Senator EXON. In fact, I think I know you. I think a friend of
yours, Rainbow Terrain, has talked about you. She is an art instructor
and a friend of my wife's, and I kind of think I know you through her.
Just one basic question. Please clarify for us, what is your opinion
to the key question that has been asked time and time again here, and you
have alluded to it: Are you for the printing of material on records?
Are you for or against, or are you for or against any kind of a rating as
long as it is done voluntarily between the record companies and the producers?
That is my key question. And I would simply say one more time,
which I have said every time I have had this microphone this morning,
I think it is wrong to imply that, although no bills have been
introduced, that bills might not be introduced. And I want to hold
that threat, for what it is worth, over the head of trying to accomplish
some free enterprise volunteerism that most people have agreed to.
What do you think about a free enterprise volunteerism, getting
together and either printing or coming up with a rating program of
some kind that would be properly displayed in the records?
Mr. DENVER. I am opposed. As an artist, I am opposed to any kind
of a rating system, voluntarily or otherwise. I think putting
lyrics on the sleeve of an album or a jacket of an album is no problem for me.
Again, I think it goes beyond reading the words, and I bring up
again the song "Rocky Mountain High." You know, some people,
high is high, and high is getting stoned and high is a feeling of
elation, celebration of life.
As I told the people of the Soviet Union when I had the privilege
of singing for them there, I sang "Rocky Mountain High" and then
I described what "high" meant to me. And I said to them, that is
how I feel having the privilege of singing for you.
That is how I feel having the opportunity to participate in my
Government here today.
Senator EXON. Thank you, Mr. Denver.
The CHAIRMAN. Senator Pressler.
Senator PRESSLER. I guess that ties in with my question. Your basic line
is that you are against any type of Government action in this area, or
indeed any voluntary labeling?
Mr. DENVER. I would be, yes.
Senator PRESSLER. Thank you very much.
The CHAIRMAN. John, thank you very much. Thank you for your patience,
for waiting so long.
Mr. DENVER. Thank you, Senator. It is a great privilege to be with you all.
The CHAIRMAN. Thank you.
Next we have Mr. Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, Freefall Talent Group.
Mr. Snider, thank you for being here.
STATEMENT OF DEE SNIDER, OF TWISTED SISTER
MR. SNIDER. Thank you for having me here.
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