Protest songs have been on the wain for ages – but it seems more and more politicians are trying to court pop stars to support political parties. Lily Allen claims in today’s Sunday Times that both the Tories and Labour have asked her to attend their conferences.

The move from the Conservatives is especially strange and shows just how cynical politicians have become towards the music industry.  Lily has previously gone on record as being a fan of Tony Blair, and David Cameron has previously said he wouldn’t let his daughter listen to Lily’s music. This fact did not escape Miss Allen:

Yeah, and also I thought that his favourite album that he likes listening to with his kids is the Arctic Monkeys, which if I’m not mistaken is all about one-night stands and prostitution…But never mind. I don’t think they’d have been denouncing me if I’d turned up at the Conservative party conference.

Yeah – of course it doesn’t matter Lily isn’t actually a Tory, and that our Cameron might have expressed disapproval; it’s election time so let’s just wheel her out and we’ll look cool.

And this seems to be the exact thing they have done with Gary Barlow. While he is no doubt a talented songwriter you don’t often hear political statements in Take That songs.

But then again there was a reason for touting Gary Barlow – David Cameron wanted to announce his School Stars Campaign. This is a sort of X Factor competition that the party would bring into schools if elected. A more transparent, cheap attempt to gain popularity is hard to find.

Keane drummer Richard Hughes was right to be horrified when their song was used for the Conservative manifesto launch. While great musicians can make genuine political statements with their music, party politics is best avoided.

Picture Courtesy of Vagueonthehow