The story of Canada’s and arguably the worlds greatest industrial band, Skinny Puppy— dropping an invoice on the U.S. government for $666,000 in back royalties after learning that their music was used as a method of torture at Guantánamo Bay—has been put in circulation again, in light of the recent release of the CIA Torture report from the Bush Era Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Above is an interview with singer Nivek Ogre from earlier this year, and below an interview with synth composer cEvin Key from the same time period:
Cevin Key, the band’s keyboardist, says the band at first planned to design an album cover based on an invoice for the U.S. government, rather than sending a physical invoice. But after learning that the government had allegedly used their music without permission, Key says the band was told it could bring a suit against the Department of Defense.”We sent them an invoice for our musical services considering they had gone ahead and used our music without our knowledge and used it as an actual weapon against somebody,” Key told CTV’s Kevin Newman Live.
And Key said band members were “offended” to learn that their music was played in the notorious prison to “inflict damage” on detainees.
“I wouldn’t want to be subjected to any overly loud music for six to 12 hours at a time without a break,” he said.
Key says a former Guantanamo Bay guard and fan of the band contacted the musicians to let them know their music was being used at the detention centre. – [CTV]
Skinny Puppy are currently finishing up their Eye Vs. Spy tour with Youth Code, Front Line Assembly, and Haujobb
| Dec 13 | The Complex | Salt Lake City, UT | ||||
| Dec 15 | Showbox SoDo | Seattle, WA | Tickets | |||
| Dec 16 | Commodore Ballroom | Vancouver, Canada | Tickets | |||
| Dec 17 | Roseland Theatre | Portland, OR | Tickets | |||
| Dec 19 | The Warfield | San Francisco, CA | Tickets | |||
| Dec 20 | The Fox Theater | Pomona, CA | Tickets |
Cold winter’s journey Oh your soul keeps bleeding on Through the storm and the war…
Untie The few and far behind Interest informant redefined Form a feed within and without…
Lost in a dream again Tell me that you want me, no need to pretend…
You can’t believe what they say, they’ll treat you like a fool It hurts me…
Did you feel afraid to whisper? It’s such cold comfort but it’s real The weight…
When light has gone Snow angels will turn to grey Dark veil of our embrace…