How music made history

In 1968 a group of Czech musicians formed the band the Plastic People of the Universe, influenced by music such as The Velvet Underground and Frank Zappa.

Another fan of The Velvet Underground was the writer and political activist Václav Havel. He did not underestimate the power of art, and part of his activism consisted of smuggling western LP’s into the country. When he finally met his idol Lou Reed in 1990, he told him that it was thanks to him that he had become Czech president in 1989.

Needless to say, the Czech authorities were no big fan of the Plastic People. After several conflicts, they finally arrested the band in 1977 and put them in prison. This inspired Havel and some others to write the Charta 77, which resulted in a political active group under the same name. All members played an important role in negotiating the 1989 Velvet Revolution. The end of the communist regime in Czechoslovakia got this name because of its non-violent nature, but also with a wink to… exactly: The Velvet Underground.

Václav Havel encouraged the Plastic People of the Universe to get back together, which they did. They still play concerts these days. They even played a concert in London two weeks ago. I discovered this today. Shit. I missed my chance to see music history perform life…

Today my basil plant died.