Russell Brand, the Jo Bros and sex at the VMAs

Russell Brand is a bad, bad boy. Thank the punk rock saints for that! As the English comic and sole male inheritor of Amy Winehouse's hairstyle laid waste to good taste as the host of Sunday night's MTV Video Music Awards, somewhere in heaven's dark alley, Joey Ramone and Sid Vicious shared a laugh.

Brand's banter, overflowing with outré political statements (such as calling George Bush a "retarded cowboy"), juvenile sex jokes and relentless mockery of the well-groomed pop stars surrounding him, was totally, deliriously in the spirit of transgressive rock and roll. In fact, it was mild by comparison to the Sex Pistols showering British television host Bill Grundy with obscenities in 1976, or the Ramones recording the anti-Reagan "Bonzo Goes to Bitburg" nearly a decade later. That's the funny thing about the razzing Brand is currently receiving all over the blogosphere -- nobody seems to remember when rockers were supposed to rattle the jewelry of the folks who attend glittery galas.

But subversive rockers are out of favor right now, with hip-hop and R&B a more reliable source of edginess. Artists in those genres enjoy the insider perks of commercial success -- T-Pain rode the VMAs' red carpet on an elephant, for goodness sake, and Lil' Wayne, who's recorded anti-Bush raps in the past, celebrated his Top 40 triumph with unlikely collaborations -- first he was paired with bland songbird Leona Lewis, and then joined Kid Rock for "Summertime," a song partially based on the unofficial Confederate anthem "Sweet Home Alabama." (Why has no one picked up on the weird compromise of Weezy, a black Southerner, doing that?)

MTV has long trafficked in turning rebelliousness into a commodity. Brand, saying uncontainable things, upset the apple cart. That made the most old-fashioned presence in a program full of young, aggressively commercial self-packagers, for whom any statement -- political or otherwise -- is best judged by the number of units sold.

And what of Brand's tormenting those Disney-sponsored sweeties, the Jonas Brothers? He couldn't keep his hands off their purity rings, even inspiring their sister in abstinence, Jordin Sparks, to offer one of the few impromptu lines of the night: "It's not bad to wear a promise ring because not everybody, guy or girl, wants to be a slut!"

Sparks showed spunk in deviating from the script, though it's truly unfortunate that she invoked an age-old stigmatizing term to do so. As Emily White wrote in her groundbreaking book "Fast Girls: Teenage Tribes and the Myth of the Slut," the word "slut" is a weapon often used against girls who don't fit in, whether they're sexually active or not. If Sparks is really the Christian she claims to be, she should be more compassionate.

Nor should the Jonas Brothers worry that their oft-discussed purity is just a joke. It's hard to believe these adorable lads aren't getting any action, especially since oldest brother Kevin is nearly 21; but they're far from the first teen idols to adopt a pristine persona. A warm, fuzzy image is key when your target audience is young girls tentatively exploring their own budding desires. Anything more aggressive would be icky, to use a term popular among Jo Bros fans.

Elvis Presley kept his jail-bait girlfriend Priscilla under wraps for years to prevent damage to his mama's boy image. Elton John was a 16 Magazine cover boy until outing himself as a bisexual in the more adult-oriented Rolling Stone. Britney Spears, the other news at Sunday night's VMAs, claimed to be a teen virgin until her old beau Justin Timberlake hinted otherwise; she's still dealing with questions about exactly when she lost her innocence, even after bearing two kids.

This is what teen music, and to a certain extent, all pop, is about: the confusion, excitement, fear and joy that sexuality inspires. The Jonas Brothers make music for kids starting to become aware of the erotic realm -- kids terrified of what that might mean, but inevitably intrigued. Their endorsement of abstinence is just a variation on the complex stance teen pop has always taken on this subject. Counter to Brand's ribbing, they're not simply prisses. But neither are they hypocrites.

Last week, Chicago Sun-Times critic Jim DeRogatis caused his own blogosphere brush fire by comparing the Jo Bros song "BB Good" to "dialog from a date rape." That's as offensive, and much more wrong-headed, than any quip Brand made at the VMAs. If DeRogatis had thought for a minute about teen pop's history, he could have come up with a long list of songs that play in nearly the same mood of frustrated desire.

Songs like "Wake Up Little Susie" by the Everly Brothers. Or "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tommy James & the Shondells. Or "I Can Feel Your Heartbeat" by the Partridge Family, which had David Cassidy singing "I'll treat you like a woman, love you like a woman" -- while his stepmom, Shirley Jones, shook a tambourine behind him. DeRogatis even compares "BB Good" unfavorably to the Beatles' "Please Please Me," as if John Lennon's lyrics weren't all about pushing his girl toward third base.

Pop music is the place where we, as a society, talk about sex in all its messiness, potential risk and wonder. The Jonas Brothers are part of that conversation, purity rings or not. Russell Brand's admittedly insensitive comments merely brought that truth into the light. And even if the Jo Bros squirmed as he did so, it was a gentler comeuppance than the seemingly inevitable scandal that may one day force one or all of them to join Spears and enter adulthood under pop stardom's harsh lights.

-- Ann Powers

Photo of Russell Brand with Paris Hilton by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Comments

[Blondie]

The self-righteous, mass-produced, bastions of mediocrity that most MTV stars and fans seem to be needed to be shaken up. He was only calling it like he saw it, and I'm glad he refused to be a politically-correct clone. Thank God someone had a pulse, that show was so dead!
P.S. Why does Jordan think the only options are 'virgin' and 'slut'? That is immature, to say the least.

[Cara]

This story was dead-on! I, 26 y/o female from Iowa, thought Russell was HILARIOUS! He was so clever, witty and full of energy that it was hard not to crack a smile at what he said.

The only thing I might have mentioned was the fact that Christina Aguilera (whom I normally enjoy) was lipsynching without any shame, where the previous year Britney was pounded for it. I was glad that none of the artists with "featuring" behind their names won. Dime a dozen...

[America]

America has the collective IQ of a chimpanzee. That's why they elect idiots like George Bush. Their system is corrupt and right-wing. It needs violent revolution to fix, but the idiots don't even see what is wrong. Retards.

[Fusion!]

Russel is pathetic. For a man who has been known to have been a sex addict (look it up) to make fun of people who are seeking to be faithful to their convictions is pathetic. Second I agree. Jordin Sparks used that tern about both men and women. And Ann talks about being more sympathetic? She starts off by talking about it being good that the establishment has been shaken. Guess what? The establishment is over sexed and we have the high amounts of teens with STD's to prove it. Abstinence IS shaking the establishment. And seriously. Brand (a Brit who won't be voting) coming out with political humor and telling us how to vote at a music show? MTV just proves again how out of touch they are. And as for Ann, seriously, going hard on Jordin Sparks and not on Brand for using the word R****rd? (oh and printing in in your article?)The media bias lives on.

[Jill]

Russell Rocked!!!!! Finally someone who was sharp , funny, witty and had something substancial to bring to the show. A nice break away from the cotton candy BS we've tolerated. So he made fun of the Jones Bros. How many times have you heard young people say thyre saving themselves only to find out it was never true and total BS all for a little bit of publicity. I liked him. America is way too uptight. He was right about BUsh and has a right to his opinion being that our decisions affect the entire WORLD!!!!

[John]

Brand was out of line and ruined the vma show for myself. I had to turn the channel after hearing his opening comments which hit the family values hard. He can attack celebrities and politicians, but when you go after kids of politicians, that crosses the line for stupidity. Please send him back to the UK and let them listen to his useless banter.

[michelle]

Love him, love him! Get a grip ppl! He's hilarious! He was only running at about 10% so I'm positive you wouldn't have been able to handle his true hilarity! But, I'm sure you are all youtubing him now and saying, wait, he really is witty, hilarious and HOT! Wish you could retract your comments now, hmmmm???
We Russell Brand lovers of the more intelligent and quick witted comedic sort didn't want to share him anyway!!! Hope he makes it to middle America soon! (Did you ppl really think MTV was going to “allow” him to do his real stuff?)

[Vmelia]

I was dissapointed that the VMAs included such teenybopper music. it looked like a replay of the Kids Choice Awards. no wonder the sexually innocent were insulted. this wasnt supposed to be a show for kids. Where was the edge? i didnt see any rock. even the vidoeos that won were based on popularity, not uniqueness. and whats with the "starts" selling out to do commercials?

[Tyler]

say what you want about brand...sometimes people can't take a joke..and i find that more unappealing than an unwashed, underdressed dude that could pass for willy wonka hosting the vmas.

i did have an issue with what jordin sparks said though....it showed her lack of humor. i don't recall the host ever commenting that wearing promise rings were bad. he was just making fun of them...there's a difference. but anyways....jordin sparks basically generalized that everyone who doesn't or wasn't wearing a promise ring was a slut! or that everyone who isn't waiting 'til marriage to explore sex is a slut...which isn't the truth. it was just tacky... it has nothing to do with her religion or beliefs...it's the utter comment and the thoughtlessness that occurred in her burst of emotion and lack of humor. she needed to chill....it was the kind of moment that i just thought..."...anyway..." and moved on.

[MELISSA]

THAT WAS THE WORST ARTICLE WRITTEN!

THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD OF BEEN WRITTEN:
Russell Brand from UK hosted the VMAS last last night was quote on quote a comedian! Well he was not funny! His carreer is over after last nights little speech about the one and only JONAS BROTHERS! when he tells them and evert body that the purity rings and how they could be doing other things! That are innapropriate! Also him makeing fun of the nicest most cleanest band ever! Was not funny! What Jordin Sparks said was needed! "I just have one thing to say about promise rings. It's not bad to wear a promise rings, because not everybody guy or girl wants to be a slut" Jordin Spaks said! Way to go girl! Way to go JONAS BROTHERS you guys should be proud to be who you are! Idols of all girls around the world!
Russell who is not from the United States also critasizes are government calling Bush a retarted cowboy! Well not acceptable! Hello Bush is doing fine! He really needs to go back to UK! MTV should be embrrest by Russell Brand! After all of that I wont be surprised if MTV is done! Shame on mtv, russell brand, and the people who thought russell was a good choice!
Britteny Spears winning half the awads was dumb to! She did not work as hard as the JONAS BROTHERS, JORDIN SPARKS, MILEY CYRUS, AND TAYLOR SWIFT! Wow MTV no more of this dumb rated r stuff! it needs to stop! Kids watch this! Come on! This VMAs was really important to little girls and teen girls because the JONAS BROTHERS were nominated and were porforming! It broke their hearts hearing Russell talking trash! So listen up MTV shut down that channel is not approprite!

~Melissa Hollister
14

[Joseph Lyman]

Creativity is too much work. Go for shock. It's much easier. Brand IS today's MTV. Childish, immature, sloppy and disgusting. Today's youth have a higher intelligence than given credit for. MTV refuses to acknowledge that. Fight back kids!!

[Matthew]

Wow! Am I the first non-republican to post a comment here? You seem to forget one thing and that is the main demographic of the VMA's are 18-29 year olds, the same people who are going to help Obama win this November. "it is crazy that this idiot russell brand who is from the UK would come to the USA and call our President a bunch of dirty and insulting names.", really? Maybe you're right, we should have had an American comic calling Bush an Idiot. I have no sympathy for Mr. 28% approval rating and I don't care who makes fun of him. I forgot we live in the United States of Offended. I personally thought he was hilarious along with a bunch young people who won't bother to respond to this article. Of course I fit into the intended demographic being a 23 year old registered Democrat.

[Laurence]

Brand is funny, challenging and refreshing in an era of PC eggshell tiptoeing. Those who don't get his brand of humor are probably in the tiptoeing camp. ---s to be you. Deal with him.

[BritishPerson]

Russell Brand always makes me laugh, even when he's not funny - I wish he would come back to Big Mouth! It's a shame some people didn't get his jokes, although I do agree with some posters about the whole Jonas Bros sex thing, it got a bit wearisome but good on Jordin Sparks for speaking her mind. Russell should understand that not everyone's a sex-crazed nymphomaniac like himself. Nevertheless, jolly good show, har har.

[Jess]

Ok. I thought that Russell Brand was a brilliant host of the VMAs. The thing is I am British and he is well known over here for his comedic and presenting talents. He is also known for being an ex-junky and sex addict who has got his life back on track. Brand's particular brand of comedy is very ironic and dry. I do think that perhaps he talked about politics too much but that was a typical move by him, a purposeful 'dig' and laugh at all these celebrities who continually go on television and shout about politics which most of them know absolutely nothing about. The problem is that the English sense of humour sometimes by passes Americans (no offence intended) and Brand's style of comedy is a particularly intensely sarcastic and parodic form. His reception at the VMAs may have been mixed, though I believe he was funnier than others who tried to crack a joke or two, eg just thinking that saying f*** S**** and some other such things makes you entirely hip and cool. At least Brand only peppers his wonderful way of speaking half cockney and half dickensian novel with swear words. As for the virgin thing, COME ON, that is funny and why is it so insensitive to gently mock something like that when other comedians do far worse. You may notice that he also apologised when he realised people might be irritated by this as he does not say these things unlike other celebrities to induce a dull scale public slanging match.
Some people really need to loosen up and take Russell how he is meant to be taken, that is lightly.
Who knows I mean, you guys like Ricky Gervais, so maybe you'll learn to love Russell too.

[Tony Tex]

He got one thing right: Bush is a retard! Anyone supporting bush must also be one, too!

[todd]

your article is simply awful, no wonder the la times is failing. enjoy your job while it lasts :)

[James Peterson]

QUITE SIMPLY, HE'S A STAR! Amidst the dreadful scripted commercialness, Brand was a breath of witty refreshing reality. As someone aptly and brilliantly commented on one of the other boards, he tore a hole in The Matrix. That his routine, mild as it was, could create comment shows how dumbed down and bland U.S. live television has become.

[Nik]

Although one could say that Russell Brand went a little too far, i think that a few strong opinions couldnt have hurt. People now are so edgy and are aghast at what some people have to say on tv. I figure if you're watching MTV's VMAs, probably the worst award show with the occasional amazing performance, then theres no doubt that Russell Brand in fact made it bearable to watch. Ha, regardless of my political preference, the VILF joke was hilarious. People just need to lighten up and not be extremely defensive to one man's opinions. MTV has now officially lost all of the qualities it set out to portray anyways, with the goal that we would have one whole channel just for music and nothing else.

[emaan]

if russell brand isnt shot by screaming jonas fans by tomorrow, then i will personally strangle him. how DARE he make fun of our boys? oh, he's in for it now.......

[IAMLAWSON]

I think us Americans need to wake up. The rest of the world is laughing at us right now and it couldn't have been more clear last night at the VMA's. Brand's approach to hosting the show shook things up and made everyone uncomfortable, which was excellent. His humor may not have been the greatest at all times or even politically correct, but I think the point's that he tried to convey hit home on many levels. I mean the over the top sarcasm after each performance was hilarious. Hollywood needs to wake up too and see that they are not as important as they think they are in the bigger scheme of things across America. I see people complaining on the blogs and news sites everywhere with no one asking, is hollywood really that important? We put these folks on a pedestal and get all in an uproar when we think someone's feelings may be getting hurt... Wakeup and listen...

[Bob]

Wow! This guy needs serious help. I dont think he was sober when he was onstage for the VMAs.

[Dashingprince]

Not one person wearing a chastity ring is a virgin. Britney's mum admitted she had been having sex since she was 15, they are a publicity stunt.

Brand was fun but they should not have picked him for the awards.

[kayy]

Brand's comment on the purity rings were extremely disrespectful. Even those who dislike the Jonas Brothers found that those comments were offending.

[Jess]

BOB, 'this guy' was sober as he used to be drug addict and alcoholic and therefore he now does not drink at all.