This is a recording of a performance by Sinead O’Connor at the Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary Tribute concert at Madison Square Garden in 1992.
Less than two weeks earlier, Ms. O’Connor had appeared on Saturday Night Live and performed an a capella version of Bob Marley’s “War”. At the end of the song she held up a photograph of Pope John Paul II and tore it into pieces as a way of protesting against the perpetuation and cover up of child abuse within the Roman Catholic church. She was met with utter silence.
Ms. O’Connor’s reception at Madison Square Garden was mixed. There were certainly cheers, but the booing nearly overwhelmed them.
Whatever you may think of her actions on Saturday Night Live, there can be no question that this is the very image of grace under pressure, of conviction, of a passion for speaking out against abuse (of which she was also a victim).
This is courage, and this one is for Zoe.
Fluff and Bunkum 
I like it when people put their cause ahead of their career… it doesn’t happen often.
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It doesn’t. She took a LOT of flak for that, and her career did suffer. I think she is finally being vindicated, though.
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People took the side of the child molesting priests… makes you wonder.
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There was a piece in the Times that pissed me off back then. It basically accused her of being self-centered, of expecting her problems to be the world’s problems. They painted her as a whiny, bratty child.
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People who make waves often get slapped down
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Yeah. I actually have some personal experience with that. I tend to be a wave maker. I never learn, either, but I kind of like that about me.
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Once again, you are preaching to the choir
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That made me cry. Thank you. It was really moving. I lost everything making waves in my family. I got abused for it and still do. If I could report them and prove it, I would.
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I know, sweetie. I know how strong you are, how brave. I have *so much* respect for you, and I wanted you to know it.
All My Love,
AZG
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Thank you, this meant so much to me! Hugs xo
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Back atcha, babe. 🙂
::HUGS::
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Reblogged this on behindthemaskofabuse and commented:
Gringa post this with me in mind. When I listened to it, it made me cry. I have a new respect for Sinead and the stand she took despite her pain and being “boo’d.” Thank Gringa!
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Though some of her methods may be questionable at times, Sinead O’Connor has always stood up for what she believes. Thanks for honoring Zoe.
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It was my great pleasure to do so.
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Reblogged this on Made of Moxie and commented:
Oh my god. I never saw this before. Yes. THIS IS COURAGE.
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Reblogged this on justiceforkevinandjenveybaylis.
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