As with every tour, some controversy has also been created. During a March 7th event in Kenosha, WI, Sanders invited Laura Jane Grace to sing her song “Your God (God’s D–k),” which drew a strong negative reaction online due to its religious and vulgar content. The song’s provocative content, including lines like “Does your god have a big fat d–k? / ‘Cause it feels like he’s f—ing me,” and “Are his b–ls filled with lightning? / Do they dangle like heaven’s keys?” has received a lot of ire and praise.
A Rally for Change:
This new rally set to take place in Los Angeles in the foreseeable future is sure to be an explosive mixture of music, policy, and activism. Given the wide array of the most recognised names in the entertainment industry and the trumpeting target of the event— opposition to his economic policies—it is highly likely that this event will get a lot of focus and provide ample coverage for those demanding action.
