News > Voices For Justice Benefit
WM3 Get A Hard Push From Vedder & Friends
By Johnny Firecloud
Thursday, September 2, 2010
We’re late to the party on this, but an important cause is worth catching up on.
After watching Eddie Vedder, the Dixie Chicks’ Natalie Maines and others discussing the West Memphis Three on Larry King last night, I was compelled to dig deeper into a story I’d paid little attention to in the decade and a half that it’s been within my reach.
The subject matter is grisly: three men stand convicted, one sentenced to death, for the brutal 1994 murder of three 8 year-old boys in Tennessee. The West Memphis Three – Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley – have been incarcerated for sixteen years.
Larry King’s interview last night was rather crude and sensationalistic (as is his style), but several points were made to shed light on the fact that there are several inconsistencies to be examined in the case.
I wouldn’t dare weigh in with opinions or align myself with a side on the premise of a celebrity’s convictions, but the situation does call for a closer look. The case against the trio seemed to be largely circumstantial, and no physical evidence placed any of the three at the scene of the crime. Many accuse the police involved in the case of manipulating evidence, intimidating witnesses and forcing confessions, in an area notorious for its ultra-conservative roots.
Last Saturday, Vedder, Maines, Johnny Depp, Patti Smith and friends joined together at a West Memphis Three Voices for Justice benefit concert in Little Rock. Voices for Justice was created to raise awareness and proceeds for the Three’s legal fund. On Sept. 30, the Arkansas Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on whether Echols is due a new trial.
“I’m also here to show my support for the West Memphis Three,” Vedder said that night, “and try to raise the visibility of the case at this crucial time … Why are they innocent? Because there’s nothing that says they’re guilty.”
Johnny Depp gave an impassioned presentation, reading passages from Damien Echols’ journal before strapping on a guitar to provide some musical backup for Vedder on Society, from the Into The Wild soundtrack:
After a cover of Tom Waits’ Rains On Me, Eddie was joined by Maines for two tracks. Here’s their take on James Taylor’s You Can Close Your Eyes:
Latest musical star collaboration Fistful Of Mercy also took to the stage for one of their first-ever performances, joined by Vedder on harmony. Check out Restore Me:
To learn more, it’s important to read the writings of investigative reporter Mara Leveritt, and to look into the documentary Paradise Lost: The Child Murders At Robin Hood Hills (as well as a 2000 sequel).
For the Vedder fans, here’s a song that’s among my favorites of all time. Satellite was written from the perspective of Damien Echols’ wife Lorri. The lyrics speak for themselves:
To learn more head to WM3.org.
Photo: Brian Chilson
Nicely done Johnny. Thought Eddie and Natalie were effective last night. I too do not know enough about this case to make a judgement on guilt or innocense but it does seem that a new trial is a reasonable request given the many questionable circumstances.
I had submitted a review of the show to you early this week. Great night and impressive performances!
Society is such a beautiful song. Likely my fav from the record.
Depp looked hilarious trying to play that solo… channeling his inner Clapton hehe.
It’s a good thing you got onto this topic, Johnny. Though my knowledge of the case is limited (I’ve seen bits and pieces of the 2 films, and I’ve vistited the wikipedia page a few times), I can safely that this is one of those causes that deserve attention from high-profile stars. Hell, it’s something we should all question as human beings. “Society” is just one of those wonderful songs that contains exactly what people feel for these 3 men.