This blog isn't really about music but then I suppose neither is the Eurovision Song Contest.
The annual glitzkreig is being held in Athens this year. The Impressionist notes that there are 37 rather than 38 countries taking part. Apparently Serbia-Montenegro have withdrawn due to friction between, er, Serbia and Montenegro.
The Eurovision website is a model of diplomacy: 'Radio Television of Serbia and Radio Television of Montenegro were unable to reach a mutual decision as to the contestant to represent Serbia and Montenegro at the ESC in Athens.' In fact, the winning band No Name (Montenegrins) had to be escorted from the auditorium after a mob (Serbs) threatened to beat them up.
The Impressionist assumes the threats were based on their ethnic origin rather than the quality of their singing. Politics has always been a part of Eurovision - feuds and loyalties are writ large as the voting is revealed.
The Impressionist earnestly hopes the Serbs and Montenegrins can find forgiveness in their hearts and remember that the Arts are here partly for us to escape realpolitik and its nasty relatives.
And Eurovision? Bring me your tat, your comic acts, your manicured punks: I love it. Now where did I leave that real world?
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