MAR 6, 2012 – Peter Gabriel was shocked to learn that his song "Sledgehammer" was in the background playing when conservative talk radio personality Rush Limbaugh was attacking Georgetown University law student and activist Sandra Fluke for speaking out on the need for her to use contraceptives for ovarian cyst prevention, and the need for that medicine to be available for all women as medicine covered by their insurance plans. Peter Gabriel has been a musical activist for years, from speaking out about human rights and peace, and working with Amnesty International. In 1980 he wrote a song for Steve Biko, an anti-apartheid activist that was beaten and killed by South African police. He has recently gave his support for a campaign to release an Iranian woman, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, who was sentenced to death by Iranian courts for adultery.
In a statement on his Facebook Page, a spokesperson said, "Peter was appalled to learn that his music was linked to Rush Limbaugh's extraordinary attack on Sandra Flute. It is obvious from anyone that knows Peter's work that he would never approve such a use. He has asked his representatives to make sure his music is withdrawn and especially from these unfair aggressive and ignorant comments.”
Connect with JTMP and Peter Gabriel on Facebook, and below is a powerful live version of his song, "Biko" from the 1986 Amnesty International Conspiracy of Hope Tour.
(Photo credit zarabeatriz/Flickr)
