"I think even five years ago mainstream artists were afraid of alienating potential fans by being open with their identities and beliefs." No doubt the number of people who have both come out and political in their shows or music have increased significantly in the last 5 years, but don't forget Boy George, Elton John, David Bowie, Melissa Etheridge, and K.D. Laing to name a few big ones. Many others came out perhaps unwillingly, but then embraced it.
"I think even five years ago mainstream artists were afraid of alienating potential fans by being open with their identities and beliefs." No doubt the number of people who have both come out and political in their shows or music have increased significantly in the last 5 years, but don't forget Boy George, Elton John, David Bowie, Melissa Etheridge, and K.D. Laing to name a few big ones. Many others came out perhaps unwillingly, but then embraced it.