Rock goes to College (patriotically)

I’ve reported here (and here) before on the lost bands of HE and those legendary gigs at the University of Nottingham (the list of which has since been completely eclipsed by the simply awesome UEA gig archive).

But all of these higher ed music stories are as nothing alongside the news that in India universities have been asked to host ‘patriotic’ gigs with government selected bands headlining:

In a recent circular sent to all the central universities and IITs across the country, the HRD ministry has asked them to host rock shows. However, there is a twist – the shows will have a patriotic theme. As part of the ‘Ye India Ka Time Hai’ programme, the government will identify certain bands which will be performing at different universities across the country.

It’s fair to say this has not terribly well-received in the country’s universities and students are sceptical about the ability of government appointed bands to foster patriotic fervour.

It does seem a quite extraordinary proposition. Imagine the OfS being charged with drawing up a list of bands to perform in universities to win support for changes to the fee regime. It does appear rather far-fetched but it is nevertheless irresistible to consider, if such a bizarre policy were to be introduced, which bands might be on their list?

Number 1 for me would be Morrissey – sounds a bit dangerous and edgy, will appeal to the 80s nostalgists across the sector and is extremely patriotic (with some quite idiosyncratic/disturbing takes on current political issues). He also has a song featuring a university staircase (see this helpful commentary on its slightly confusing narrative).

So which artists do you think should be appointed by the OfS to make Britain great again?