Event Organization: Politics or Barbarism

Should concert organizers be politicized? Of course they should, but before you hit me with the usual “don’t mix politics with music!” let’s talk about what it really means to be politicized and why it’s absolutely necessary, especially in the music scene. Because let’s be honest, what do we understand by “politics”? If it sounds to you like just parties, voting, and broken promises, let me give you a little reality check: everything is political. What you consume, what you listen to, the spaces you inhabit, the people you interact with—all of it. And concerts, of course, are no exception.

What does politics have to do with a concert?
Everything. From which bands are invited, who plays on those stages, to how safety, accessibility, and respect are managed at the event. And here we’re not talking about partisan politics, but rather a consciousness about the inequalities that exist around us, and how the decisions we make, especially in cultural events, impact different communities in various ways. So, when someone organizes a concert, they’re also deciding whom to give voice and space to, and what kind of environment they’re creating. In this sense, being “neutral” is a stance that doesn’t exist. You’re either contributing to a safe and inclusive space, or you’re perpetuating systems of oppression that are already everywhere.

The Myth of «Neutrality»
I’m sorry, but that story that music and politics don’t mix doesn’t fly anymore. In an ideal world, you could organize an event and pretend that things develop “naturally,” but reality is different. Leisure and cultural spaces also reproduce the structural inequalities that permeate our society. Haven’t you noticed that festivals are riddled with white, heterosexual men on the lineup? Or that, unfortunately, women and marginalized communities don’t always feel equally safe at these events, or how incidents of harassment and violence are still too common?
“Neutrality” in these cases only reinforces the status quo. And spoiler: the status quo is not a very inclusive or diverse place, to say the least.

What happens when organizers are not politicized?
Let’s move on to practical examples. Think about those festivals that ignore reports of harassment, as if misogynistic violence were not part of their responsibility. Or those lineups filled with bands whose only distinguishing feature seems to be testosterone. If organizers don’t take a clear stance, what they end up promoting, even if implicitly, is the repetition of those toxic dynamics. Without a political vision, it’s easy to fall into the trap of exclusion, violence, and lack of representation. If there’s no conscious effort to be inclusive and respectful, the festival is likely to become just another extension of the systems of oppression that we already experience in our daily lives.

Music as a Catalyst for Change
Music has historically been a tool of resistance, counterculture, and the fight against injustices. From punk to metal, there have been spaces where voices have risen against discrimination, fascism, sexism, and other social ills. So, why, in 2024, do we still think concerts should be “apolitical” spaces? It would be more honest to admit that organizers who refuse to politicize are really just looking the other way, avoiding social responsibilities under the false premise of “neutrality.”

So, what does it mean to be politicized?
It means being aware of the inequalities that exist and actively working to combat them. It means opening spaces for women’s bands, racialized individuals, and sexual minorities, not just as a matter of “quota,” but because their voices are equally valuable. It also involves taking steps to ensure that festivals and concerts are safe environments, where harassment and violence have no place, and where everyone can enjoy the music without fear. It also means promoting debates, talks, and spaces for reflection where we can continue building a musical culture that is not only diverse but also inclusive and empowering.

And what can we do as a community?
First, demand that festivals and organizers take a position and not bury their heads in the sand. Music is not just entertainment; it is a tool of resistance and social construction. Second, support those initiatives and events that are already doing this work, even if it seems like they’re going against the tide. Because yes, they exist, and they are growing. We also need to speak up, unsettle, and point out when something isn’t right. It’s not enough to ignore the problem or think that someone else will solve it. Otherwise, change will never come.

In conclusion: Concert organizers should be politicized because the simple act of organizing an event is already a political act. How are resources distributed? Who gets visibility? Is a safe space guaranteed for all attendees? How are tickets managed? How are issues like safety, respect, and inclusion addressed? All of this matters. And if you still believe it has nothing to do with you, you’re probably on the side of those who prefer that nothing changes.
So yes, they should be politicized because the world of music also needs to be a space for change, not just a repetition of the same old crap.