How IDLES Singer Joe Talbot Challenges Masculinity With Punk | NowThis

‘It doesn't matter what it is to be a man. I think what it means to be a human is a lot more important.’ - IDLES frontman Joe Talbot is using the rough edges of punk to challenge toxic masculinity.
» Subscribe to NowThis: go.nowth.is/New...
In this NowThis News video, we bring you an IDLES singer Joe Talbot interview about the toxic masculinity debate and how in IDLES live shows and records, Talbot is challenging conventions about masculinity vs femininity.
#IDLES #Masculinity #Punk
Connect with NowThis
» Like us on Facebook: go.nowth.is/New...
» Tweet us on Twitter: go.nowth.is/New...
» Follow us on Instagram: go.nowth.is/New...
» Find us on Snapchat Discover: go.nowth.is/New...
NowThis is your premier news outlet providing you with all the videos you need to stay up to date on all the latest in trending news. From entertainment to politics, to viral videos and breaking news stories, we’re delivering all you need to know straight to your social feeds. We live where you live.
/ nowthisnews
@nowthisnews

[@tukpunker]

kind of surprising that people think this is a new concept in punk music.

[@JoshuaCBaer]

Name one punk band with a similar message... and don't start with Minor Threat.

[@alexandertillman8027]

Crass...

[@BlemishesNow]

@@JoshuaCBaer rites of spring

[@mrcloopthethird618]

@@JoshuaCBaer Five Seconds Of Summer. They're socio-politically charged lyrics are a downright attack on modern day apathy and crimes governments commit. In fact Five Seconds Of Summer are the most important political band since Billy Bragg and RATM.

[@amathis7292]

It's a bunch of silly over privileged male feminists trying to act relevant.

[@LizzyShadowhunter]

I’ve never felt loved by strangers, and Idles makes me feel automatically loved.

[@Weelum2001]

IDLES makes me want to violently hug my friends

[@ImreVogelezang]

with their consent ;-)

[@oliviahalstrum7890]

I went to one of their shows and instead of that “wall of death” where the crowd splits and runs into each other instead they just had everyone run into each other and hug 😂❤️ Best show I’ve been to!

[@Itsunclegabby]

@@oliviahalstrum7890 That's amazing. I can't remember when I last experienced a legitamite hug.

[@chuleta1976]

I came across Idles accidently one night while going to bed. I stayed up late watching several videos and woke up the next day & watched them again. These guys are really important and deserve to be recognized.

[@Draggynali]

Kevin Rose that’s EXACTLY how I found them too!

[@adrianagaio2469]

Me too.

[@LucianoLongo]

same!

[@JustinieMarinie]

I love IDLES so much. They have such a fantastic sound and even better message. I hope I get to see them live one day.

[@chrisjacob1446]

To quote nick fury, "my sentiments exactly".

[@ikarus-k-nbkdnz]

seen them live twice already, you wouldn't believe it

[@Lemegeton300]

I never really appreciated them fully, until I saw them live.

[@nikmarshall2989]

They're one of those bands where you feel like a part of every song, intimately engaged with the audience.

[@markcreecrescendohaheatwav6834]

Best gig I've ever been too..

[@syph5646]

Anyone interested should watch their npr tiny desk concert, it had an amazing energy

[@Katy-sh3ru]

And their Glastonbury show

[@deanyy3373]

and the kexp show

[@Patriiiiick]

That Tiny Desk vid was the video that made me realise how good they are. It's mega.

[@lethrbear32]

That's a great performance! I love when the NPR staff jumps in for I'm Scum.

[@lethrbear32]

@@deanyy3373 There's three of them.

[@danielmacdougall2697]

Truly love this man and others like him who honestly discuss their masculinity. The times they are changing, better late than never.

[@olbeef250]

people are leaving that side of politics because of his nonsense

[@anthonylowney1395]

you new to punk music i guess

[@youngdylan5083]

Daniel Macdougall bore off

[@olbeef250]

@tubetardism 20/20 what is far right? Anyone that isn't a feminist, communist nut job

[@joaopintao585]

soyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy boyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

[@CrazyPanda1405]

His Voice in Interviews:💕☺️❤️✨ His Voice in Songs: 💀😡🔨💥

[@herbertschreiner3062]

thats the reason why i love IDLES. they spend me so much love and joy and good vibes. i love to listen to their interviews. they have so much empathie it feels so good to listen to them. AF❤️

[@mustacheboi420]

Actually can relate with the guy, I had many potential friends that kept their distance from me because of my toxic masculinity. I was hiding my feelings and amotions behind tons of drugs and eventually I've got in big trouble for it. Now I'm doing great after learning how to be more open to people, but most importantly how to emphasize with people who are less privileged than me.

[@rhumandlove393]

Just do as they say, act as they like and everyone will like you. Stay woke brother!

[@scaryfaced1]

@@rhumandlove393 The cult of being nice to one another. Shameful...and yet, so freeing? Odd. But it's worth it.

[@cluebcke]

Really happy for you man, that's awesome

[@rhumandlove393]

@@scaryfaced1 be nice and remeber your priviledge! Speak acording to your truth and skins color.

[@osmark86]

Good for you James. Super happy for you :)

[@cyyytr0n]

I want to come to one of their shows and let myself cry ... this man is a living light, his band is precious

[@anthonylowney1395]

and you need lithium 100 percent

[@joaopintao585]

soyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy boyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

[@BurtTurbo]

@@joaopintao585 keep projecting, weakling.

[@chefyanayano]

I saw 15 seconds of their perfomance on Tiny Desk and immediately downloaded all their songs.

[@cooldude9681]

getting back to punk roots which is super cool. about having a voice and an opinion to be heard, not just mindlessness

[@incrsmathr]

I discovered IDLES about 13 minutes ago and this is probably the best thing that’s happened to me in the past couple of months.....

[@twotusk3574]

Welcome to the family :)

[@incrsmathr]

@@twotusk3574 haha thanks!)

[@yuhan1068]

I’m going to see them on my own in January as none of friends like their music. But I don’t give a s**t, I know I won’t be alone when they are on the stage. Unity!!

[@baratheda777]

Its important that men realize we have feelings for a reason we are meant to express them. I specifically mean showing love, shedding tears, being weak in general.

[@nico-jl1wj]

"The mask of masculinity is a mask a mask thats wearing me"

[@dawsonnichols3166]

IDLES are the most important band out right now.

[@columcunningham4458]

Dawson Nichols no diggity. Saw them a few weeks back / Best Show / Crowd / Vibe I’ve experienced in a long while. And I’ve seen at least 3000. Yes Shows. And I agree.

[@ryanboshell6124]

Colum Cunningham 3000 gigs?!? How old are you??

[@columcunningham4458]

Ryan Boshell 42. worked in venues for 25 plus years

[@alan6]

Why do idles fanbois always say they are important

[@columcunningham4458]

alan6 cos they are Real people playing music with a message.

[@ryateo1]

Stand on your word, reject apathy, act in the face of fear. That's all masculinity is. Being macho and being masculine are too often mischaracterized. Masculine is confident, matcho is arrogant. Masculine is respectful, macho, .... isn't. Masculine boys hold the door for their mom. Macho boys throw it open for themselves. Masculine gives his coat to his significant other when it's cold and wet. Macho went out looking to good for that. lol😁. I went to basic training in the 90's with three dudes just like this guy. There's still some of my best friends! Lol

[@LambdaVideos]

Too right mate

[@loafofearl3236]

This is one of my favorite bands and I’m so happy now

[@ojojcmusic2454]

That's why I love their music and performance

[@exunderscorejai]

Joe Talbot is a gift

[@johnjohn2570]

The comments really shows how fragile masculinity is

[@piotrnovak3840]

95% of them are aligned with the interviews msg

[@mammon_is_god]

@Adolf Hitler Adolf Hitler was a loser, lol why would you name yourself after a complete nonce failure?

[@amathis7292]

Masculinity is fed up with being redefined to fit a narrative that has no right or privilege to redefine in the first place. This band is just male feminism posturing, certainly not punk.

[@dougthealligator]

A Mathis it’s cool when reactionary chuds let the rest of us know that they don’t know what they’re talking about

[@kevinkibble8342]

Men who use phrases like "fragile masculinity" tend to be the most fragile ones who are simply projecting their insecurities onto other men.

[@ramones53rd3rd]

Wow, I was blown by their music, and this interview made me like them even more

[@eroberto]

Can't wait to see them in Denver!

[@zehanfaturrahman9660]

His personality reminds me of Cassidy in Preacher AMC.

[@mdd04000]

You can tell he’s very passionate about what he’s speaking on

[@matthewcordell8332]

What, getting attention.

[@mdd04000]

Matthew Cordell no, standing up for what he believes in, I don’t agree with much of this whole masculinity and all that kinda of socialite stuff that’s circulating but it’s refreshing to see a Male speak on something like this which isn’t done much so vocally by a male in this day and age, stop assuming.

[@Stampistuta]

Insanely good to see live.

[@dadgrade7837]

I wasn’t that into this band until I saw this. Now it makes me want to listen to them more.

[@eduardorivera508]

Same here man! I did like Never Fight a Man with a Perm, but their message makes me want to explore their music more. Awesome stuff.

[@96bars18]

idles and slowthai had the best performances at the mercury awards last year hands down

[@maxf6879]

I love reading all the butt hurt comments

[@IHateYoutubeHandlesVeryMuch]

@It's time to stop where is it

[@amathis7292]

Slow down there hero, you'll be beating off the feminists in no time.

[@BeingAwakeisPainful]

The next movie by Guy Ritchie needs to have a song by these guys on the soundtrack.

[@leventunver]

such an underrated comment. but also guy ritchie is not the same man as we know before.

[@bjane1070]

Love! Love! Love!

[@SiobhanLemaire]

Didnt know too much about them and saw them live at a festival for a bit and now i know how blessed i am for seeing them that close and ive become a big fan x

[@deborah3709]

so much love!

[@madsnygaard6444]

What a truly cool and insightful bloke. Respect!

[@jamesjohnson2394]

Joe Talbot is our generations Joe Strummer

[@gmantramp404]

Yeah!!! Well ok but just remember that the Clash are the only band that mattered 👍👍

[@turquoise_hexagon_sun]

Gonna have to put out some catchier tracks that make the top of the charts first

[@estebanb7166]

When is he going to start writing classic songs?

[@dougthealligator]

Esteban B already did bud

[@estebanb7166]

@@dougthealligator Care to give any example?

[@MsLizHicks]

Inspiring and beautiful words - thanks for being brave enough to work for change!

[@stef8434]

@ HAAAAAAAAA 😂

[@man.6618]

@ HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HABAHAA HA HA BAHA BAHA HA HAHAHHHA HA

[@MarkFraserGrant]

An important, intelligent perspective and conversation. Respect to Idles!

[@ulicorn23]

That's why I love them so much ❤

[@FreakzDontSleep]

Joe Talbot, what a legend

[@ok1391n0kiiiieu]

Love yourself

[@melaniecardenas6505]

I love this band so much, saw them live in Austin Tx, got to meet Joe, the band was selling there own merch never seen that before, very refreshing. Unfortunately the photo my brother took with his Kodak disposal camera didn't develope correctly, so I dont have the photo ):

[@smokey4737]

They make me feel secure in myself.

[@deansbeans7802]

Love urself 👌🏻👌🏻

[@natisantanac]

He don't hates, i like that!

[@lethrbear32]

Idles is one of the most important bands of this era. Listen to them.

[@robcanthandlestupidy9249]

Newer fan of the idols and they are my new favorite they sound and put out beautiful verbal rage that I haven't heard in 30 years. So glad I came across some also it feels nice to have a group that understand mental illness as I have it myself and I'm going through the process of figuring out what's wrong with me I feel some hope

[@Sk8L0ve]

Saw them a few months ago, and I’ll say I’ve been to many shows before but I’ve never felt more unified and safe in a crowd than when I was at an IDLES show.

[@dudetotaallyy7341]

So you felt threatened at Tori Amos?

[@Sk8L0ve]

Durnford 1693 don’t even know who that is, mate

[@davebates506]

You got my vote Joe

[@evacostelloe4479]

Saw em on NPR. Music doesn't get any better. Buying their album next chance I get

[@Guszuni1]

I’m going for the album now! Self love

[@JCKnuckles]

The most important band!!

[@punkisinthedetails1470]

THINTONY FINETANO

[@SlavaU-ug7st]

They've created a new genre - puritanical punk!

[@Chester12345]

Gonna tell my kids this is Dave Matthew’s.

[@kennybratton1315]

Really great message!! Keep it up!

[@5gtttrohfskh]

LOVE YOURSELF

[@bratislavabr]

Beautiful.

[@zacvotruba8374]

The most important band out right now. love u Joe ❤ Idles forever

[@estebanb7166]

😂

[@olbeef250]

Important for conservatives. He's turning people away from the left

[@dougthealligator]

Ol Beef lol no

[@olbeef250]

@@dougthealligator Just lost though. Zero impact

[@pennylope8138]

Respect

[@jimchivers6518]

Supposed to have seen them at Reading last year, looking forward to seeing them asap

[@andizukifoo]

Love you guys! You save lives!

[@christdolphin69]

pshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh wow so groundbreaking. "its like masculinitaye aint proper good, innit?" masculinity can go out of balance in both directions, guy

[@geoffreyhughes441]

What an incredible human, i just want to talk to him all day. Love Idles, pray that they come to Leicester one day.

[@pimpammotojam444]

These are some AMAZING words. GO IDLESGO GO GOG GO

[@felixmontanez4090]

fckin love this band

[@lucaserojas]

This band restored my hope on Punk Rock, a genre i have been calling dead for years

[@estebanb7166]

It's dead. You were right.

[@lucaserojas]

@@estebanb7166 insecure

[@estebanb7166]

@@lucaserojas Yes, I don't like the same thing as you I must be insecure. I'm glad your Highness has spoken.

[@clinicallydead3210]

If you like this, check out parquet courts and protomartyr. Kinda the same vibe

[@rjkilla84]

The most interesting thing about being manly is you never have to acknowledge it any way.

[@Regan47]

Thank you!

[@shawn8847]

Go leftward my friends.

[@shawn8847]

@@alan6 Creativity, love, and the greatest world ever imagined awaits.

[@shawn8847]

@@SuperBostonCeltics9 No you cant. Leftward means more freedom and an organized, planned democracy from the bottom up. People liberated to do whatever they want as long as it is constructive.

[@purpmusix]

@@shawn8847 Do you support reallocation of wealth too? This could get messy very quickly lol. The ideal is for life to be balanced, neither too much or too little of anything - political ideologies included. You don't wanna go all the way left mate, trust me.

[@danielbarratt3437]

@@shawn8847 "Creativity, love, gulag"

[@jonoliver1888]

Marvellous

[@thedavidjscott_]

Hasn’t that always been the goal of punk music? I’m having a hard time understanding how this seems to be a new phenomenon. He’s not doing anything different than punk icons that came before him. EDIT: I have ZERO issues with the band or their message. I wanted to clarify that. NowThis just presents it in such a way that makes it seem like its a new thing when punk has been questioning masculinity and the status quo for generations and generations, its not a brand new thing, and it's being presented as if IDLES is the ONLY band doing it, when that's far from the truth.

[@thedavidjscott_]

EatMarleyAss I mean, my post had nothing to do with “left or right wing,” but the fact that this isn’t news in the punk community. Try New York Dolls that literally dressed in drag for their shows. Point being, this isn’t new and I can’t comprehend why they’re making such a big deal over something that’s about 40 years old.

[@kevinm8713]

Maybe because what was done in order to achieve progress, or equality, or basically positive things for unity 40 years ago only worked for a time, and has now long been forgotten by powerful and influent people. So doing it again nowadays is important, just as important as it was 40 years ago as you said. There has been change, but very little change depending on countries, and even the results of those positive changes are being threatened nowadays

[@perhaps1094]

@@clockworkmarley2575 Im sorry but Have you listened to the band or the lyricism His lyrics and pushing strength and vulnerability in tandem I have met the man himself And watching him talk about these issues he is clearly a left leaning person.

[@chrishepburn1503]

It's funny I said the exact same thing and then I read your comment.

[@chrishepburn1503]

@@kevinm8713 I guess you don't listen to punk then because it has always been happening and still happening. I can name a ton of bands recently that have challenged masculinity through punk music. This isn't a new thing.

[@portcitymike1]

This ain’t punk. Sorry. GG Allin is turning in his grave by these knock off posers

[@baratheda777]

I love Joe

[@viniciuseduardo391]

thats a beautiful band in all senses and i love them

[@dizzyrasclart1013]

Joe shld be prime minister after music

[@boozycruze7679]

this man has biggie tatted on his forearm. he has my suppport. i already liked the Idles. but now ive stamped my seal of approval.

[@marlona6642]

Discovered idles thanks to peaky blinders🤙

[@patrysia876]

I love Idles and what John is saying is extremely important and inspiring. A lot of men should learn from him how to be caring and real person. Too many man are acting really wrong and have zero empathy unfortunately, they are hiding their feeling it’s sad I feel sad for them. And sad that a lot of woman expect from man to think for them and make their decisions for them

[@kuhlmccoy9517]

My favorite English allies ✌️😉✨✨✨

[@patrickmullins8472]

ALL IS LOVE.

[@lazaron1]

The idea of punk is being a punk in the perspective of authority. Authority makes hierarchies. Hierarchy makes privilige. Therefore all punk music essentially is about being HUMAN no other distinctions matter.

[@PatchOfMoss]

THANK YOU,so many people in these comments don't understand what punk music is about and are saying that it's sAd this band is considered punk.

[@johng3639]

I love this man.

[@Rr0gu3_5uture]

Toxic masculinity, how fashionable!

[@alterego157]

OK, you do you bro... we obviously have different definitions of masculinity.

[@alemmingsdeath]

Top lads!

[@x99ribs]

Amazing band with a great message! Big fan of IDLES.

[@gardenboydon]

This band should be celebrated!

[@estebanb7166]

If only they made interesting music...

[@PatchOfMoss]

@@estebanb7166 they do,you may not enjoy it but many people do

[@estebanb7166]

@@PatchOfMoss The same thing could be said about literally any art/artist(s). Glad we could have this exchange.

[@spencersloan2942]

anyone know what kind of camera and ratio was used to shoot this vid?

[@ComradeFirbolg]

Sounds good, I'll check them out

[@micheck212]

I'm here because of Peaky Blinders...!

[@aaronwilson7947]

Love Idles but this isnt new in punk

[@LUXYYUN]

INLOVE

[@tonysunday3905]

For all with fragile masculinity: "He hates me i like that".

[@chrishepburn1503]

....and he's the first one to challenge masculinity in punk?. It's been done to death. It would be more interesting if he played country music or hip hop. Punk has been challenging masculinity since day one.

[@leeleeisgay]

I mean there isn't a whole lot of modern punk making any sorta breakthroughs, if this can make it to an audience that hasn't engahed with these ideas before, I think that can only be a force for good.

[@chrishepburn1503]

@@leeleeisgay I'm not saying it's not a good thing. I'm simply saying it's not a new thing.

[@leeleeisgay]

@@chrishepburn1503 I mean fair enough but it didn't really seem like they were claiming Idles was the first or anything. It would've been cool if they called back to the older bands that paved the way but otherwise they're not really implying anything by failing to include that.

[@chrishepburn1503]

@@leeleeisgay Agreed.

[@lovehandles7794]

@@chrishepburn1503 he's not saying it's new either..why do you feel the need to try to put negativity into something positive?

[@TienAustin]

YES! I want to like this a million times over

[@rafaelmangrone721]

Smart guy

[@mammon_is_god]

Praise

[@net-tv]

well you read barry, but you should listen to jordan peterson...

[@peterproleet8141]

If you think like slave then this is your 'man"