Hear Black Veil Brides cover Bruce Springsteen in support of BLM
Black Veil Brides are taking a break from working on their new album to show their support for Black Lives Matter and the George Floyd protests.
On June 13, the band released a cover of Bruce Springsteen‘s “American Skin (41 Shots).” The song was written by Springsteen following a New York police shooting in 1999.
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On May 30, Black Veil Brides first showed their support for those fighting for change after the wrongful killing of Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.
“We stand with those who are fighting for their voices to be heard,” the band say. “Our nation can no longer accept the status quo. We see you, we hear you, we love you. #RIPGeorgeFloyd.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA0qqZzJrrH/
Now, Black Veil Brides are using their platform to raise awareness and encourage donations to various organizations in support of Black Lives Matter. This week, they have released a cover of Springsteen’s “American Skin (41 Shots).”
In 1999, Amadou Diallo was killed at the hands of New York police after they wrongfully identified him as a suspect in a case. The officers shot him 41 times after they believed he was reaching for his gun when he was really reaching for his wallet. His death led to protests across New York and the country. The death of Diallo eventually led Springsteen to write the song “American Skin (41 Shots).”
Although the death of Diallo happened over twenty years ago, the incident is so similar to what America and other countries still continue to see today. As well, the meaning of “American Skin (41 Shots)” greatly represents the oppression, police brutality and racism that is still ingrained in society.
For Black Veil Brides, the relevant subject matter is why they decided to cover “American Skin (41 Shots).” Through this new cover, they are urging fans to support and donate to anti-racist organizations as protests continue worldwide.
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“’American Skin (41 Shots)’ is a song originally written and performed by Bruce Springsteen,” the band say. “[It is] inspired by the police shooting and death of a young black man named Amadou Diallo in New York City in the late ’90s. Tragically, the subject matter of this song is as relevant today as it’s ever been. So we wanted to share with you our own rendition of this song. And urge you to donate to support the movement for justice and anti-racist organizations.”
In the statement, Black Veil Brides make it known they’re aware their Springsteen cover won’t be the catalyst for change. However, they hope that their platform will lead to an increase in donations to various organizations. As well, they hope this cover will help spread awarness of the ongoing movement and America’s police brutality history.
“While obviously a song alone will not be an inflection point for societal change, we as artists wanted to share something in support of this incredibly important time in history,” they continue. “And direct you to organizations who are at the forefront of effecting real change. And fighting against the systemic oppression and racism that the black community and POC face every single day. We are not interested in making any money from this song. Instead, we ask that if you enjoy it please consider donating to one of the many organizations. Thank you for listening. #blacklivesmatter.”
Donate to the movement for justice and support anti-racist organizations.
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You can stream Black Veil Brides’ cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “American Skin (41 Shots)” below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBWCTz_AoZ4/
Along with the cover, the band have shared various social media posts in support of the movement. On June 3, Andy Biersack shared a photo of him attending a peaceful protest in Hollywood.
“Peaceful protest today in Hollywood #blacklivesmatter,” Biersack says.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA9HAJxAhWK/
On June 1, lead guitarist Jake Pitts also shared a lengthy statement about the ongoing protests against police brutality.
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“The amount of hate in this world is appalling,” Pitts says. “I haven’t been able to find the right words to say about the current situation in our country. I still feel like I do not have the words, to properly display the powerful emotions all of this makes me feel. All I know is we are all human, one race. We should not be divided, we should not judge each other by race, color of our skin, religious preference, sexuality, or gender.”
His full statement is available to read below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA6-tCwnuNg/
To show support through donations, connect with grassroots campaigns and obtain resources for allies, please refer to the links below.
Help the family of George Floyd here.
Fight for Breonna Taylor here.
Help the family of Ahmaud Arbery here.
To sign petitions for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and more, click here.
Donate to one or more community bail funds for protesters here.
Click here for more resources for protestors, including pro-bono lawyers.
Visit Movement For Black Lives for additional ways you can help the cause.
Click here to connect with leaders building grassroots campaigns.
Here are some anti-racism resources for allies who want to learn more.For other ways to donate, please head here.
