Five For Fighting speaks out on social issues within local music scene
Five For Fighting is a musical group that has found a unique voice for conscience among the various music events happening in the metro area. The band’s lead, John Ondrasik, was surprised recently when he realized that their platinum album “America Town” had turned 25. Despite his disbelief, Ondrasik expressed gratitude for the journey and the opportunities it has brought him. “America Town” showcased the band’s earnest songwriting skills and placed Ondrasik alongside music legends like Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen.
One of Five For Fighting’s most iconic songs, “Superman (It’s Not Easy),” gained widespread attention and success as a tribute to the first responders involved in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in 2001. More recently, the song has served as a source of comfort for Israeli hostages affected by the Hamas attack in 2023. In a demonstration of solidarity, Ondrasik performed “Superman” in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square and recorded a new version in honor of 22-year-old Alon Ohel, who is still being held captive.
Ondrasik’s decision to modify the song’s lyrics to reflect the hostages’ situation was a heartfelt gesture appreciated by Alon’s mother. Reflecting on the significance of the attack in Israel, Ondrasik views the date of the incident as the Israeli equivalent of 9/11. His choice to repurpose “Superman” to address this situation resonated deeply with both Israeli and Jewish communities, uniting people in moments of hardship and suffering.
In recent years, Ondrasik has used his music to address social and political issues affecting global communities. From critiquing the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan to shedding light on the plight of young Afghan women under the Taliban, Ondrasik’s compositions are born out of a desire to speak out against injustice and violence. Despite the lack of commercial success for these politically charged songs, Ondrasik remains committed to using his platform to advocate for humanity and inspire social change.
Five For Fighting, along with Lace & Lee, is scheduled to perform at the Flagstar Strand Theatre in Pontiac on May 3. In addition to this event, several other noteworthy music happenings are set to take place in the metro area, providing live entertainment for audiences to enjoy. These events reflect a diverse range of musical genres and offer something for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.