After careful consideration, Stephan Gray, Ryan Lewis and myself have decided to take out the clip of the IRA pin in the Irish Celebration video.
In no way did we mean to offend anyone. I realize now that the statement the pin makes is a bold one, particularly coming from an Irish American. It was not our intent to condone, nor glorify, the violence that has occurred on Irish soil. The pin was used to momentarily depict a symbol of Irish history, not take a political stance on Ireland’s past and present conflict. As an Irish-American, I lack first hand perspective of what the pin meant and the associations that are made with the IRA. I will never fully understand the tension, the emotion, and the day-to-day struggles that have occurred in Ireland. I take full accountability for our poor judgement and I sincerely apologize to anyone that I may have offended.
I also realize that this apology might not be enough for some. Is it the most accurate account of Irish history? Not even close. It is a song about celebrating culture, lineage, family, history and most of the all enjoying life to the fullest. Thousands of people from all of the world, have raised their glass, toasted and enjoyed a song that celebrates the things in life that I believe are worth celebrating…Family, friends and tradition. At the core of the song, that was the intention of Irish Celebration and the visuals that accompanied it. I hope that you can see past our mistake and enjoy the song for what it is. A song. A celebration. And a piece of music, that I am proud of creating.
Love the song and the video but I disagree with the decision to remove the pin. One of the reasons America has so many people of Irish descent is because we were escaping British Imperialism, and many of our Irish brothers have fought and died for the dream of a united Ireland. Ireland is a country where celebration goes hand in hand with sorrow and struggle, and I think it is important to show the aspects of Irish culture that aren’t just about drinking and celebration. Conflict and armed struggle against the British is something that defines us, and we shouldn’t neglect our history just because it is politically incorrect. Anyway, it is a great song and I love that you acknowledge and understand your Irish heritage.
As a resident and citizen of Ireland I am sorry to hear that the image of the badge has been removed. I understand your decision as some deemed offensive (most likely hypocrites). There is a sense of hypocrisy when it comes to the IRA in the nation of Ireland. The men who signed the proclamation in 1916 would still be fighting for this country’s freedom and independence, the free state attitude to the occupied 6 counties of Ireland is shocking, disgraceful and selfish. If you guys would like any further information on our history and present day views of Ireland, don’t hesitate to drop me a mail. I would only be too happy to help.
And congratulations on a great song, it’s very fulfilling to see our diaspora so proud of the wonderful heritage and culture of Ireland. If only my fellow born and raised Irish citizens would show the same attitude rather than sneer at your pride in your lineage then I’d be alot happier. Keep making the tunes lads and keep the patriotic flame burning.
TÁL
A well-measured response. The song remains dope. Keep doing what y’all are doing.
It takes a big man to admit that AND apologize for it. Just became a fan of your music but its nice to know of a hip hop artist with that big of a conscience. Good on you.
Thank you for a beautiful video and the courage to post such an honest response about your decision to edit out the IRA badge. If business leaders and politicians in the US were as truthful and forthright, this country would be a much better place.
cheers! I’m really looking forward to the March 5 show @ the Showbox!
[...] notice of in the comments. I’ve updated the video on FOC to the new one. Read more about it here +95 rating, 105 votes [...]
If taking the IRA pin is what needs to happen to make this video popular, than so be it. I wish I were as Irish as a Haggerty. But, as he says, “Even if you’re not Irish” Put your Glass Up. The meaning of Ireland, Family, Heritage, Music. These are things you cannot quantify in a three minute music video. Macklemore makes me more proud to be 1/4 Irish than the 10 St. Patrick Celebrations I’ve witnessed so far.
I don’t think it was at all necessary to remove the flag. Being born and raised in Ireland it is most definitely not offensive. However, I applaud your well thought out apology AND your music.
That pin is one of 2 or 3 things that instantly stood out for me when watching this video. The song is incredible, and it resonates on so many levels, the video was shot so well, that it’s awesome to watch even without the music. But that pin, it jumped out in front of everything else in the video. I lived in England back in the days of the IRA. I’ve been to shopping malls as a little kid and had to walk through metal detectors run by Soldiers because the IRA had planted a bomb there and killed people previously. I’ve been evacuated from school because of threats made against our town. At the time, I didn’t understand what was going on. Now, years later, I have a much better understanding of what it was all about.
My point is, a few hundred years ago, there were people in this country that were labeled as radicals, terrorists, killers and rebels. But it’s because of their actions that we are not an occupied British Territory, and we as Americans, have our own place in the world. The IRA was fighting for their place in the world too. People died in that fight, people that had nothing to do with the politics behind the war. Families were killed, kids were killed, and combatants were killed, just like any other war that has taken place throughout history.
Seeing that pin in the video shocked me, which doesn’t happen very often anymore. It didn’t shock me because of what the IRA represented, or their actions over their 35 or so years of fighting against the British occupation. I wasn’t shocked because I was offended or thought you were in some way promoting or condoning the terrorist acts they perpetrated in the furthering of their goal to be a free State, I was shocked because there was someone that felt strongly enough about their heritage to put something so controversial in their video. And I admire that. There are so few people anymore who actually understand (or even care about) their heritage, that it’s downright shocking when you see someone who does. I don’t think you should have pulled it out, but I respect your decision regardless of what the reasons were.
I too was taken aback when I saw the IRA pin in the original video but I was by no means offended or felt it was out of place. Just as others have commented, it IS part of our history and you were spot on to highlight it. It showed insight into our heritage and as an Irishman through and through living here in Galway I want to congratulate you on a superb song and video which combines your lineage and personal life in such a balanced manner.
I think if you were to pay us a visit over here you would get a welcome you couldn’t imagine!
I’m of Irish decent myself, my family hails from a town that got drawn onto the wrong side of the border. It quickly became a center for violence, death and war. I went to visit a few years back and as I toured my families houses I kept noticing bullet holes, broken windows and IRA murals all over town. I knew that these were all a result of “the troubles” but didn’t realize the extent to which these troubles ran. I was shocked to see pictures of British tanks rolling through town and rioting in the square. I was shocked to hear stories of random killings from both sides, deaths as recently as the 90’s and killing sprees that sound like they’re from a video game.
As a descendant of the Hanratty family of Crossmaglen this is my heritage. I can’t do, nor would I do anything to change it. The murals have not been painted over, the bullet holes have not been filled. IRA propaganda is everywhere in that little town because it’s a part of who they are and a reminder of what they’ve been through.
I was disappointed when I read that you were removing the image of the IRA pin from your video. This is one of my favorite songs and the video is amazing and fitting. I was impressed when I saw the pin, finally someone who wants to show their Irish pride is willing to acknowledge the dark parts of its history. It’s not all Lucky Charms, Guinness and rainbows. You want to celebrate your history, celebrate all of it, even the part where people die.
To quote you: “… preach nonviolence but remind us of the scars….”
[...] new favorite rapper Macklemore shows lots of class, and in a just world, is destined for [...]