Apparently, newly re-elected Minneapolis Mayor, R.T. Rybak thinks we’ll all be just a little bit happier with a chance to “rock out.” In an effort to honor the band’s contribution to the indie music industry, Rybak will proclaim November 7th “Suicide Commandos Day” this Saturday as they reunite for two special 10-and-under shows at the Walker Arts Center at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and a late acoustic set at The Dakota at 11:00 p.m. Granted, the Commandos may have helped to put the Minneapolis music scene on the map, paving the way for our great 80s boom, but how do we feel about this Rybak’s first big re-election move?
Note: Meanwhile, Rybak has also filed paperwork for his gubernatorial run.
14 Reader Comments
8:38 am
Due to the band’s name, and the tragic events at Ft. Hood yesterday, this proclaimation sounds a little akward.
8:46 am
I agree with the timing and the name of the band issue, but as a political strategy- not a bad move.
Reach out to 40 something nostalgic fans, many of whom may consider themselves progressives. Not as strong as Derusha Day which was clearly designed to court the ever-present and highly vocal JD Militia but a decent move none the less.
Now if only he declared today “Go Commando Day” ya know go green an all, cut down on water and energy consumption. Increase access and what not.
8:51 am
The “Go Green Expo” starts at 10 a.m. at the Mpls Convention Center, Amy. I’ll be working a booth there today until 5 p.m.
8:52 am
Very good point, justbob. Hadn’t even thought of that. Wow. However, important to note that the press release went out before the Texas incident.
8:52 am
Knowing a little about how this works, I wouldn’t read much into it. Or anything into it. This was likely decided months ago. Comedy Sportz got a day, I got a day. It’s all in fun.
9:02 am
“Knowing a little about how this works, I wouldn’t read much into it.”
I’m not. But I’m not Michael Brodkorb, either.
9:26 am
Ah, yes. Boomer nostalgia.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
9:41 am
I’d vote for Chris Osgood for governor. R.T., not so much.
10:48 am
Anybody else troubled by R.T. waiting until after the election was past to announce his gubernatorial ambitions? Of course there had been anticipation in the press before the election, but it seems gutless to me not to let the voters know of his plans in advance of the casting of their ballots.
11:39 am
Jack, if you can find a large chunk of voters who didn’t know what RT was planning, then I’ll back you 100%. I think he was pretty clear about what he was intending, without officially announcing.
11:51 am
But why be “pretty clear” without being official about it, unless one is worried that being official would damage one’s chances in the election? And as a voter, I shouldn’t have to rely upon vague signals in considering whether a candidate, upon election, would immediately turn his eyes to higher office. I think you’re letting him off a little too easily…..
2:18 pm
Jack Pine, it seems that there was some shady, funny business going on with the mayor at least according to the state campaign finance board.
2:39 pm
Jason, you’re a fair-tempered observer not just of politics but the entire ridiculous human condition, and thanks for the follow-up. Hope you get that ‘CCO gig if you want it, although I’d rather spend my afternoons shoveling palletloads of goat dung into the Snelling-University intersection than get behind that microphone for that gig….
3:05 pm
“And as a voter, I shouldn’t have to rely upon vague signals in considering whether a candidate, upon election, would immediately turn his eyes to higher office.”
welcome to politics, kid.