Hawkwind Brazilian tour cancelled?

[M Holmes]

Just caught this off libernet. I find it hilarious to think of state
bureaucrats sitting trying to decipher song lyrics. Good job they're
immune from the "drug messages" that the poor fans will be affected by.



Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 12:46:49 -0500
From: freematt at coil.com (Matthew Gaylor)
Subject: Libernet: BRAZILIAN ROCK BAND ARRESTED FOR IMPROPER LYRICS

http://www.drcnet.org/rapid/1997/11-23-1.html#brazil

A Brazilian rock & roll band called "Planet Hemp" was
arrested in Sao Paulo this week on charges that their lyrics
were supportive of the use of maconha (marijuana).
According to Folha de Sao Paulo, a Brazilian newspaper,
civil authorities had been studying the group's lyrics for
the past year, and came to the conclusion that their content
was in violation of Narcotics law (6.368) for "supporting
and associating with the use of drugs."

Band members were taken into custody following a show before
7,000 fans in Brasilia, which was recorded by authorities as
evidence.  The law under which band members have been
charged does not allow for bail, and carries a penalty of
between three and fifteen years imprisonment.