The Bizarre (Yet Real) Connection Between Punk Music & the CIA

This was an interesting video, even if the ramifications of the topic of discussion are a little bit unsettling. Well, more than a bit unsettling, actually.

Miles Copeland was a prominent figure in punk rock, back in the day. It might even rightly be said that were it not for him, punk rock would not have been what it was, and maybe would not have gotten as big or influential as it turned out to be. For that, perhaps, fans of punk rock, which includes yours truly, perhaps owe him a small measure of thanks.

However, before we go too far with that sentiment, what the guy in this video is suggesting, and the facts that seem to back all of this up, are enough to raise some eyebrows. After all, Miles Copeland isn't just any ordinary music fan. He had many resources and access to power, because he had some serious links to the CIA. In fact, the most obvious link to the CIA that he had was that his father was a founding member of the CIA. And Copeland used some of these connections to smooth things over in a very foreign land when his biggest band, The Police, felt in need of some security. Almost as soon as he picked up the phone, everything was pretty much taken care of. 

That's not the usual story of punk rock craziness or anarchy, and then the authorities stepping in to settle matters, is it? 

Apparently, this suspicious access to power, and Copeland's obviously powerful position in the punk music community, not only was noticed by a number of punk musicians, but was cause for suspicion, as well. This included Jello Biafra, who sometimes seems to gravitate to extremes and sometimes borders on paranoia. Still, all of this would seem to validate his concerns in this regard, and lend them some measure of legitimacy. It is indeed quite bizarre - so bizarre as to be suspicious - that the son of one of the founders of the CIA would be so involved with something as obviously anti-government as punk music. 

In any case, take a look for yourself. Watch the video, which includes videos with Copeland himself that do little to nothing to allay any concerns or fears, and do some research. All of the facts are there, which makes this story not just strange, but makes it feel a bit sinister.

Please feel free to share your thoughts if you are so inclined.

Punk Rock and the CIA | The Mad Genius of Miles Copeland