Rock Against Racism

Rock Against Racism (RAR) was a political and cultural movement which emerged in 1976 in reaction to a rise in racist attacks on the streets of the United Kingdom and increasing support for the far-right National Front at the ballot box. Between 1976 and 1982, RAR activists organised national carnivals and tours, as well as local gigs and clubs throughout the country. RAR brought together black and white fans in their common love of music, to discourage young people from embracing racism. The musicians came from all pop music genres, something reflected in one of RAR's slogans: "Reggae, soul, rock'n'roll, jazz, funk and punk". The movement was founded, in part, as a response to racist statements by rock musicians such as Eric Clapton and David Bowie.
==Links to Peel==
Peel mentioned in Sounds, published on 13th November 1976 his support for Rock Against Racism 
LAST NIGHT, as I dozed rather prettily in front of the aforementioned fire (see the rather weary medical sequence of both), I was disturbed by a phone call from a member of the Rock Against Racism organisation. This group, as has been reported previously in this fine paper, was formed in reaction to Eric Clapton's tired and emotional remark in Birmingham not so long ago.
Speaking as a man who is liable to receive the most extraordinary letters whenever he plays Jamaican - or come to that, Irish - music on Radio One I have a considerable sympathy with the aims of RAR - although I'm not entirely clear what those aims are just yet, and I told my caller that I would rally round their particular banner when they blew the whistle. Trouble is, he was hoping that I would be able to put him in touch with major figures in the lively world of rock-a-beatin' boogie who would be gracious enough to lend their august name to his unquestionably worthy cause, and I don't think he believed me when I told him I didn't actually know any. 
Many of the acts who supported RAR were played on Peel's shows including for instance in Leeds, Gang of Four, The Mekons and Delta 5 were all actively involved in their local RAR group, as were Au Pairs and The Beat in Birmingham, and Misty In Roots and The Ruts in Southall, London. Tom Robinson, who was an early supporter of the movement, played several gigs with his band, Tom Robinson Band, and came occasionally to meetings of the RAR Central Collective.
==External Links==
*Wikipedia
Category:Subjects