The Plane To Toronto (Single 2021)
Bankrupt
Punk
Music is a great way to tell stories. Stories, which might not be heard. Stories, which still have to be told. Stories, we need to hear and learn and not forget about. And here comes a song with a really important message.
Hungarian Punk Rockers Bankrupt basically would have to celebrate this year, as they had their 25th anniversary in March. But they have other worries. Because back in the 90s, their singer was Michael Kovrig. Today he is imprisoned in China, accused of espionage.
Like his Canadian countryman Michael Spavor, together known as the Two Michaels, he was arrested in 2018, shortly after the Huawei-CFO was arrested in Vancouver. The FAZ speaks of hostage-diplomacy. And like Henry Rollins produced a record to draw attention for the West Memphis Three, Bankrupt released “The Plane To Toronto” to make aware of this story: “It’s the most important song we’ve ever written”.
The catchy artwork was created by illustrator Richard Vass, showing a picture of Michael stylized on turquoise ground. To share this image and make it more prominent, the band decided to create another community video for the song after “Hello 21”. Only this time, the fans were asked to hold up this poster. From Las Vegas via London, Paris over Germany to Russia, many people took part in it.
As it is another slower Bankrupt-song, characteristically it reminds for example of “Tronald Dump” from “Trolls In Suits”. The moderate pace helps to clearly get the lyrics. Especially in the refrain, it gets emotional with the dream of Michael coming home: “In no time, I know, you’ll be on the plane to Toronto”.
All of the profits from the song, the band donates to the charity Hostage International, as Michael’s family requested.