Why Are NMA So Out Of The Public Eye?

[Space]

Watching the Grammy Music Awards last night and the entire music biz was there. From Paul McCartney to Kanye West to Taylor Swift to Beck to Beyonce to Miranda Lambert to Tony Bennet to Madonna to Prince to Annie Lennox to AC/DC to Sia....

My question is why does NMA not participate in the world of music? I know from youtube clips that they appeared on the old TV show "The Tube," but why do they not do other TV appearances. I realize the Super Bowl and the Grammys is out of their reach, but why not make an effort to appear on "The David Letterman Show"? "Saturday Night Live"? Or the iconic American TV music show "Austin City Limits"?

And don't cry "sell out." Even the most notoriously sincere bands appear on TV now and then. My God, even the Godfather of f-you to the establishment, Lou Reed, always would pop on on TV and that guy sure is no sell out. Why doesn't NMA make that effort to be heard by more people?

[Red]

They don't need/desire to

They're happy as they are

If you had ever take time to see them and even had the chance the speak to Justin or other band members you'd know they're happy doing what they do

[Anna Woman von NRW]

Probably because, to paraphrase various quotes:

"We stuck 2 fingers up to the media who in return stuck 2 fingers up at us"

Given that 35 years later they can do what they want, when they want, how they want without being in thrall to the cult of celebrity and the bean counters, I'd imagine they'd say it worked out alright in the end.

Neither do I imagine being in the public eye was/is a driving force behind what they create. May be unfathomable to some but "Me Me Me" doesn't make everyone tick.

 

[Red]

Probably because, to paraphrase various quotes:

"We stuck 2 fingers up to the media who in return stuck 2 fingers up at us"

Given that 35 years later they can do what they want, when they want, how they want without being in thrall to the cult of celebrity and the bean counters, I'd imagine they'd say it worked out alright in the end.

Neither do I imagine being in the public eye was/is a driving force behind what they create. May be unfathomable to some but "Me Me Me" doesn't make everyone tick.

It does to some

No names mentioned

 

[Amandistan]

Because they are not playing music just so they can get an award and appear on American television. They are true artists. They seem happy to be doing what they want and enjoy. Not what others want.

[Space]

Because they are true artists.

So Lou Reed wasn't a "true artist"? Bob Dylan isn't a "true artist"?

So you feel Justin Sullivan is a "true artist." When he made "Vengeance" and appeared on "The Tube" he wasn't a true artist then? Is that how it works?

[Space]

they're happy doing what they do

They could be happier.


Listen, have any of you here ever listened to a New Model Army album? The lyrics and music sure isn't "Shiny Happy People." Mr. Sullivan clearly could be happier. A pathway to that happiness might be putting his music out there a bit more. Going on a TV show. How about that Jools Holland show that we get to see here in America. Is Justin Sullivan completely incapable of bringing himself to appear on that show? I do not believe he is such a malcontent.

Why won't New Model Army appear on the Jools Holland music show?

[Shush]

Space, read this --

http://board.newmodelarmy.org/index.php?topic=7654.0

[Space]

Read it, Shush. Thanks.

Good to see I'm not the only one that would like to see them on that show. Definitely one of the best music programs ever on TV. Man, I grew up with "American Bandstand." Oh, was that lame. But we did have "Soul Train" over here and "Midnight Special" Saw some great bands on those shows growing up. Then MTV gave us the British music show "The Tube" for a bit. Wow, that was some show. Now we get the Jools Holland show. Another "Wow!"

[Amandistan]

Because they are true artists.

So Lou Reed wasn't a "true artist"? Bob Dylan isn't a "true artist"?

So you feel Justin Sullivan is a "true artist." When he made "Vengeance" and appeared on "The Tube" he wasn't a true artist then? Is that how it works?

There is no doubt that Lou Reed and Bob Dylan were indeed artists. And very talented at that. They were from a different place and a different era in music. I think that may be part of it. Dylan emerged in an era where folk singers were very in fashion. Plus hung around with a lot of people who were considered cool at the time.
The Velvet Underground came at a time when people were open to new ideas and a lot of drugs were involved. Therefore revolutionary and sort of pushing boundaries. I am sure writing a song called Heroin was controversial at the time. But I don't know.

[Red]

they're happy doing what they do

They could be happier.


Listen, have any of you here ever listened to a New Model Army album? The lyrics and music sure isn't "Shiny Happy People." Mr. Sullivan clearly could be happier. A pathway to that happiness might be putting his music out there a bit more. Going on a TV show. How about that Jools Holland show that we get to see here in America. Is Justin Sullivan completely incapable of bringing himself to appear on that show? I do not believe he is such a malcontent.

Why won't New Model Army appear on the Jools Holland music show?

How do you know they could be happier?

No, never, please enlighten me to what I've been missing all these years!!!

[Intothewind]

New Model army seem quite happy compared to some of the other shit I listen to.... 

[Pol]

Yeah. I love the world sounds like someone really pissed off. What exactly is the public eye anyway the latest throwaway trend lets see where ed sherran or Sam smith are in 35 years time probably as popular as shaking Stevens

[Intothewind]

I haven't worked it out but I would say NMA has proportionally less sad songs than other bands - Perry, Yes, Beatles and Prince notwithstanding. It is true that NMA have sadder songs than these holy 4 - to which all other music must be measured.

Although When doves cry and Sometimes it snows in April are pretty damn upsetting!   

[Bunny]

Im rather glad they arent part of the luvvie brigade. They wouldnt be the band they are if they were mixing with the Lady Gaga's of the world. Maybe its a British thing, being a big fish in a little pond as opposed to setting yourself up for a fall.
Its not really important. Some bands/artists get famous briefly then fade away and are forgotten. Not everyone can be a global star, otherwise if you dont make it, whats the point in making music? Theyre successful on the level theyre at. Maybe thats enough.