U2 in tribute to the Polish ‘Solidarity’
Solidarity and music go hand in hand. They both can evoke the deepest feelings and trigger emotions that miraculously make people share visions and hold hands. Solidarity is a concept most intrinsic to the modern history of Poland, which - shortly after Poland - spread over the neighbouring countries as a mighty means of defying the Soviet domination. It all started in northern Poland in August 1980. We, the Poles, feel very proud of the bravery and initiative of our shipyard workers to commence such a powerful phenomenon back in the early 1980s that has shaped the history of the contemporary world. What is even more important, is the fact that countless influential artists and other high-profile individuals worldwide for decades have been repetitively referring to ‘Solidarność’ (Polish for ‘solidarity’) as the symbol and synonym of power for the people who collectively seek relief or remedy thus keeping the concept alive and admirable. And in such artistic representations, the masses of suppressed people are depicted in singing or cheering a phrase that makes a lot of sense to them as a message to those in power.
Again, solidarity and music go hand in hand. The picture gets particularly poignant when a social movement involves young people. They seem to be thriving on loud sounds and radical - still fresh - undertakings. In Poland, back in the times before 1989, music played a vital role for the youth to voice their desires and ideas concerning political and social issues inextricably interwoven into their daily lives. I think that today’s rock concerts still bring the revolutionary attitude to the fore in young Poles’ heads. Their minds are still pliant and open to support the good when the aim is blatantly justifiable. Loud music and crowds are like fuel for their actions.
U2 is a leading rock group in the Polish media, beloved by dozens of people irrespectively of age. Ever since 1983, the year of the release of their ‘War’ album which consists of the song “New Year’s Day” conspicuously referring to the Polish Marital Law from 1981 and the Solidarity movement of the Polish blue-collar workers, Bono and his band mates mean much more to us than just a source of valuable music.
This footage from YouTube™ depicts one gig U2 gave in Chorzów in southern Poland in July 2005. The fans were prepared in advance for the song so that they equipped themselves with white and red pieces of fabric depending on the location within the stadium, just to create the impression of a huge Polish flag. Judging by the comments posted underneath the footage, it was absolutely successful and brought the Polish people scattered all around the globe in defending their need to proudly manifest their Polish origin. One could conclude that the atmosphere there during this song was beaming with the feeling of pure solidarity and unity. The spirits were high, the tears were out and the voices were loud. Surely, solidarity and music go hand in hand.
