Comments on: Randy Newman’s Macworld 2008 Performance – Brilliant or Crazy?

By: masaeurope

masaeurope — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 23:38:30 +0000

Well, I posted the video on YouTube. And yes, I was surprised in the first moment. People say “never involve politics in business”, which is true.

But on the other hand:
- I found it a brave and strong step of Apple – respect!
- Consider, Apple used to have the slogan “Think Different”
- Randy is an artist, and it was satire, it was art
- I am sure, the large huge majority liked the performance
- Besides all political positions: I liked the smart mix of art, love to his country (call it patriotism if you will), criticism, scathing humor and satire.

At the bottom line: Isn’t all that rather something positive?

By: Rudi Simmons

Rudi Simmons — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:06:19 +0000

I donÂ´t really see what the big deal is. To me, he seemed a kind, intelligent, talented old man who was just being himself on stage, not putting on an act for anyone…

By: Peanut

Peanut — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:00:51 +0000

I’ve heard that song before, a while ago, and while I don’t think he was the BEST choice of artist for the Stevenote, I don’t think he picked that song with some sort of ‘I’ve got a soapbox, I’m gonna use it’ ulterior motives…

Granted, he seems like a nut-bar, but he’s funny and endearing and a good artist.

By: Travis Jeffery

Travis Jeffery — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 06:56:46 +0000

It seems to me, that people in the states need to not only bring up their political issues more often (if that’s possible) but also make actions on their accusations.

By: John

John — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:25:08 +0000

I was there for the keynote and really enjoyed Randy Newman’s performance. It was not the centerpiece of the keynote. It was some entertainment tacked at the end. I understand that you might have some ruffled feathers if you are a Republican partisan but I don’t think his remarks were out of line or unsupportable.

By: Richard Wilson

Richard Wilson — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:17:46 +0000

“Regardless of your political beliefs, Iâ€™m not really sure that an Apple Keynote is the best place to be bringing them into the spotlight – mainly just because that seems â€œoff topicâ€.”

I thought that It was great !!! Our world is run be F’ing lunatics and most people don’t even know it… Anything to get the word out. Or we can just bury our heads in the latest and greatest gadget… Or our ASS !!!

By: thej

thej — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:43:09 +0000

There were two other “political” suggestions during the keynote.
Steve’s choice of Linkin Park song which he let play for awhile.
As well as pointing out the Political Debate Podcast and recommending people check it out.

By: bri-bri

bri-bri — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:39:55 +0000

first of all, Randy Newman has a long history with Pixar/Disney and now Apple. But really, are you kids that naive to think that Apple, (or Microsoft, Sony or MSNBC/General Electric)… are just neutral companies making entertainment and consumer goods? These companies ALL have private armies of lobbyists and lawyers to protect their corporate interests in the political sphere. They have as much of a political agenda as anyone when it comes down to their bottom line. Some lean conservative, some liberal… all lean corporate. Apple long ago seems to have determined that playing to progressive/liberal politics and consumers will benefit their bottom line. Its a niche market like any other and it has worked well for Apple in the ‘creative’ marketplace which is a bit more open-minded and liberal than the business world at large.

It really bugs me when people can’t understand U2 is no more political than any other band… its just a bit more partisan in a way that tics off conservatives like Krye up here. heheh…

By: John Morgan

John Morgan — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:27:23 +0000

It was a brilliant performance! Sort of like an updated “Political Science”. I guess if you’re humor-challenged it wasn’t very interesting though.

By: Piko

Piko — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:13:31 +0000

While Randy Newman is an excellent singer/songwriter, he remains a kook and should stick to what he knows.

Piko

By: krye

krye — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:51:01 +0000

I can’t stand when I hear a musician throwing in their 2 cents about their political views. I paid money or showed up to be entertained, not to hear your 2 cents on politics.

That’s why I can’t stand U2 and don’t get Apple’s love affair with them. Every time Bono opens his mouth in public or between songs it’s to peddle his views on something. Shut just up and sing the song already.

Grrr! …I better stop….

By: Mart

Mart — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:29:12 +0000

I thought he was awesome. People are too uptight; it’s ok to hear opinions that not everyone agrees with!

By: Rick ONeil

Rick ONeil — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:35:00 +0000

I think he’s a talented artist but his appearance at Macworld was… weird…
It’s almost like HE didn’t even know what he was doing there. He seemed to not even know Steve Jobs’ name, he only referred to him with pronouns. His political ramblings and incoherent attempt to relate to technology were definitely unnecessary. All he had to do was say “hello” to everyone, play a song… and say “thank you for having me”.

By: michael

michael — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:31:29 +0000

i just kept thinking of will saso and why he wasn’t up there performing….