It’s a well known fact that Republicans and Democrats don’t agree on pretty much anything, but it appears they have found common ground in one endeavor, getting Yes into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Voices for Yes (VFY) is an independent group comprised of well-known Republican and Democrat consultants that today announced it will embark on an effort to get the legendary, influential progressive rock band inducted.
Republican John Brabender and Democrat Tad Devine are leading the effort which will employ traditional political campaign tools and tactics to mount a national grassroots and media campaign to make the case for Yes. The group will work to create a narrative that explains why Yes deserves induction into the Hall by highlighting the depth of influence Yes’s music has had on the music industry and other artists, some of whom have already been inducted into the Hall. There will also be a comprehensive media effort to engage Yes fans all over the world to let their voice be heard. Supporters are encouraged to visit the website voicesforyes.com and sign a petition supporting Yes’ induction into the Hall. There is also a Facebook page for the effort and a Twitter account @VoicesforYes.
John Brabender is the Chief Creative Officer at BrabenderCox and Senior Media Strategist for the Santorum Campaign. He said, “Initially when we developed the concept, we discovered that Yes’ music has been greatly influential to other musicians and in a bizarre twist, their music is revered by many politicians. In fact, we were excited at how quickly the two political parties could put policy disputes aside for this common goal. Republicans and Democrats actually agree on something: that Yes is one of the most influential progressive rock bands ever – and ultimately ensure Yes gets rightful place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
Tad Devine oversaw presidential runs for John Kerry in 2004 and Al Gore in 2000. He said, “So often, the best political consultants are on opposite sides of the issues. But what’s so great here is that Republican and Democrat consultants are working together and ensure Yes gets into the Hall. But we know a few consultants won’t be able to sway the Hall voters to induct Yes, so we are embarking on a national campaign to move numbers to Yes’ favor. The collective campaign efforts of politicians, politicos, journalists, musicians and fans are what make this endeavor interesting and hopefully successful in the end.”
In addition, “Voices for Yes” will chronicle the effort with a documentary. It will provide the viewer an unprecedented behind the scenes look into the campaign – complete with footage from Yes concerts, closed door meetings with consultants, strategy sessions and countless interviews with fans, concert goers and some of Rock’s greatest legends. Filming started last Saturday at the band’s Yestival in Camden, New Jersey and will continue chronicling the efforts of “Voices for Yes” throughout the summer.
Read more at VVN Music
