Punk was once non-commercial. Back in 1988, during the founding years of Anti-Flag, anti-capitalist lyrics still resonated well. Songs like "Kill The Rich" may still be played today, but it became hard to take them seriously after they signed a contract with the major label RCA, which is part of the Sony-BMG group. How far they have strayed from their original ideals is also demonstrated by the Americans today with Meet & Greet events, where fans can pay homage to their idols, or with strange advertising contracts with Coca Cola, Red Bull, and Jägermeister.
The promotion by the T-Mobile copywriters seems odd for a punk event:
"On Sunday, August 24, the T-Mobile Extreme Playgrounds will once again raise the flag for action sports and festivals! As the third band, one of the most successful US punk exports, Anti-Flag, will march in for the Summer Session. They will be joined in the Waterski Arena Pinneberg by the legendary colleagues Pennywise and the Swedish rock headliner Mando Diao. [...] The music program is set! With Anti-Flag, the third musical highlight of the Summer Session is in the bag. Known for their politically engaged lyrics and their captivatingly melodic punk sets, the four musicians from Pittsburgh will not hesitate at the T-Mobile Extreme Playgrounds and will blast material from their new album ?The Bright Lights Of America? at thousands of fans. Since 1993, Anti-Flag has been shaking up the punk scene worldwide and has driven even the most laid-back concert-goers wild with their spectacular live performances on tour with Billy Talent, Rage Against The Machine, NOFX, and the Donots. On Sunday, August 24, Anti-Flag will take over the massive festival stage in the Waterski Arena Pinneberg and pave the way for Pennywise and headliner Mando Diao."
The promotion by the T-Mobile copywriters seems odd for a punk event:
"On Sunday, August 24, the T-Mobile Extreme Playgrounds will once again raise the flag for action sports and festivals! As the third band, one of the most successful US punk exports, Anti-Flag, will march in for the Summer Session. They will be joined in the Waterski Arena Pinneberg by the legendary colleagues Pennywise and the Swedish rock headliner Mando Diao. [...] The music program is set! With Anti-Flag, the third musical highlight of the Summer Session is in the bag. Known for their politically engaged lyrics and their captivatingly melodic punk sets, the four musicians from Pittsburgh will not hesitate at the T-Mobile Extreme Playgrounds and will blast material from their new album ?The Bright Lights Of America? at thousands of fans. Since 1993, Anti-Flag has been shaking up the punk scene worldwide and has driven even the most laid-back concert-goers wild with their spectacular live performances on tour with Billy Talent, Rage Against The Machine, NOFX, and the Donots. On Sunday, August 24, Anti-Flag will take over the massive festival stage in the Waterski Arena Pinneberg and pave the way for Pennywise and headliner Mando Diao."
