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Stars Demand Bush 'Music Torture' Files

Time for torturers to face the music, say celebs

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 22, 2009 2:55 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A coalition of celebrity musicians is demanding the release of Bush administration documents revealing how music was used to torture Guantanamo Bay inmates. Songs from Metallica, The Real Slim Shady, and the Star Spangled Banner, among many others, were blasted all day for days on end to rattle prisoners, inmates have revealed. "The fact that music I helped create was used in crimes against humanity sickens me," said Tom Morello, formerly of Rage Against the Machine. "We need to end torture and close Guantanamo now."

Rosanne Cash called the technique "beyond the pale," saying it "absolutely disgusted me." Dozens of musicians are supporting a demand for the records filed by the nonprofit National Security Archive. The "request is crucial for learning about the United States' past, present and even future use of music as a torture technique," said an NYU law professor, who added that such techniques are a violation of UN regulations.

US country singer Rosanne Cash called using music to torture inmates disgusting and beyond the pale.
US country singer Rosanne Cash called using music to torture inmates "disgusting" and "beyond the pale.   (AP Photo/KEYSTONE/Urs Jaudas)
Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine performs earlier this year in New York.
Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine performs earlier this year in New York.   (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
The Real Slim Shady by Eminem was blasted all day for days on end to rattle Gitmo prisoners, according to inmates.
"The Real Slim Shady" by Eminem was blasted all day for days on end to rattle Gitmo prisoners, according to inmates.   (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
divetrader
Oct 22, 2009 12:25 PM CDT
At minimum, the artists can go after the government for not paying royalties. If the music was played in a concert hall or some other venue, the artists would expect royalty payments. This could bring them a great deal of cash.
Mia
Oct 22, 2009 11:55 AM CDT
Get over it people. At least it wasn't waterboarding.
cochiserocks
Oct 22, 2009 11:29 AM CDT
Now this is a perspective I hadn't even thought about - sonic torture as copyright infringement and in conflict with the original creative vision of the artist. Are they serious?!?! Mind you - they obviously don't know their music that well -If I wanted someone to crack - I'd play them Lou Reed's Metal Machine Music!

 
Bush administration • music • torture • Eminem • Guantanamo Bay • prisoners • country music • Guantanamo prisoners • Metallica • heavy metal • David Byrne • Rage Against the Machine • Tom Morello • Bonnie Raitt

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