Former Velvet Underground drummer Moe Tucker has confirmed that she has joined the Tea Party.
The recent rumours about Moe Tucker’s political stance has provoked an unusual response. Despite not being in the public eye for some time, the drummer’s reputed right wing beliefs have caused consternation amongst fans of The Velvet Underground.
Famously one of the most influential rock groups of all time, a recent television report showing one ‘Maureen Tucker’ endorsing the Tea Party was met with no small amount of anger. Right wing political views, it seems, are not compatible with membership of icons such as The Velvet Underground.
Now Moe Tucker has broken cover to confirm that it is, indeed, her in that fateful video. Contacted by the Huffington Post, the drummer confirmed that it was her in the video news report.
However Tucker has refused to talk about her role in the video, or her political views. The video fuelled fan speculation, becoming a massive viral hit on the internet. Typically, the reporter on the news channel failed to make the connection between ‘Maureen Tucker’ and The Velvet Underground.
The news has once again caused a stir with fans of The Velvet Underground. With their art-rock leanings and connection to Andy Warhol the band are loosely connected to libertarian ideals.
Yet the Tea Party is a deeply reactionary pressure group, prompting by the Obama’s administration’s decision to bail out the faltering banking system. Set to make enormous gains in the November mid terms, the speculation underlines how big a threat to the Democrats the Tea Party organisation has become.
An unusual political phenomenon, recent events underline how unusual it is to see a right wing rocker. Johnny Ramone was famously a staunch Republican, while Ted Nugent is a notable conservative.
Poor old Moe, though. Lou Reed has got away with far worse behaviour!
