I have been a Dave Matthews fan for about 20 years. He hasbeen the greatest inspiration for me as a musician. My wife and I sang"You and me" at our wedding and we took our kids to shows from the time they were toddlers.
Throughout the years, I made connections with many other people who share the same love that I had for the band. I made new friends. Some of whom I met at shows. I liked the fact that one of the Facebook groups I was a part of was called "DMB Family" and it felt like Dave was bringing people together.
In that spirit of bringing people together, I wanted to create a tribute to the band that gave me so many happy moments throughout the years. Two years ago, I recorded my own interpretation of “Ants Marching”. We filmed the music video in a local record store in Akron, Ohio with a ‘boy meets girl 'storyline. They meet because of their shared love for “Under the Table and Dreaming”. It took me some time to complete the editing and then Israel, my country was attacked on October 7th.
My life turned upside down…As an Israeli. As a Jew. As a human being.
I felt like so much was taken from me, but I couldn’t possibly imagine that my favorite band (my happy place) would become such a heartbreaking disappointment. I never asked Dave to advocate for Israel, but after being silent for a few months he began using his shows as a platform to spread propaganda against Israel. His sympathy and sensitivity were obviously one-sided. I do not buy his, “I’m a pacifist.” and “I just care about the children” façade. It is true that after some backlash he did mention something about the NOVA festival and “all hostages”, but for me it was clear from the start that his “pacifism” was selective and hypocritical. He is totally buying into the anti-Israel propaganda and re-using the same wording and disgusting allegations like “genocide” which is a lie. Israel is defending itself against a brutal terrorist organization and doing everything in its power to minimize civilian casualties. It is sad for me to even have to explain that at this point.
Dave Matthews broke my heart, and I know I’m not the only Jewwho feels that way. The last thing I want to do is argue about this in the comments. I just wanted to express where I’m coming from. I know many people disagree with his politics and can still enjoy the music. I cannot.
Dave Matthews shows have become a place where disgusting propaganda is being spread instead of bringing people closer together. Disguised as a pacifist, he is spreading hate. I am a proud Jew way before I am a DMB fan. For me, this part of my life is over. After his rhetoric I decided I will not be attending shows any longer. Honestly, when I come across his music now, it feels like this awkward encounter with an ex-girlfriend.
Having said all of that, I feel I lost something I once had in common with many wonderful people over the years. I want to close this chapter in my life expressing my gratitude for all the special moments I’ve experienced from DMB. I debated on whether I should release this video or not. I decided that this would be my gift to all the Dave Matthews fans out there. This is my way of saying goodbye with a big hug rather than slamming the door.
I would like to thank everyone who participated and helped create this video. From the bottom of my heart - thank you for your time and talent.
Filmed at Hollow Bone Records
Directed by Shannon Marullo Ahlstrand
Filmed and edited by Akron Recording Company Benny Lava
Additional Editing Tyler Ray and myself.
Lead actors: Jenny Boswell Jeremy Winter
Actors: Brian Bortz @Hannah Khalaf Rob Grant III Bryant Lyles Sarah Ayleen Parr Ty Chenell Elizabeth Pastis Ed Houston David Monter Cathy Houston Chris Meyer
Lots of love,
Rami
Comentarios