Madison Rising Responds to Daytona Star Spangled Banner Controversy

Rock band makes official statement regarding firestorm surrounding their February 22nd National Anthem performance on ESPN to kick off the 2014 NASCAR season.

Madison Rising, America’s most patriotic rock band, has come under fire for its National Anthem performance at yesterday’s NASCAR race broadcast live on ESPN, with some people calling the performance “disgraceful,” and “disrespectful” of our flag and our military. The band however has another explanation – the crowd just wasn’t expecting to hear a non-traditional rendition.

“In my opinion, the controversy in Daytona is simple,” said Richard Mgrdechian, manager of Madison Rising. “People were expecting a conventional presentation, but they got something completely different. Had they been familiar with our version, I have no doubt that the reaction would have been the typical resounding round of applause that we’ve gotten at hundreds of other performances, and that everyone would be talking about what a great and inspiring rendition it is. Back when were recording it, we had one very specific goal in mind – to reenergize that song for the 21st Century (and in time for the 200 year bicentennial on September 14, 2014), and to do it in the most respectful and reverent way possible. Since then, hundreds of thousands of people have told us in no uncertain terms that we achieved that goal with flying colors. It’s unfortunate that so many of the people in yesterday’s crowd were not yet familiar with who we are or what we do.

“I would encourage anyone who questions our patriotism, love of country and respect for our military to watch our official Star Spangled Banner video (available on YouTube at: http://youtu.be/c8C7i9kdEf8) and then make up their minds about what they think of us,” said Madison Rising lead singer Dave Bray, a navy veteran and former 8404 FMF Corpsman. “Over five million people have gone into it not knowing what to expect, but the vast majority have come out with goose bumps, tears in their eyes and our version downloaded onto their iPods to listen to every day. The mission of Madison Rising is to help restore a sense of pride back into this country, and we’re thrilled it’s having that effect.”

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