Bon IversongwriterJustin Vernonhas long sported his political affiliations on his sleeve.
My high school friend, Sarah Godlewski, is the secretary of state in Wisconsin.
They said, You want to play at the rally?
Justin Vernon performing with Bon Iver at a Harris-Walz rally in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on Aug. 7.Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
I said, Absolutely.
the anti-slavery, pro-Union Civil War song Battle Cry of Freedom].
I heard it on a Ry Cooder album.
Ive been on a Ken Burns kick lately, and feeling a bit patriotic.
Its got that sentimental I love the Union forever thing.
I just started playing it and learning how Ry played it, and Ineverdo that.
Then it was, Well, I know what were going to play when we go up there.
After I got the call about the rally, they announcedTim Walz[as Harris running mate].
It was all making sense.
I love a football coach who also started thegay-straight alliancein his high school.
Those are the kind of people I grew up admiring and trying to emulate.
There were 12,000 people there.
Its hard to play outside.
It was really hot.
I did a rally for Bernie Sanders [in 2016].
Hes my guy, always and forever.
But this was a really different experience.
There was more electricity in the air.
There wasnt anyone who stayed home.
The older Democrats in my area are old-timers in overalls whove been farming their whole lives.
They dont know who Bon Iver is and dont care.
All my friends in the trans community in Eau Claire were there too.
Trump is shitting his pants, and he should be.
Im feeling like a lot of people are.
When Biden dropped out, it was feeling very scary.
Then there was relief.
I told Vice President Harris and Coach Walz and their staff, We will be anywhere.
