Maroon 5 Join Arizona Boycott Over Immigration Law

By Steve Baltin Posted Jul 23rd 2010 12:15PM

Maroon 5 aren't known as a political band, but they've now joined the likes of Rage Against the Machine, Nine Inch Nails, Kanye West, Ben Harper and many others in protesting Arizona's controversial new immigration law.

When PopEater recently visited Maroon 5 in Los Angeles, frontman Adam Levine said it was a tough choice to cross Arizona off any touring they'll be doing for their upcoming 'Hands All Over' album.

"I did an interview in Tucson on the radio. [The host] asked about playing there," Levine recalled. "I said it was a really difficult decision to make because we have fans out there that are being penalized essentially by us not playing, so it's a really difficult decision to make. It really kind of comes down to what feels right, and it really didn't feel right to play there and reward Arizona for what we thought was a really bad decision."

Levine and the rest of his bandmates are aware that with controversial issues like the Arizona law, which will go into effect July 29, there is often a backlash against artists speaking out.

"We're just citizens. It's always good to look at everything that we're talking about, discussing, debating or standing up for as an issue," he said, "not to grandstand, necessarily, our beliefs, but kind of just follow our hearts, as cheesy as that sounds, and say, 'Look, this is how I feel, so I'm going to do this.'"

Maroon 5's tour kicks off July 30 in Saratoga Springs, NY, and runs through October. 'Hands All Over' is due out Sept. 21 from A&M.

Watch Maroon 5 Perform Live at Sessions

Tags: Adam Levine, Maroon 5

Comments

(141)

Friday 23 July

By Andrea

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

The majority of students in CA (Los Angeles), AZ, and TX is because all these states used to be Mexico. There not all illegal. Their families trace back before the formation of the unites states.

By Jb seckler

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Every 30 years Mexico's population doubles becuase they won't use birth control. If they get amnesty they will bring in their large families & we'll have 60-75 milloin more on welfare ,there are no more jobs.Gangs Drugs Bedbugs & Low wage workers.

By Cathy

you know, if the federal government would make it a law that if you are illegal, your american born kids will not be citizens, that would be a start. I stand with Arizona all the way!

By chuck

I live here in Arizona and I am white, born and raised in Colorado, moved here 10 years ago, I do believe that GOD created only one race and that is the HUMAN race!! But that does not give ANYONE the right to "Boycott" this state, not everyone voted for or even against this law!! It is very unfair for those of us, who miss out on entertainment, because of other's beliefs!!

By Ian

First off you were born in Colorado which makes you better than people in AZ. So you have a much better understanding of life.

By robert stewart

If they can get political instead of musical, then my friends and I can get political and boycot their music... Remember the DixisChickens?

By Real American

yes and they did very well, won lots of awards and guess what they were right!

By Monika

All of you, look back into your family tree and find out how your family members ended up in United States. Are you sure they all came here with their green cards in their pockets?

By mickey

Monika, you're just another nutcase ragging on people who are expressing their opinion.

By KellyinCali

So glad you asked. Yes, my mother came here with green card in hand. My father's family arrived prior to the Revolutionary War. Frankly, the only artists who should be speaking out on this are those who are from Arizona. This is what the majority of the citizens of Arizona want in place to protect themselves. I am a Californian who is boycotting cities like San Francisco who have decided to ignore Federal laws and have decided to let the nation know they are a sanctuary city and they will not deport those here illegally. I disagree with their stance, so I don't have to spend my money in their city.

By Linda

Yes, all of them!

By george clooney

I wonder why we have laws? So illegals can break them and then split our country with controversary? Why is there such a department as Immigration, if its not going to enforce ILLEGAL immigration? Most of America knows it is about VOTING...the DEMS need the illegal immigrants VOTE or they will lose every seat in Congress. As for this band, lol...you are not known for anything you have done but you will be known for putting your 3 cents in something you should not have.

By Suava

Monika,learn the history of this country.
It will help you a lot to understand the immigration law
of this country.

By Shelby

I want these people that are protesting AZ new law to take their children and spouses (if they have them) and go live where these people live in AZ that fear for their homes and lives due to the violence and lets see how loud they'd be screaming for reform on this issue and for some help!

By gtrplr1960

There are garage bands in Arizona that are better than Maroon 5. This issue is about law breaking and a government who chooses not to enforce the law so they don't alienate a certain voter base. Arizona needs this law and I applaude the Governor for having the courage to fight for justice. Maroon 5, we aren't interested in your thoughts.

By fortadogarmany

Hell I have a few of Maroon 5 CD's guess I will chuck them right away. And I for one am "BUYCOTTING" AZ I am purchasing all I can find "whether I need it or not" stuff made there. GO AZ!!!!!!!

By Tina

I say go ahead and give amnesty to all the illegals. And let Kanye, Moron 5 and all those other overpaid do gooders foot the bill.

By jrwolfestr

Maroon 5 and everyone else that protests AZ's new law seem to do so by not using the adjective "ILLEGAL ." Its illegal immigration Arizona is against not LEGAL immigration. Just fill out the paperwork.

By kingsrulal

If not hearing Moron 5 is a punishment? Then sign me up.

By Frank

Saw these jerks open for the stones in CT in 2005. Looked and sounded like a jam band performing its first gig in a run down gin mill. How many ILLEGALS have bought Maroon 5 or Kanye West tickets?

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