John Denver at PMRC Senate Hearing

[@jasonpate7900]

Fuck all these corrupt politicians and their censorship bullshit. Thats all, thats the comment.

[@fabfrenchies1974]

I miss assholes like these because they were at least straight talkers about there motives and what they were after. Now our politicians have so much hidden agenda you don't know what they stand for. Even now Beto is saying he wants to support the second ammendment! They will say anything now in order to stay in power, or to get power, even if that means harming other people while they lie to their face. I just prefer the enemy who you can argue with, and you know what they are about.

[@jasonpate7900]

@@fabfrenchies1974 not me, these people were way worse than who we have today.

[@CrowCreekOutdoors]

Well said, but they weren’t worse than we have today. Censorship is much more prevalent today. Propagandists have a lot more control over the information we receive today, and as a result, there are many more brainwashed NPCs among us today than there were in 1985.

[@fabfrenchies1974]

@@CrowCreekOutdoors I don't like it but your right!

[@billgreen576]

@@jasonpate7900 Same hats, different people except Al Gore who is the same self righteous hypocrite.

[@docsavage8640]

DEE SNIDER INTERVIEW FROM ROLLING STONE: Did you meet with Frank Zappa and John Denver beforehand? I met Frank for the first time in some office where we waited to give testimony. Our main concern was what John was gonna do. We never got to see him. We knew he should be on our side, but he was such an all-American boy. He was a movie and TV star and he had his annual Christmas show. He was literally coming in that day from an interview with NASA about possibly becoming the first musician in space. So we were like, “What is he gonna do?” Were your fears warranted? No. His testimony was the most damaging, ’cause it was so unexpected. He made such powerful statements, likening the censorship movement to the Nazi book burnings. My God, you shouldn’t have seen the back-pedaling. He was righteous.

[@ekathe85]

"There’s a lot of irony here in the past three decades: Irony that the Gores are separated, and I’m married 33 years and I’ve been with the same woman for 39. The Gores’ children have been arrested for possession, and none of my children have ever been arrested for procession of any narcotics. I’m not making fun of the Gores’ separation because marriage is tough, and I’ve been married 33 years and I can’t guarantee 34. I mean, it’s a process. And raising kids, it ain’t easy. They’re out of your control, and they do things and they don’t always do things that you’re proud of. But no one should be throwing stones. No one should be pointing fingers. No one should be passing judgment on others. Don’t be so quick to judge. And the Gores should certainly not have been."

[@dannytse8767]

I'm not sure whether it was in the same Rolling Stone interview, but Dee Snider also said, "I will kill anyone who say anything bad about John Denver."

[@JessicaZane4realz]

I wonder if he met Tipper Gore beforehand. She seems to be all into that bondage stuff. But probably not, that's probably why Al Gore always looks stiff as a board and bored out of his mind.

[@ekathe85]

@@JessicaZane4realz She probably was, only not to his knowledge

[@richardbloemker1495]

@@dannytse8767 Well if true, he needs to start with Charlie Rich.

[@larrote6467]

John Denver should've spelled it out for them: if your kid is contemplating suicide, it's not the music, it's something else, something bigger, the music is just a window into understanding that he's contemplating suicide. I'm guessing these people were just "too busy" all the time to understand their children.

[@SpottedBullet]

Busy people shouldn't be having kids.

[@annaisannaing]

By the way, "Busy Parents" was actually a justification Tipper made

[@josephheston9238]

I wonder if rock lyrics were responsible for R. Budd Dwyer's suicide?

[@tomz808]

Great point. At most the appearance of suicide in music is a reflection of a symptom, not a cause. When the question was asked I was hoping Denver would ask if Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet would be rated as glorifying suicide. This is still relevant today. The System of a Down song "Chop Suey" was was originally titled "Self-Righteous Suicide" but Columbia Records forced the band to change it to avoid controversy. Source: Wikipedia. Also regarding suicide, there is a strong link to gun ownership and suicide. One reason is suicide is most effective (fatal) with guns and having one in the home makes them very accessible. Source: www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/magazine/guns-and-suicide/

[@rhythmjones]

Between Denver, Snider and Zappa, not a single one of these Senators listened to one word.

[@MarieEbersole]

I think Tipper Gore and her gang thought that with John's clean cut image, he would be on their side. He really fooled them. He was very pragmatic and very direct in what he said. His calm professional demeanor was the perfect foil to Dee Snider and Frank Zappa.

[@n34z3r]

Yup!!

[@menine]

tru

[@markdemell3717]

John never wore a foil hat ,,,,,,,,,,just kidding .Dee and Zappa were respectful/

[@joynjrny]

John was eloquent and respectful, firm on his convictions. He wasn’t perfect, like all of us, but I sure do miss him.

[@CrowCreekOutdoors]

He didn’t get to ride the shuttle though did he? That’s no coincidence.

[@jpsned]

4:44 Smug Congress Guy: Well, President Roosevelt never heard these records. John: I think the things he heard were far worse. MIC DROP

[@jodi183]

I remember these hearings. What a big waste of time & tax dollars it was.

[@bobthebear1246]

jbassmesser183 Yup. They sure were.

[@steventate1895]

Denver was an avid pilot with close to 3,000 hours flight time -- 1985 John Denver stated he was "strongly opposed to censorship of any kind -1997 killed in a plane crash Guess you're right what a waste of time. Hey somebody needs to tell those guys on , Freedom to Film channel , what they're doing is a big waste .

[@Kaagrant]

Really. Think about it: they wasted OUR money on this crap. I cannot stand our corrupt government. F U to about 90% of them. What nerve.

[@freedomsnotfreefreedomsnot3270]

@@steventate1895 Yea that was sad, the lightweight plane he was in had the fuel reserve switch in a place that that pilot couldn't reach, back over the left shoulder.

[@JonesySurvived]

Just call it a national entertainment expense. Coz watching these musicians tear senators to pieces is some of the best TV you've seen and you know it.

[@BeholdJesse]

"I think the things he heard were far worse" Brilliantly put That's the whole problem We want to shelter ourselves from the reality of the situation So much that we will try and ban anything that deals with what we don't want to hear about It's amazing, how little this is actually about children It's about scared people, living in a bubble, trying to get rid of something they don't like hearing about

[@koopatroopa187]

+Kvlt Kitty That's exactly what it was. They used the children as an excuse; because if you're against their plan, you clearly hate children.

[@Reichenfaust099]

Despair Bear Yes. They want to think it is such a big damn deal, yet often forget what people like Roosevelt faced... That this is such a small, and insignificant thing to make a stink about, it is ridiculous for parents to say "no, stop thinking that."

[@bobthebear1246]

Despair Bear Yup, and it's the parents ironically who are the ones acting like young children by effectively putting their fingers in their ears, loudly chanting, "I CAN'T HEAR YOU! I CAN'T HEAR YOU! LA-LA-LA-LA-LAAAAA!!!!!"

[@WinslowLeach1974]

Denver was so right....with the help of the internet, it's been revealed that some of the lyrics on those old 78 records from the early 20th century are downright astounding, especially the sexual lyrics.

[@superman-rp5fu]

It is that, yes, but it is also about something more devious and sinister. Its just more proof of the lefts plan to chip away at our rights/freedoms until they achieve their ultimate goal....... FULL CONTROL! Just go through history to see all the examples of the left introducing laws/policies etc. that chip away at our rights/freedoms..... its all there to see. The lefts always been the party of slavery, its just now they're using manipulation and lies to gather their slaves....... their sheeple (the mindless drone public on the left)! Until we get rid of/reform the domestic enemy left, their minions(feminism, antifa, the gay alphabet, media, academia, hollyweird, etc.) and their sheeple, we can't get back to NORMAL American life!! They are this Country's cancer! Just my opinion of course....

[@mickmcguire492]

John Denver: Can we wrap this shit up?, I've gotta get to NASA to do space shit. Strongest possible flex.

[@elizabetholiviaclark]

"... and I'd like to keep that appointment if possible." lol

[@staticstarship8697]

I have an appointment with NASA. "John Denver"

[@DisappearingBoy2010]

John was fantastic....he certainly showed who really knows best about what's best for children

[@saxongreen78]

I'd never heard him speak at length, before...had no idea how lovely a man he was.

[@bootlegger2365]

John was an unusually insightful and articulate man however he was quite the pragmatist and his message seems to be that parents , children , and the family unit should take on task the of determining what is acceptable in their homes. It is not the governments job. I appreciate much of what our government does for us , but i feel that in this case they got a little out of line Trying to tell people what to think is a gameplan for disaster.Let freedom prevail If we are to live among each other we must be tolerant.It isnt a perfect arrangment, but life sure is beautiful and alot of fun.Let freedom ring.

[@IslandGirl-nt6ry]

Exactly. They want us to believe in the Nanny State. The nanny state is going to take care of us all right? Protect us from the big bad world. They are all such idiots!

[@heidilokken3621]

Just think back then music was bad yet movies in theater's that had the R or XR rating was showing breasts and buttocks but only on women on a regular basis. Some of them even made it to the cable channels ( HBO, Showtime). You would rarely see men's buttocks, ever! Now you see fully nude women, men's buttocks on regular TV yet never the men's genitals! All forms of Sex, rapes and anything sexual is now seen on regular TV on a daily basis. What "Tipper Gore, the so called Washington Wives Club and the Senate" did to music should have been done to TV and ESPECIALLY the Video games! Our social injustices, Violence and personal assults seen on TV daily then is the PRC and the SENATE's fault for not correctly labeling and allowing. This whole thing was an attack on our 1st amendment right according to the Constitution as written. We have allowed the Government to amend and interpret the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to their interpretation and views. We need to get back to what our Forefathers wrote!!!!!!!! Our countries history is what it is. I can't stand people who are trying to change it to make themselves feel better. On another note BLM and ANTIFA are BS!! After all before their were black slaves their were White slaves. They have forgotten about the "Indentured Servant's" who were poor White children sold by their parents or put into Poor Houses ( Orphanage) and treated as or worse than slave's. We must also remember that We Women ( and our bodies) once born then married were considered as the MAN'S personal Property and could treat us as they wished. All women were used for was serve the Man, to give the Man a Male Aire then most of the girls were usually sold off. So should us women Uprise against the men for our mistreatment that still continues today???

[@markdemell3717]

Now today they want to stick us with a poison vax.

[@heidilokken3621]

@Lily Hyatt If we look Abused, Whining, Bitching, Oppressive, Americans then why are so many people coming to our boarders?? If you know anything about History then you would understand my statement! Please learn facts before you spread your BS FEELINGS. After all feelings are opinions not Facts.

[@matronmalice9867]

Can you go tell DC this? They sure as hell need to hear it. I wish we had some men and or women who had the balls to go to DC and tell those meddling bastards to know their place. Accepting is a better word than tolerant or tolerate. Those imply you are putting up with it and you don't accept it. Well I suppose tolerate is better than outright hate.

[@shinobusora]

Did...did that guy just say that President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a man who lived through the era of the Great Depression, World War I, and the Spanish Flu; who became paralyzed; who served four presidential terms; and who was president during World War II and therefore had to constantly hear about the horrific shit happening the world over was misguided in his inaugural quote because he'd never heard an album from the 1980's? The guy who was told that Pearl Harbor had been attacked and who was told about Nazi concentration camps didn't know fear because he hadn't heard Quiet Riot?

[@jpsned]

Great observation.

[@DVincentW]

That is the comment of the week.. even though it was made some time ago.

[@cjwright79]

my god he is so freaking articulate, and gracious to boot!

[@savedfaves]

Gore assuming a teen kills themselves just because a rockstar tells them to, when it's obvious those who go through with such things has issues ever before mr. rockstar showed up. Cobain was a perfect example. Young people gravitated to his music because they already had the angst in themselves and Cobain seemed to be expressing it. Parents are always the biggest party in a child's life.

[@elvisleeboy]

savedfaves It could be argued that Cobain's music perpetuated that feeling. In other words, it gave people an opportunity to wallow in self pity and develop an affection for negativity. It's funny, because the reason I've got into John Denver, is because most of his music is positive and uplifting. It's no exaggeration to say that his life affirming lyrics have saved my life, so I can see the argument for music encouraging suicide. I love Cobain, but would you not worry if your children claimed they identified with and related to a man who killed himself at the age of 27? That said, censorship is absurd. The answer is not to ban, but to perpetuate positivity into the world in a way that isn't contrived.

[@randytritt4610]

elvisleeboy the artist they are talkn about singing about suicide or as Gore kept saying suicide solution is Ozzy Osbournes song suicide solution which is about Ozzy singing of his own addiction to alcohol and how he is committing suicide slowly with it....anyone cud listen to the lyrics and kno what he is talkn about but they dnt they just look at the title and "assume" thats what its about!!! But putn the explicit stickers on the albums or tapes only made the sales go thru the roof!!!! Lol Rock on folks!!! 🦅🎸🦅

[@lzmunch]

@@elvisleeboy every time I listen to uplifting music I want to kill myself more

[@idaspudman]

Al Gore was never the sharpest knife in the drawer.

[@Kaagrant]

elvisleeboy no, I disagree. You know how all those PSA about suicide day to ASK someone if they’re thinking of suicide? Credible studies have shown that it does not make people more prone to doing it, but it does open up the conversation. I would bet money there were some young people who were trying to send their parents a message by listening to Nirvana. Contain had a strong appeal to young people at that time. He also suffered from hellacious depression and substance use to try to treat his pain. The answer is to do something to make mental health care easy and affordable for everyone. When I tried to kill myself, I had no insurance and no way to get help, and I did want it, The other thing to try to stem the rising rates of suicide is to do every damned thing in our power, move freaking mountains, to help parents cope so that they don’t abuse or neglect their children. I just love these folks, mostly so called conservatives, who are so dead set against public assistance and spending tax dollars on making resources available to at risk families, but they also want to force poor young women to carry pregnancies to term. And then they’re filled with indignation that these young parents are overwhelmed. Child abuse and neglect causes a LOT of mental health isSues that don’t become evident until many years later. Suicide is often the result of child abuse and neglect ..,,decades later. I speak from first hand experience. The day I tried to kill my self I was not listening to any music. I was dealing with the storm in my head that began when I was a very small child.

[@kevinlehnhardt3503]

In any capacity, I love John Denver. There was no other like him and I miss him.

[@southerndoomsday6688]

John Denver, Dee Snider and Frank Zappa. Three very intellectual and inspiring artists against a gang with suits.

[@briansmith9455]

All three COMPLETELY different people with a common aim. A fucking beautiful thing, and we could all learn a thing or two from these classy guys. They were undoubtedly on our side when the chips were down.

[@richardmaier6848]

Against 535 ass holes!

[@jamesrudland183]

The southern senator at the beginning sounds like the incompetent chicken lawyer from Futurama 😂

[@DialogDontArgue]

😂💯

[@jamesrudland183]

@@DialogDontArgue 😂

[@MagicAccent]

Hahah yes that was all i could think about

[@jlinms8721]

Foghorn Leghorn

[@tonyturiano2872]

​@@jlinms8721 I say, I say, that boy's as dumb as a rope!

[@johndenverfan]

25 Years Without John In The World Never Forgotten RIP John 💔😭 GBNF We Miss You Beyond Words

[@stackblack2616]

"I don't think there are too many 10 year olds that know what rape is" I love this man so much

[@paulineh4019]

Yes! And then that stupid man's reply. "I'd have to disagree".

[@grueurgrue2108]

I love how the Senators are talking about negative influences on children while smoking cigarettes.

[@dnakatomiuk]

And probably had a drink afterwards in there own room

[@chrislong1287]

Don’t drop historical context

[@HighStakesDanny]

Hypocrisy is sort of an American staple

[@chrislong1287]

@@HighStakesDanny I guess since other countries don’t criticize themselves it must mean they have no flaws 🤡?

[@alannigenda3920]

look at minute 9:35 how Gore is talking about 'putting a gun in his mouth' while the guy on his left is smoking out of his pipe.

[@sanda386]

Destroys PMRC in the early morning then has appointment with NASA at noon. John Denver and his legacy are world treasures

[@TastemyAtrocity]

“You’re not hardcore unless you live hardcore” ~Jack Black

[@totorod]

Dee Snider talked about how he and Frank Zappa were at first a little nervous that John Denver’s testimony would be counter to their own. Once they heard him speak though, they were in the ready room high-fiving each other. 😂

[@maxmetalknight]

I'm gonna defend music from censorship and go to space later... incredible life of John Denver :D

[@ricardodufty4818]

Right, I was thinking he was being sarcastic or somn. Lol. Nope, he's just a boss.

[@Kaagrant]

Rigby Lane he was a very cool person who led a rich life. He also helped prevent the Olympic Games from tearing down forests in the Rockies for the Olympic village. He was on to so many of these issues long before most. I adored him when I was a child and I still listen to his music. I’m a Zepp girl, love rock and roll, but give me John Denver’s Aerie album any day and I might just cry, it’s so beautiful, That’s right folks.... Move to the country...blow up your tee vee ... eat a lotta peaches and find Jesus your OWN way. And that song Friends. What a beautiful spirit he was.

[@jaspervanderblint7986]

John was a great man and brought happiness to many people with his songs. Thank you John, RIP.

[@jody024]

His exes would disagree a bit, lol.

[@darkhymnsfromthecoldnorth]

Beautiful words from John Denver. It doesnt matter what my kids are exposed to, i will guide them.

[@jshshh1041]

That old guy really highlights the worrying parenting trend that is so prevalent now today. He suggests that kids are just going to watch TV for 7 hours a day and there's nothing you can do. It's YOUR tv. In YOUR house. YOU control it. YOU control your child's development. Don't look at a government entity to do it for you. It's there job to let you know whats coming, but not to just be a moral arbiter and decide what should be allowed wholesale. Because when you do that and take a backseat, things get through. That's what the parents of the columbine shooters did. Just ignored all the signs and were checked out. It's on YOU

[@Kaagrant]

I agree with much of what you said, but right here on KZbin you can watch interviews with Sue Kleibold (not sure of spelling) mother of one of the Columbine shooters. What a courageous gracious GOOD person she is. Please listen to her talk about her experience. Also, there was a teacher at Columbine who knew Dylan Kleibold had written a story or essay, something, filled with graphic images of violence but who dropped the ball and did not follow up on it. I’m not saying it was this teachers fault, but it’s a piece of the whole horrifying story. Seriously, though, listen to Sue Kleibold’s interviews. I admire that lady so much.

[@EireAnPoblacht]

If you have a proper and decent relationship with your child, you should be able to speak about anything, whenever necessary.... To suggest that parents are helpless to communicate with Their children suggests more of a fault among those parents than anything else on trial....

[@michaelanderson9792]

As a preteen I was horrified at the war coverage 1965 to 1975 on the nightly news

[@Kaagrant]

Thank you for this. It scared me too. Still, I think it’s important that we SEE what’s happening when we send troops into war. Bush Cheney found a way to outlaw the filming of dead American troops getting back to the states for their families to bury them. If we want to be informed and if our government is sending troops in OUR name to war, we should see it, That said, maybe my parents and yours should have been more careful about the 6 o’clock news and exposing children to that. It really did scare me.

[@brockbaby]

They went from scaring children with war.. to Al Gore in 2001- "The Earth will end in 10 years and we're all going to die!" Scaring the shit out of children who believe him! What a terrible man. Scaring children is abuse!

[@SRG1966]

They expected John Denver to take their side - love that he put them in their place.

[@ledzepgirlnmful]

I've always admired and adored John Denver for his Values on Family, and the Environment !! Rest in Peace, John . You are truly missed !

[@himoffthequakeroatbox4320]

But not aviation, I presume?

[@colinmontgomery1956]

​@@himoffthequakeroatbox4320ha.

[@donlebo6824]

Denver was a champ . My family sat and watched this and we were on the edge of our seats HA HA. We all felt sorry for him, as they slagged him for his "Rocky Mountain High" and his answer to that was brilliant!

[@BeeKay5150]

I've heard it said that Zappa was the "brains", Snider was the "brawn" and Denver was the "class".

[@robwalsh9843]

An avant garde rock composer, a glam metal confessor and a country-folk storyteller.

[@awzthemusicalreviews]

I heard it as Denver was the heart, but I think the class works well. All three were individually classy and handled the situation well without getting too heated, but John definitely shined brightest with his naturally subdued and down to Earth nature.

[@karllux-d6g]

''physical strength in contrast to intelligence''? - let me remind you that the very Snider you're dissing as ''brawn-ie'' closed the case when he ''uzi-ed' this : '' Songs allow persons to put their own imagination, experiences, dreams, into the lyrics. People can interpret in many ways, Miss Gore was looking for Sado-Masochism and bondage, and she found it...''.. he knew which bruise to press on. Zappa was boring (...yaaawn)...

[@awzthemusicalreviews]

@@karllux-d6g I think by brawn, they mean the true venom and quick jabs at the hypocrisy and inanity of it all. He came out swinging, while Zappa and Denver were more passive-aggressive and "professional".

[@rhythmjones]

I guess. Snider was pretty smart. I felt Zappa was way too defensive.

[@crystalkarma2015]

I always liked John Denver, he always struck me as kind, plus he was so handsome; I was sad when he passed. Continue to rest well Sir.❤️

[@bobthebear1246]

Al Gore was utterly redonkulous there. He completely mischaracterized the song "Suicide Solution" which was a play-on-words (the "Solution" being a liquid, ie. Alcohol, and not a fix to problems) lament by Ozzy Osbourne over the drinking death of close friend Bon Scott of AC/DC. The media, parents, and government tried and convicted Osbourne in The Court Of Public Opinion over the infamous case of the kid who shot himself who happened to have The Blizzard Of Oz album on the turntable, actually preferring to make themselves and others believe that this Scary Rock Star was causing "THE CHILDREN" to commit suicide when it was indeed and in-fact THE PARENTS' responsibility all-along to PAY ATTENTION TO and CARE FOR YOUR CHILD. All of this political grandstanding, hyperbole, and hypocrisy - not to mention a huge waste of taxpayer funds - could have been avoided by a truly open and honest public discussion of the underlying issues about which we as kids were concerned in the early-to-mid-1980's.

[@guibox3]

I remember quite well (probably even in this very year the hearings were held) of my friends and I having a big sit down with our parents who were lamenting the horrible lyrics we were listening to. They were reading out 'Two Minutes to Midnight" by Iron Maiden. Unfortunately, I really didn't pay much attention to the lyrics and couldn't argue that it was all about the horrors of war. I actually used it in my junior high English Language Arts class for lyric analysis now. lol

[@tgranny3547]

Oh I had forgotten

[@richlordbacon2554]

and yet romeo and juliet is prevalent reading in schools ,if that doesnt glorify suicide i dont know what does

[@KayInMaine]

Yup! So true! I was in high school from 1982-1986 and remember this whole debacle. In the background was also the adults scaring everyone that satan had taken over. All of these fears were coming from adults like these congresscritters. Like John Denver pointed out....his song "Rocky Mountain High" had some believing "high" was physical elevation or a feeling of elatedness or being high from smoking pot. Three different views from one word! Most kids back in the 80s loved the beat of the songs and the feeling they got from them. The lyrics were sang but hardly any of them acted upon the lyrics.

[@rollotomassi4768]

If I had to theorize, Tipper kept begging Al to take up her and her friends pet project. He sounded so unintelligent discussing it.

[@soeffingwhat]

Surprised no one's commented on this. John Denver was on the side of Anti-Censorship but I think he did it in such a way that all the "suits" couldn't help but listen and respect him.

[@DialogDontArgue]

To true, he killed them with kindness. Even when they tried to discredit him, smh...

[@soeffingwhat]

Mohamed Yarow Even Dee Snider complimented him even though he wasn't too sure about him prior to his Speech.

[@martin5940]

Exactly, the commity whas sure Denver would like the ideer of a rating system but he came out saying something completly differend.

[@whyputaname]

Denver came from a Military family, his father Lt. Col. Henry John Deutschendorf, Sr. U.S. Air Force.. There were interviews of him talking about his dad and at times they didn't get along. I guess his up bringing was somewhat strict..

[@heatherk1200]

@@soeffingwhat Dee Snider appeared on MuchMusic and had nothing but respect for John following the hearings. He & Zappa were unsure where John stood and were elated with his anticensorship, pro artist stance. The PMRC hand picked John Denver with the belief that he was on their side and it royally backfired.

[@ekathe85]

Jeez, Al Gore is the worst public speaker I've ever heard. He oozes insecurity every ten words, pulling an argument out of his ass then going on a tirade of unassertive language at the first sign of opposition: "well.. I'm not completely certain I wouldn't be able to absolutely disagree with that". And he is a lawyer? He couldn't convince a jury that there are 12 of them in the room.

[@bak-mariterry9143]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@rollotomassi4768]

His wife and Liebermann are a big part of why I didn't vote for him for President.

[@mrsmmoose6775]

It was depressing to see someone who was touted as the great hope for America and the planet be so disingenuous, as naturally as breathing.

[@SkaterChick1972]

John Denver is freaking AMAZING!!!! Soooo glad he supported rock n roll. God bless that man. And Dee, and Frank!!!❤❤❤

[@kellysue8597]

8:52 Al Gore should be more worried about "what if" he gets cancer from second hand smoke from the guy smoking a pipe beside him, lol

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

Yeah, kinda insane he could speak without being choked

[@kellysue8597]

@Lily Hyatt "How dare you!!!" Lol! Truth! I am now fully aware of just how Gore "invented the internet "

[@tallthinkev]

Why the hell didn't Zappa, Sinder and Denver do an album together? That would really piss everyone off!

[@davidlockwood7178]

I'd buy that

[@davidlockwood7178]

Avant-garde folk metal- sounds good

[@billywilliams8753]

Great idea. Should have happened

[@jpsned]

Ha ha!!!

[@twistedviewlabs]

That would've been epic!

[@rushrunner7]

Love John Denver and his calm demeanor

[@patrickcrawford6392]

Denver was the only one they respected. Can see a huge difference between Snider's and this one

[@eljanrimsa5843]

Yet now, 35 years later, Snider has raised a bunch of kids and is still married to the same wife. Whereas clean-cut John Denver ended up in alcohol 12 years and two divorces later, crashing his Porsche, and crashing his plane.

[@thisisrob8750]

@@eljanrimsa5843 I don't get the logic of your argument. Dee Snider and John Denver agreed and we're on the same side here. Who cares that he crashed his plane what the hell does that have to do with anything? Like somehow Dee Snider was a better person because he didn't get divorced? Trump fans think Trump's a great person and he's been divorced several times. Then you can see someone like Biden who's never been divorced been married to the same woman, is he a better person than Trump because of that? I don't get this argument at all it's nonsensical

[@caidurkan2916]

Its a big shame too, Snider and Zappa aired legitimate grievances that weren't listened to by the committee because of their perceived character traits in the minds of puritans obsessed with a christian mission. They weren't looking for any real forum of discussion, they didn't address anything with a legitimate criticism they instead responded by attacking the character & perception of Snider and Zappa. However polite Denver was it didn't matter one iota. They weren't looking to hear anything critical, hence why they were hopeful for Denver and didn't argue his points, as soon as they understood what Denver was saying they stopped listening and waited for it to end; Because to the PMRC, Denver also decrying censorship doesn't make them worth listening to it makes Denver just as bad as Zappa and Snider, who they clearly thought were moral degenerates. They didn't even respect Denver, if they had their way his mic would've magically stopped working any time he said anything disagreeable with their political mission.

[@Evilthx]

You are a parent to your own children, not mine, not anyone else's. To say what my children hear or see is not my choice is to say you are more fit to raise my children than I am.

[@mjp-bi3re]

RIP John Denver. Awesome testimony.

[@stayjit1]

Is that guy hating the devils music actually smoking tobacco and exposing everybody in the room to 101 different harmful gases ?

[@DialogDontArgue]

John Denver responding to Al Gore asking why "offensive" music is growing in popularity: John: "Again, Sir, my experience, not only in this country but all over the world, is that music today is the medium which most specifically tells us what's going on in young people's minds. Not what's being put into them, but what reflects what they are interested in. I think that this addresses itself to a much graver problem, in fact the source of the symptom that we're discussing here today." John proving through love and logic that we are all lifelong children whose nurturing counts just as much for our nature. Thank you Mr. Denver, you are loved, missed and remembered.

[@IsisMusic]

He is so gentle, polite.

[@millienelsen5370]

I am painfully reminded of our incomparable loss of this genius of a man. I would not have shed a tear (respectfully) if our entire GOP would have been on that experimental plane instead of John. What a loss of a composer, singer, musical genius, nature activist, husband, father, the list is long. Goodbye, John. We miss you so much.

[@danielthompson6207]

Never cared much for John Denver's music, but his views on censorship and parenting are absolutely rock-solid. His testimony here was beautiful and powerful. Thanks for posting this video!

[@MrJadePinwheel]

4:44 John's response was low key hilarious, poignant & underrated

[@patearly9492]

Love John Denver always. May you rest in peace and God bless your family and everyone

[@twistedviewlabs]

After I saw this many years ago, it made me a huge John Denver fan. Seriously, what a badass

[@mix6809]

Never thought i would think of John Denver as a hero...

[@docsavage8640]

@d z You haven't heard him then

[@mix6809]

I just mean i always saw him as a soft spoken folk singer, but here he really took a stand and spoke up, and i love that. A true hero..

[@lindaclark7032]

He was an awesome, young man.

[@paulineh4019]

@@mix6809 JD spoke up about a lot of things, in interviews and sometimes in his concerts. He spoke against nuclear weapons, greed, oil kings (he called the Exon Valdez CEOs "lying bastards" on US television), for the hungry, climate change, wildlife and wildspaces. He also put his money where his mouth was. He also said "...if I'm remembered for standing up for what I believed, in when I die" that's all I want. Paraphrasing there.

[@jerrysky4598]

I almost tear up every once in a while visiting video of He & Mama Cass duet on Midnight Special 72. Born in 64 & too young to recall this even vaguely. So like a 1st viewing 4 me; thanks 4 sharing.

[@jan_Travis]

Note how the big wigs keep "ahh ahh ahh"ing while the dirty rock stars spoke in amazing and confident English. Says a lot.

[@satinsaid]

Gore: What if a 10 year old hears a song lyric about rape? Denver: I don't think there are many 10 year olds that know what rape is. Gore: I would disagree. If 10 year olds already know what rape is then a song isn't going to affect them too much.

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

I knew what rape was at age 10 and not from music but from the NEWS. They talked about it a lot on the news (this was during the 80) basically as a girl you knew it was something to constantly be afraid of.

[@tomflake6141]

That God almighty white haired guy is the most evil person in the room

[@ondrauscissell6952]

Tom Flake Along with the lady in the red dress!! However, music lives on without censorship, and she doesn't at this point!!

[@yotatrkr1]

You mean foghorn leghorn

[@SharontheRedBaron]

#johndenver you are a timeless classic. Everything you say is spot on and sooo proud you spoke up. We need you more than EVA!🙏🌈🌸🌸🙌🏻🦋💓✌️

[@Baffi_]

As soon as Denver starts to point out their absurdity, and show he doesn’t agree with their attempts at censorship they try to make him leave.

[@marksasahara1115]

Thank you for posting this. It makes me so happy that every single musician put up a united front to cooly, calmly and logically eviscerate the PMRC and expose them for clowns and weak minds they were. Dee (Snyder) and Frank (Zappa) were really worried about what JD would say, because he was the All American Boy and they did not get a chance to meet him, beforehand. But, JD delivered a significant blow to the legitimacy of the PMRC, just by being himself. His answers were not heavy blows, but rather, parried the questions and landed a soft, but effective punch. Every time. Gotta respect the man for not being a dick and just stating facts and his opinion, matter of factly. To devastating effect.

[@sreardonatpfg]

I like John Denver a heck of a lot more after seeing this.

[@cruehead355]

Never knew John Denver was in the pmrc hearings. that was awesome of him. and they mentioned Motley Crue!! oh and btw, 30 yrs later, I am alive n well after listening to that kind of music. as well as John Denver's mhmm

[@whome5933]

Learned of this from Jello Biafra.

[@StevenEveral]

I love how those Congressmen brought in John Denver because they thought he would take their side because he wrote "wholesome" music. They were in for a rude awakening.

[@guybacos]

While Al gore is preaching about what's good and bad, the senator right beside is poisoning the room with his pipe.

[@johnhunter2294]

Mr. White Bread himself, coming in and telling these politicians "What you're doing here is censorship and I am foursquare against it." Dee Snider was right; Denver's testimony was the most damaging because it was so unexpected.

[@doctorfiber1]

John was a 100% great person. He belongs at the top of the greatest person list.

[@artistwithouttalent]

I don't know if people knew at the time that the PMRC and these hearings were the result of Tipper Gore hearing the Prince album she bought for her kids, but I really hope that's the case, because that puts all of John's remarks about the responsibility of the parent to mind the media their kids are consuming into a way different light.

[@masediggity]

Jesus it's so clear that Gore just had no clue what he was talking about. I know he's thinking out loud here, but the amount of stammering he did that day says it all.

[@SOUTHERNLADYLIBRAASMR]

LIONESSROARSJOHNSON I was a child when all of this happened. John Denver stood up against censorship!! He was censored on radio when many refused to play his song Rocky Mountain High. They said it was about drugs. If they would have listened- that was not what he was singing about!!!

[@Agapesgate]

I appreciate John Denver's Testimony and presentation.

[@jaspervanderblint7986]

They let that man on the right of the Senator smoke his pipe, excellent!

[@jodi183]

This was before smoking in indoor spaces laws in were in place.

[@Anidawehi]

Him and Mr. Rogers should have got together and did something for children.

[@billywilliams8753]

Don't believe in censorship but, do agree that it starts with the parents.

[@VodkasGoneBy22]

Let's play a game where you gotta drink every time Senator Gore says "umm"

[@camillemarcotte9824]

I'm four mins into video...now I'm drunk.

[@tjlightningbolt]

And to think the entire time their Husbands were all going to Bohemian Grove engaged in the EXACT same things they accused heavy metal music of promoting... ... hedonism, sexual promiscuity, Occultism, and violence!

[@dickbuelow8968]

Censorship for children starts in the home. If it's crap, it is the parents job to turn off the what is on to include music, etc. That sums it up. Thanks to John Denver for his wonderful comments on this.

[@13ninjakill]

I miss john denver

[@andrewwilliams9599]

"I think the things that he (FDR) heard were far worse, sir." ZINGGGG!

[@susandidonato4919]

John Denver was an absolute GOAT in front of the Senate!!!

[@itsacarolbthing5221]

Good grief, I miss him.

[@robertisham5279]

got excited when Gore mentioned Motley Crue

[@ghadrackpotato960]

Thank god for John Denver. The end.

[@karenwh2]

I miss this man so much. His music was and is timeless. I do wonder what he would think of how things are now...

[@Agapesgate]

John Denver was a Good Guy, in my estimation. He sang many wholesome, down to earth songs. I Never found anything offensive in his Lyrics or Songs.

[@dkyelak]

Agree. I also think it is why his testimony was the most powerful.

[@whome5933]

Wholesome music wholesome man.

[@grandenauto3214]

And yet his songs were banned....

[@andyjohnD]

With Colorado legalizing he was correct about Rocky Mountain High.

[@racketti]

Holy mackerel, Al Gore is intolerable.

[@TS-qq7vr]

You didn't see the douche before him.

[@josephheston9238]

I voted for Nader in 2000. The PMRC is why I would not vote for Gore.

[@docsavage8640]

You just now learned this?

[@racketti]

@@docsavage8640 Well I seem to have learned it three years ago but still seems like I was late to the conclusion. US politics is not my strongest efforts. I hope it's understandable since I live in northern Europe.

[@rollotomassi4768]

Giant Douche, and I have been a registered Democrat

[@trtb056]

Bottom line is,it starts in the home. My brothers and i listened to all types of music growing up. Metal,rap,pop whatever. Never did drugs,never been arrested. Our parents listened to our records,watched vh1 and mtv with us. "Teachable moments ". I understand what they are trying to do here,i respect that. I also believe these songwriters can get their point across without being inappropriate. If you have talent,you don't need to be shocking to sell albums

[@patrickcrawford6392]

Meanwhile...they are all smoking on TV

[@gina888warhol1]

Lol

[@whome5933]

Good point.

[@metaljeffenc]

well the smoking companies lobby the senate.... so.... explains enough

[@TastemyAtrocity]

The most hardcore thing was done by the most peaceful musician :} Thank you for giving us the freedom of of expression for many years to come, Mr. Denver!! 🤘

[@bryani2449]

Amen John you got it right... All that hearing did was make heavy metal music even more popular, they should have just left it alone.

[@TS-1267]

... 🎶…"… I'm Lea-ving On a Jet-Plane Don't Know When I'll Be Back Again…”…🎶... Splendid Indeed... 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿✌️

[@ChristianHendersonX1]

Oh boy, take me home, country roads!

[@StormyPeak]

Around the 9:30 mark...one of the members on that panel is smoking. I remember these proceedings...I was about 25 at the time and even back then people knew smoking and second hand smoke was bad, could cause cancer. Yet, this man is sitting there...poisoning himself and others, while probably believing that the 'wrong' kind of music must be stopped to prevent harm to teens. What a bunch of hypocrites.

[@MrJackcorgi]

Same kind of thing happens at Disneyland every day.... There is a designated smoking area between the parks....of course non smokers walk thru and sneer,fake cough,etc.... Meanwhile at every entrance to both parks there is a sign that states..... This park contains items known to the state of California that are cancerous....(something like that). So not only are those people choosing to walk thru second hand smoke just so they can be snarky to the smokers in between the parks ,for exposing them to second hand smoke ... the also choose to pay to be exposed to similar cancer causing things....go figure ?

[@Davez621]

00:00 - He looks like Steve Irwin!!

[@tgranny3547]

I watched the part with Zappa. He was articulate and intelligent but the Senator was disrespectful to him even insulting.

[@Nightwing20]

It's interesting on how they treat John over Dee Snider. With Dee, the PMRC are always on the defense and the attack. They are in a constant state of "how dare you." With John Denver... they all love his music. It's as if they are like "I dont want to attack you. I like your music. Can I get an autograph? Oh and heavy metal music is bad."

[@paulineh4019]

Gore said he liked Zappas music. It's also in the way John approaches them, civilly, cordially, unpretentious....no threat.

[@caidurkan2916]

Placating an artist by saying you like their music is just words to these people, Zappa was widely known as a very gifted musician so they couldn't talk to him the way they did to Snider. John Denver made genre defining tunes with a wholesome message so they obviously had no problem with him. I highly doubt any of PMRC members sat through a single Zappa or Twisted Sister song in full. It's all PR shit.

[@bloodeagle6458]

We need him now more than ever RIP Mr. John Denver

[@Dannycovich3401]

Totally agree, wonder what he'd be thinking and saying.

[@tomhandle]

Joun Denver goes to parliament and sticks it to the man. Therefore John Denver is the ultimate rockstar of all time

[@timurmusabay4822]

man i love john denver now....

[@shannonrichardson3405]

Man we lost an icon in Jon Denver!

[@42awww]

It's ironic, they are asking a man about terrible lyrics, and how to possibly ban some, when he wrote some of the most polite and beautiful music, and wrote the greatest love song of all time. Annie's Song.

[@paulineh4019]

You must have missed 'Get Yer Tongue Outta My Mouth coz I'm Kissing You Goodbye' then 😁

[@paulineh4019]

It was said 'tongue in cheek' but seriously he did write a song with that title....was hardly heard and definitely not a hit, not even on a record (written after his 2nd divorce, not that he named anyone...) It's on utube if you want a listen :) And Yes, he did write some of the most poetic and sometimes prophetic lyrics.

[@skiss3327]

He is one of the kind, free spirit and a global responsible citizen ❤

[@iwantthe80sback59]

Country Roads still one of my faves. Reminds me of the cottage.