From jazz and folk to anarcho-punk, the cause of nuclear disarmament has been ardently defended by musicians. This listening session will rewind the tapes all the way to the 1950s and take you on a musical journey. Alongside a live YouTube playlist picking out historic moments where music and anti-nuclear activism intersect, join Professor George McKay, an academic of pop music, peace and protest, as well as musicians from Crass and the Fallout Marching Band, and activists from famous women’s peace camp Greenham Common as we explore how music has shaped the peace movement.
Playlist of the event
Aldermaston March, 1958 by Contemporary Films - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w98RGjsaS4
Lies by Alan Kennedy, Fallout Marching Band
You’re Already Dead, Crass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w5AxET519E
Dancing on the silos, Greenham Common Peace Camp
Reading list
Selected works generously offered by George McKay on his website: https://georgemckay.org/campaign-for-nuclear-disarmament-and-music-event-and-open-access-research-links/
Crass and CND by Paul Kerr - https://www.armscontrolwonk.com/archive/1210940/crass-and-campaign-for-nuclear-disarmament/