We received what the New Radicals promised to give.
The band promised to get together and play their 90s anthem “You Get What You Give” if Joe Biden were elected president. And the new radicals kept his word during the virtual “Parade Across America”, which took place after the inauguration on Wednesday.
With vocalist Gregg Alexander shaking his classic hat and performing Pennsylvania music, his band regrouped to sing the 1998 hit – more than 20 years after the group broke up.
The song had a profound meaning for the new administration. It was a source of inspiration for Biden’s beloved son, Beau, during his battle with terminal brain cancer – a fight he lost in 2015. The catchy melody had also been used in the campaign as an introductory song for Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff , husband of Vice President Kamala Harris.
And if the New Radicals sounded a little rusty – and looked a lot older – after more than two decades, it was difficult to deny the uplifting spirit of music, with lyrics like: “This damn world can fall apart / You ‘ll be fine, follow your heart. “
The message of the song was brought home with some inspirational words on posters displayed by a diverse group of Americans. I had all the feelings of well-being.
The New Radicals were not the only musicians presented during the virtual parade, which was presented by ex-Scandal president Tony Goldwyn. Andra Day performed her exciting hit “Rise Up”, while DJ Cassidy directed a special opening edition of his series “Pass the Mic” with Earth, Wind & Fire, Chic’s Nile Rodgers and Kathy Sledge.
The last two sang Sister Sledge’s 1979 classic, “We Are Family”, with a series of Americans from all over the country participating in the party and singing along. It was the kind of festive family event that brought everyone together in music.