When I first heard that Macklemore had been named as the NRL grand final entertainment, I was a little disappointed. I find his music quite tedious, especially ‘Thrift Shop’ and the song about the moped.
Events in the last few days have changed my mind as I now look forward to him performing ‘Same Love’ to a national television audience. Despite the fact it is one of his most popular songs (and in my opinion his best) it comes at a time in our country’s history where its subject matter is as topical as ever. Much like when it was released in his own country in 2012.
Many will argue that politics and sport should be separated, namely former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, but that is something that is never going to happen. Just have a look at recent events in the NFL to see proof of this.
It’s not a new phenomenon either; Tommie Smith and John Carlos’ raised fist salute at the 1968 Olympics just one example from the past.
The same-sex marriage vote has also already seen much of Australia’s sporting community come forward to share their opinions, as they are well within their right to do. Many of the country’s major sporting codes, the NRL and AFL included, have already expressed their support for the ‘yes’ campaign, as has one of league’s most famous identities in Andrew Johns.
Players have also come out on the other side of the debate, most famously Israel Folau in a tweet a couple of weeks ago.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
The NRL has two reasons to support their entertainment performing a song that is considered controversial.
One: the message of the song is in line with the stance that the competition has already supported.
Two: controversy gets people interested. Many have already weighed in on whether the song should be performed and news media have been running stories on it all week. There will be masses of people tuning in to see Macklemore’s performance that wouldn’t be watching the grand final otherwise. Who knows, they might even hang around to watch the game too.
Fox Sports and Channel Nine will be licking their lips about point two as well. Ratings are sure to be higher than they usually are, which is perfect in a year when no NSW teams have made the decider. Those in charge have every right to be worried about crowd numbers and the level of interest in Sydney, one of the game’s main markets.
There are many things to look forward to on Sunday. Macklemore’s performance is just one of them. We’ll get to find out who will win the final year of the under-20s, whether the Papua New Guinea Hunters become the best lower grade team in the ‘country’, and if the Cowboys can keep this miracle run going.
While not sharing where I sit on the issue, it probably becomes apparent on reading this article. Bring on Macklemore and bring on the grand final!
Gold Coast Bunny
Guest
Yep agree We are of the same opinion and that we respect their right to choose to walk away from the game. If you believe that then not sure how you can then say that doesn’t mean that you then you have to respect the decision to do so. That’s a bit like saying in the SSM debate that you respect everyone’s right to get married but do not respect two gay people if they do get married. Perhaps I am not smart enough to see the difference here but to me you don’t get to have a bet each way - you either respect 100% or you don’t. Any way off topic I guess as we are talking about both of us being on the same page re leaving the with the delivery being the issue. For me one method remains respectful while the other becomes agreesive, personal and derogatory. I will admit I haven’t read Hundreds of your posts however the ones that I have were well written and free from the usual personal demeaning and bullying language that seems to litter many other sites. One of the reasons I do come onto the roar pages is that there is not as many of the personal attacks on other sites and why I enjoy the posts from you. I rarely get involved in posting for these reasons so I guess I will just continue to read roarers comments, ignore those that cannot articulate an argument without getting personal and accept the occasional disparaging remark from yourself which perhaps comes from a point of frustration. Best of luck to Dean Pay and your Doggies next year
Norad
Guest
Easy to spot the media commentators in this who know nothing about NRL. The NRL music entertainment is before the game not at halftime!!!!!!!!!
The Barry
Roar Guru
Don't get me wrong I respect someone's right to choose to walk away from the game. But it doesn't automatically follow that I have to respect the actual decision. It doesn't seem like you would either. You called it ridiculous. I called them a flog. We're on the same spectrum.
Marco
Guest
It could be that some people object to,what should be just a sporting contest, the event turning into a circus. And that is a shame in the eyes of a lot of fans. I don't really care about the politics and I hope it doesn't put a dampener on the game.
Gold Coast Bunny
Guest
I agree with your first paragraph 100%. However if someone decides to leave a game they have followed and loved over the matter you outlined then that also is their decision and whilst I find it quite ridiculous to do so I would agian have to respect that decision. Whilst it would be disappointing to loose a fan it is in effect that person who is loosing out here, cutting off their nose to spite their face if you will. To call that person a flog for doing so so TB is, for someone who generally provides such Intelligent responses, somewhat unbecoming. Don’t bring yourself down to others levels as I much prefer to read your usual articulate and witty responses to this.
Justin Kearney
Roar Rookie
Cool story bro
steveng
Roar Rookie
Do you know what 'xenophobe' is??? As I never ever said that I'm against or have a 'dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries' as my family came from Europe (a long time ago) and I've been happily married to a different coloured and cultured woman for a very long time!!!
The Barry
Roar Guru
Who claimed to have voted for the song? I couldn't care less about the song. It could be on the radio now and I wouldn't know. I think it's hilarious and a bit lame that people are never going to miss the grand final and never watch footy again because of a song at halftime!
Justin Kearney
Guest
Rant over?
Justin Kearney
Guest
Try reading my post jacko and understanding it. I said 72% of those who have voted. Lighten up mate. Its only a vote about letting more people marry.
Justin Kearney
Guest
20 billion to support what? You've lost it mate.
Jacko
Guest
Clipper are you wanting to engage the next generation of fans by isolating the current set of fans? Stats say the League demographic is 24-54yo.......
Jacko
Guest
justin I am calm...Until the 8 times you go on about me calming down. And here you are posting on EVERY comment I have made....Who needs to calm down???
Jacko
Guest
I guess I wasnt at the vote for the song then....As you guys say you chose it rather than it being decided for you. Perhaps you should research what has happened when these laws were changed in Countries with no Constitution...like Aus has no constitution......It wont affect my life in any way and I could happily go thru like never hearing this rubbish ever again but for an issue that should have been decided by Plebicite around a year ago it just keeps dragging on and on. The current Govt was given a Mandate to have this and it should be done that way.....If it had been done that way it would now be law and no one would be going on about it still. How is it that so many other countries can get it done and dusted but Aus cant? Labour and the Greens say they want it done but refuse to back the way that would have it passed long before now.
Jacko
Guest
The AFL removed it after 1 day
Jacko
Guest
And this week its down to 58%...what is it next week?
Jacko
Guest
Yeah and he will spend another 20 billion wasted money to support it....Labour waste waste waste
chris
Guest
Mike listens to Ray Hadley to form his opinions
chris
Guest
And how did the NRL politicise this issue exactly? Macklemore was locked in months ago after a focus group selected him as the artist that should perform. So good ol tones the ex PM, says he shouldnt be playing and we should all jump and ban the guy? Exactly what did you want the NRL to do? Bow to the most despised PM we've ever had? I dont think so.
RandyM
Guest
wow you talk rubbish