Michael Franti is
best known as a political activist and musician. His song ‘Television: The Drug
of the Nation’, was widely hailed as a groundbreaking mix of political
rap/rock. He originally recorded it in 1988 with his first group The Beatnigs
and then re-recorded it with his next band The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy.
U2 brought the song to prominence by using it as the intro on their Zoo TV
tour. In 1994 he formed a new band - Spearhead which had more of a soul and
funk influence, while remaining political.
In 2004 Michael
Franti decided to visit the Middle East to see with his own eyes, the human
cost of war. He undertook the trip with a group of friends, a camera and his
acoustic guitar. On returning to the USA he edited the footage into a film and
encouraged fans to organise screenings in cinemas, in community halls and in
their homes.
‘I Know I’m Not
Alone’ is that award winning documentary, the filmmaking process resulted in
the album ‘Yell Fire!’ which was also the soundtrack to the film. The title of
the film is also the name of one of the tracks on the album.
Michael Franti
& Spearhead – I Know I’m Not Alone (Song)
I Know I’m Not Alone (Full length film)
I Know I’m Not Alone (website, with lyrics and background info):
Songs for Social Justice Dance Night featuring guest DJ Jerry Dammers -
o Thursday 26th January
o STUC Centre, 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow
o 6.45pm – midnight
o Tickets £8/£4 - Available direct from the STUC - 0141 337 8100
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