Mmastodon CultureMusic first seen 10 h ago, last 10 h ago, peak #1

When the UK government legally defined music as 'repetitive beats'

Original: MUSIC AND POLITICS Picture the scene. Its the mid-1990s in the UK and the politically Conservative John Major government

In the mid-1990s, John Major's Conservative government moved to clamp down on rave culture through legislation that defined a gathering as one 'where music is played', with music further described as a succession of sounds characterised by repetitive beats. The bizarre legal wording has resurfaced, with people recalling the Criminal Justice Act era and its attempt to outlaw the rave scene, a moment often cited as a striking example of politics colliding with youth and music culture.

Why now: The absurd statutory definition of music as 'repetitive beats' remains a striking example of government interference in music culture, and it is being recalled and shared again.

John MajorConservative PartyUKCriminal Justice Act

Open on mastodon →

Evidence

• MUSIC AND POLITICS Picture the scene. Its the mid-1990s in the UK and the politically Conservative John Major government has decided to clamp down on raves which were described as "gatherings where music is played", with "music" being defined as a "succession of repetitive… · Black_Flag@beige.party · 3

API: https://socialmediatrends-api.osmike.com/v1/trends/602650