It's interesting (maybe a bit refreshing) to see a band so political be so outspoken, like the Clash on Sandinista. Today too many artists shirk political opinion, and career emphasis is about celebrity and narcissism.

"A lot of people don't want to get involved in politics when it comes to art," Bardo says. "They're afraid to stand for something. Well, I'm sorry. I can't just sit around and allow these criminals and these dark spirits to just destroy civilization and not do anything about it."

Bardo's keen about championing the underdog, giving voice to the voiceless. That's what this rally is about and, ultimately, he says, what the Questions are about.

Is he afraid of being accused of martyrdom, or wielding a large ego?

Not at all, he says. "Once somebody asked me: Are you the light bulb or the energy the lights the light bulb? I'd like to think of myself more as the energy that lights the light bulb. We're all part of the same tapestry of consciousness. We all exist as a part of the light, as a part of this subterranean river of energy that exists in everything that is alive. And there's just this small percentage of people that just don't want to live in the light. It's not that one person necessarily changes anything. But if that one person inspires 10 people who inspire 10 people, all of a sudden, things gain momentum. Then the uprising happens. And we're all about the uprising."

Peace in the Middle East Rally happens Saturday, May 28, at the Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-9700. The bill features Deastro, Darkred, Hi Speed Dubbing, Mick Bassett, Jehovah's Witness Protection Program, Woodman, the Rue Moor Counts, The Electric Lion Soundwave Experiment and Bravery Plains�

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