People's Republic of Rock and Roll

[jm]

Ted Samsel wrote:

>  Didn't this first show up in the late '60s with the Detroit scene
>of the MC5 and the White Panthers?
> Free John (somebody...) or something was a slogan from then..
>
>(showing my age..)
>
>
John Sinclair.  The phrase "People's Republic of Rock 'N Roll" may have
shown up before 1989, but I sure can't remember where.  I was an Ann
Arborite myself, and can remember seeing the MC5 playing at fraternity lawn
parties along Washtenaw Ave, and also one visit to the White Panthers' house
on Hill(?) Street to pick up a "Recall Harvey" bumper sticker.  I've asked
various unsuspecting people where the phrase originated, but haven't had
much luck.                     -jm