Can pop music achieve genuine political change?

It first appears that music and politics don’t mix, however some have argued that “pop becomes the expression of its political and social context” (street in F.S.S) this can be best examined in music events know for political impact; such as live8. Causing millions of individuals to take part for both political and musical reasons; subsequently having genuine political impact.

On the other hand, it has also been suggested that the mixing of music with politics has lead to generations of arguably hypocritical artists; such as Michael Jackson who despite producing outwardly politically music about world issues, appears in deeper analysis to be only self-serving, with limited political motivation.

The single redeeming factor being that despite the overriding objective of financial gain, the music still provokes thought on political issues. So in this sense music may not achieve political change itself, but can set into motion events that can.