a balladeer - Poster Child (for Matthew Shepard)

[MrNielsepiels]

my teatcher teld me the story , and i was so broken ):

[missdeebates]

RIP Matt, LOVE will never die, your light keeps growing and glowing , we shall never forget x

[Jehnnycash]

This song still gives me goosebumps.

[Donnieroets]

this is so sad! God be with his family!

[MissAnnaPalowna]

It is beautiful. I had to crie, especially when i saw the last sentence. How can people be so cruel? how can they blame a book for what they did? I am glad those murderers didn't get the death panel. I hope they will suffer in jail. I hope nobody will forget Matthew Sheppard. And I hope that once there will be a day, that not only homosexuels but also black people, women and all the other people who are hurt, that they will once be accepted for who they are.

[PaNdAxSaMa]

the do u think ill be famous part almost got to me >.< i dont wanna cry not again!

r.i.p. matthew <3 u've touched so many

p.s.- anyone who thinks it wasn't a hate crime is an idiot. the cops will tell u it was, along with anyone with common sense

[SuperAmbergold]

The Murderers should of had the death penalty!

[loepsieloes]

@SuperAmbergold and let it be over? no give them a life sentence, and make it the worst time of their life. They have to know that its wrong what they did, if they are dead, they dont feel it. so life long sentence is the worst.

[toyotanissanhyundai]

The murderer don't have to approve or accept him, but he need to respect that he is also a human being. Y wan to kill a person just bcoz he is gay.

[cupcakerawr1o1]

Why. That. No.... Thats just sick. Just wrong

[TheGuitarkim]

I will Never forget Matthew!! It is so hard for me to know,.. Specially when 7 oktober is my birthday. It will never be the same... Love from Kim.

[kerriesoepp]

I do not often cry, but this is so heartless. Why do people do this to oder people.

so there you have it, life is not fair and that it never was and never will be.

[Trashfished]

@kerriesoepp I was crying from laughing so hard.

[kerriesoepp]

@Trashfished Pitty.

[nadoww131183]

@kerriesoepp you hit me in the heart bro.

[blackrapture1990]

very moving videos.

[CallMeRosan]

wow.. i love it 

[Novasterling]

Matthew was not murdered because of his sexuality. He was murdered by two crazy whackos in a robbery . They went to town and attacked two "straight" men. However that is not considered a "Hate" crime. I have researched the case myself . Any murder is horrible . But this was no hate crime.

[nadoww131183]

@Novasterling you're right why should it be extra hard when it's a person who is gay. it are poeple like you and me. nothing different. they just fall in love whit othere sexualitys than we ( i think your straight) but i actually think we are all bisexual. but 't's just namend taboo by our parents ( excuse me for my bad gramm. i'm dutch :S and a dyslect)

[TuddleToni]

@ultradumbass I never heard anything about the supposed "abuse" inflicted on the 2 convicted men. But let's get one thing straight. IF they were abused when they were young then it was not done by homosexuals, it was done by paedophiles! Big difference.

[EsIstNurLiebe]

This is so heartbreaking... A wonderful tribute.

So sad that people can kill for moral beliefs and sexuality....

No one does deserve such things...

[ultradumbass]

i don't think he was killed for being gay. i think he was killed for some robbery incident. in fact russell himself opposed the idea of injuring him, the reason they took him into the wilderness was to make it easier to drive away when they get their money. but aaron mckinney likely went into some sort of blind rage and whipped him a few times which likely severed his head. so i don't even think the murder or serious injury was intended. but some liberals of course are going to flame me over it.

[Para177]

Marinus, dankjewel voor het schrijven van dit nummer.

[stew7479]

Why the sappy music?

[cinnamonnut]

cried all the way thru! for Mathew....I will keep this in my fav lists..!....WOW...this was powerful!!

[CaJeffO]

I'm not Gay nor do I defend their sexuality. But I am outraged at this crime against Mathew Shepard (or any other violence directed at Gays for their sexual orientation). I sternly remind others whom are God Fearing to remember we are not here to judge Gays. Judgment is to be left in God's hands. And, I truely believe the men whom killed Mathew desrve a lifetime of jail. The mother has it right you have no souls. And, I for one don't want to put up with your bully crap.

[phil656565]

yea, ive heard a few stories about this that lean away from the fact that he was gay, i live in laramie right now. Theres quite a few stories about him owing alot of money to some drug dealers

[TuddleToni]

@phil656565 Yeah they killed him because he owed them money for drugs.  That is absolute BULL and you know it.

[phil656565]

@TuddleToni I LIVE IN LARAMIE, as in im living where this happened and i have heard from people who were connected to matt directly, laramie is a pretty open minded town and gays walk around campus holding hands or with their arms around each other and nobody cares. Why would we kill a man just for being gay, we dont care that leaves more ladies for us, im saying theres a really good possibility he got in a a mix up with some drug dealers

[TuddleToni]

@phil656565 It doesn't matter if you live in the town or not. Nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors in their home town.

This happened 12 years ago. These days it is more accepting to be openly gay in public. Back then it wasn't as easy.

Why would you kill a man just for being gay? Why kill a man for being black... for being a Jew....for being a Catholic.

There is no good possibilty he got mixed up in some dodgy drug dealings.

Read the court transcripts. They are fact.

[ultradumbass]

@TuddleToni you know phil's view is not all that far off. think of it this way. why would they pistol whip him a few times with the intent of killing him when they knew there was a good possibility he might get out and testify? they are in the wilderness, they easily could have shot him and gotten away with it. also when he got in the truck they told him to give him his money. they took it after they beat him, but if they wanted to beat and kill him, they wouldn't have bothered asking for it.

[Lollipopan]

@ultradumbass I read a book about this behaviour, what they did when they hit him was something called "overkill". It's something that happens a lot of times in hatecrimes, when the victim's already dead or dying the attacker keeps going. Even if it was a robbery gone wrong I think Matthew still died for being gay, they might not have wanted to kill him - but I think that when Matthew made the moves on one of them they saw red. Even if they didn't mean for it to happen, it did. They killed.

[ultradumbass]

@Lollipopan well if you say they didn't mean to kill him, then it is not murder. murder means you intended to kill them. that means then they should both be technically charged as manslaughter. in the usa you can only be executed legally through first degree murder, based on the evidence that means the death penalty should never have been put on the table in the first place.

[Lollipopan]

@ultradumbass Well, I don't think they wanted to kill him at first, but as I said - when matthew made a move on one of them I think he got so angry that he thought I'm gonna kill him. But as for their sentence - I agree with you on the death penalty thing - I don't believe in an eye for an eye and a life for a life, but I don't think it was a robbery gone wrong.

[ultradumbass]

@Lollipopan remember though both russell henderson and aaron mckinney had been sexually and physically abused by homosexuals when they were younger even the court never denied it. plus both had already convicted of robbery, but good robbers never go to the same place more than twice so to not be identified. so they decided to check in the bar that night. and who knows for all you know it may be that matthew tried being uncooperative and tried resisting which may have made them even more violent.

[Lollipopan]

@ultradumbass yeah, but I think the thing that stood out from being a normal robbery gone wrong is that Matthew was beaten to death, when you beat someone it's more personal. At the time you want to inflict the pain. They could have stopped at some time, but they continued - they went into overkill. I don't think that a normal robbery gone wrong would have been this brutal.

[ultradumbass]

@Lollipopan russell henderson himself never took part in the beating which is one of several things aaron feels bad about. russell had plans to go somewhere else that night and aaron talked him to coming with him, and the court also said there is enough evidence that shows russell tried telling aaron to stop hitting him. he was more charged for felony murder than murder. i also don't think they intended to kill him which is why he was tied up. they did not want him to be able to identify them.

[state911gthl]

its all good i seen i documentary on this and the killer was smiling and laughing in court back in 1998. I wonder if he still thinks its funny I mean Aaron is now what almost 35, lol have a good life killer u diserve it

U PIECE OF SHIT

[ultradumbass]

@state911gthl the reason he was probably smiling had little to do with the case. it may be because if he didn't smile people would be like "look he won't smile, he's evil." the myth that people smile for pleasure is a myth. he may have been upset and regretful. at first he didn't even want life sentences, he wanted the death penalty, but matthew's parents overturned it to two life sentences.

[MondrianComwRBY]

death penalty cannot be a solution - never!

[WhoIsSean]

A agree, I think death is an easy way out for people. Its better punishment for them to be locked up and have to live with the fact they are never getting out IMO.

Its so sad even thinking about it again and what Im even more sad about is the fact people don't learn from things like this and spead hate. Im not going to attack religion here as its not the place, but i believe the world would be a million times nicer if it had never existed.

[MondrianComwRBY]

OK, I understand what you mean and I understand your sadness! I agree! I was christened Catholic but I have left the Catholic meanwhile. I am no religious person, but for the first time in my life I wish that there were somethng like angels. If there are, I hope at least one of these angels was with Matt and guardet him in these 18 houres. This would comfort me a little..........I am German. if I express myself understandable ?

[WhoIsSean]

Yeah I herd that when the passer by found him a female dear had been sitting in the bushes next to him, so he wasn't completely alone. Its not a human, or an angel but it wasnt complete lonelyness.

Also he was found in a coma, so one can only hope he went into a coma quickly and was out of physical pain.

Also your English is neerly perfect, no porblem understanding it.

[MondrianComwRBY]

@WhoIsSean I would not like to bore you - only a few thoughts. 60-70 years ago the forefathers of my nation have committed a genocide. Millions people were burnt in the crematories, also many hundred thousands gay ones. All these people became victims only for one single reason - because they were different! This was blind and fanatical hatred and the biggest disgrace of my nation. Today we have a gay Foreign Secretary two gay mayors in Berlin and Hamburg, and so on and so forth.......

[MondrianComwRBY]

@WhoIsSean Gays and lesbians are allowed to do officially marriage with almost all rights and duties and no one cares two hoots about that any more! Many people have fought for it long and it has been worthwhile to fight.

Hatred and stupidity will never disappear into thin air, but we can fight against it. Everybody in its personal manner. We can do it for Matthew and honour him with it. Changes are possible and people can learn a lot more! Never lose hope!!!

[WhoIsSean]

Im not saying things havn't change but we are no where neer equal. There is still hate againsed gay people everywhere where its not needed and its totally acceptable. It wouldn't be accepted if it was sexism, or racism but we are just meant to sit back and take it.

As much as I am glad about the changes that have been made and how far we have come, we still have a looooong climb ahead and a much harder path in life.

That being said, I will never lose hope. We will get there someday.

[ultradumbass]

@WhoIsSean asexuals are in a more sticky situation for numerous reasons. one asexuality is not as well known and also because people will say "well at least gay people are sexually attractive to someone." then they'll see an asexual and be "well he isn't attracted to anyone. that is abnormal and counterproductive to the extreme." bisexuals are in a bad spot also because though they are more known, many think it is impossible to be gay and straight at the same time.

[lillaelin]

Just because you're not religious, doesn't mean angels can't excist :)

[WhoIsSean]

Another innocent life lost no doubt in the name of some religion.

Im not even an emotional person but even the only white skin where he had been crying comment got me.

Death is to good for those monsters that did this.

[MondrianComwRBY]

@WhoIsSean I cannot remember a situation in my life when I cried as bitterly, as intence and as long. It is these 18 houres! These 18 houres of the depest loneliness which a person can only suffer from and which Matt had to suffer. Matt had to die in a manner like no one should ever die. I`m horrifiet, am shocked and am dumbfoundet in a strange manner, but nevertheless I`m so infinitely happy about the fact that Matt`s parents have expressed themselves against the death penalty for the murderer.

[trc751]

mathew was a mothers child ,she gave him life his parents loved him well,he was a toddler,then a lovely child going to school,then he became a teenager,and he was still one of you a person`,then he grows to a handsome young man,still human,then people like those murderers decide to grab him tie him to a fence and pistol whip him !strip him!rob him!and leave this lad in the cold night snow bleeding to death! as he cried that was the only part of his skin seen?how could anyone do that!for what??

[bassajos]

I think A Balladeer is the best band of Holland. Their songs are awesome!

They are not very famous in The Netherlands, so if a friend comes to my house, I let them hear the music of A Balladeer.

Go Marinus, and the rest of A Balladeer ;-)

[stjimmeh]

"The only white skin.........." nearly made me cry too, what gets me is they were caught because they were trying to stop a crime, how ridiculous is that

just too sad a circumstance

[eastcoastthriller]

I was ok until I saw "The only white skin I saw was on his face where he had been crying" I cried.

[TehPankake]

Thats how we do in the big WYO!

[eastcoastthriller]

come to Dallas so I can show YOU how WE do in Texas! You are pathetic.

[TehPankake]

Texas? The only thing that comes out of Texas is steers and queers!

[worldmusiclover1]

This has to be one of the most horrible type of circumstance where this poor kid's life ended!! When oh When will human beings begin to be human rather than just beings!!! Powerful video that highlights Social Intolerance of the worst kind!! Thank you Robby for sharing!!

[milkblackcoffee]

This is really sad. Always, remember Matthew .

Thank you Bob for sharing it with me.

Thanks aballadeer for uploaded it.

[1RomanticSoul]

Well Right now it's Monday, Oct 12th, 2009 and it's the 11 Anniversary of Matthew Shepard's Death.

Matthew never regained consciensousness from the Coma he was found in barely breathing on Oct 8th. It's 1:55PM here in Laramie, Wyoming and there will be a Candlelite Remembrance of Matthew later today in many locations across America.

Please Always remember this young man who just wanted love.

We miss you Matt.

Love, Robby *****Stars+++++

[pritygirl79]

thank you Robby for sharing so sad story i don't beleive that exist so ungly and monster people in this world...Rest in peace Matthew now All people have right to this life and noone can change this

[MrJudie80]

Teodora, u r right in what u told in ur comment, i dont know what i had to say yet!!

Just UGLY persons, and i say a harmless word!!

Thanks Bob for share and aballadeer for upload!!

[PrettyHustla]

i will its so said im not from there personally but i will remeber him because it hurts me pains me how so many people can be so hurtful to others..so much ugly so much hate people have

[Clof1959]

Today is Oct. 12th 2009....

This is the 11th Anniversary of the Brutal Murder of Matthew Shephard just because he was Gay...

"We Must Never Forget Matthew & We Must Never Ever Let Others Forget Either"

We all miss you our little Angel. Murdered for just wanting to love and be loved.

It's 1:33PM here in Laramie, Wyoming as I write this.

Love & Hugs, Bob

[orkilatrish]

I encourage all who read this to see if your town is doing a reading of The Laramie Project 10 Years Later: An Epilogue. The Tectonic Theatre Co. returned to Laramie and revisited the town and people featured in the first installment of the Laramie Project. The piece is beautiful and Matthew's legacy lives on.

[InsomniaticMeat]

Most beautiful song I've heard in quite a while. Makes me cry everytime I hear it.

Cheers <3

[MissPussyKatz]

wow that video made me cry...the song is amazing

[DirkVanuitDelft]

Pfff, als je hier te lang over nadenkt is 't echt niet te trekken. Wat een wereld.

[Janice3aballadeer]

yes this is a dutch band. Very good America:P

Wow America, it really suprise me that you you all watch these songs and like them! You're awsome! I love America anyway.

and love this song. you're the best a balladeer!

[jullie zijn de beste en jullie optreden in Assen was ook super!]

but I hate it that Matthew was killed that way and the reason why..

unfair..

[DillonCallaway]

it was not robbery gone wrong, that is murder! if mckinney was the reason matthew died, he committed murder. ask a legal analyst.

[soule101]

thank u I love u ! it means more then what I can say !

[WBCWR18]

Matt is a filthy faggot who burns in Hell.

[EmmahartjeCleo]

You, saying this, should be the one who burns in hell.

What the hell is wrong with being gay?

asshole

[dl902102]

Really, I was thinking the same about you.

One more thing, I'd bet that even if Matt cured cancer, made an engine that doesn't rely on gas, and saved your life, you'd still say what you said.

[dl902102]

Nevermind, the coward closed his account.

[Ireton06]

Verry well written song, and i love the idea of them tryin to send a message peacefully....Wish it was available on youtube.

[phjsempre]

ouch... loved the production but hurts too much to get all the way throw. Great song!

[japroctor]

Fantastic and very moving video absolutely disgusting what happed. A similar thing happened here in Corby Northants UK Bas player met and became friendly with a guy in the pub the went back to his flat (my friends flat) 3 day later the found him locked in his cupboard he had been tortured to death later that week this thing gave himself up very very moving song

[Kevinseo1006]

Very sad song with good voice.

When I first heard about Matthew a few years ago, I feel both way of anger and demonstration.

We shouldn't forget Matthew's death. Thank you for sharing this.

[swmyers7]

This is really very beautiful. The lyrics are devastating.

[mysticmagic4760]

Beautiful; but heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing this with me.

[karloffornia13]

This made me cry. It was wonderful. What talent you all have. Excellent, excellent work.

[deepbreakfast1960]

I remember watching the movie it was horrible and yet eye opening to one whom has seen a lot happen since then, thank you for posting this video, god bless!

[desTondl]

great song... moving <3

[Rob184]

Dat er over zo'n gruwelijke daad zo'n prachtig nummer gemaakt kan worden...

Werkelijk waar een briljant nummer!

[OrchestraBabe200]

You have a beautiful voice, sir. Beautiful. And I don't say that lightly. <3

I hope you get noticed and famous. Soon. Cause I really think you will.

I was just in a production of The Laramie Project, so this song really hits home. Bravo, my friend. Bravo.

[Teuntje85]

jullie zijn briljant.

[GODHATESWBC]

FUCKING SHEER BRILLIANCE ...... Thanks so much for sharing your talent and insightful work xx

[JupiterCalling]

Beautiful video and gorgeous voice! Thanks for the add - can't wait to dive into the rest....

[withlotsabutta]

Excellent job!!

[yolandawizardsleeves]

One of the single greatest videos I have ever seen on YouTube!

[LaReinaDelBarrio]

I love this video! Excellent work by all...

[Holebis]

Thanks,

Holebis  ♥♂♂,♀♀♥

[Seattlecarnut]

A beautiful video. A sad video. It made me cry watching the video. I didn't know Matthew Shepard, but I know that he died for no reason, he didn't deserve to die. No one deserves to die.

[lovablecheerbears]

RIP.Matthew .

,,,

what a beautiful song

thank`s =^,-,^=

ok.bye bye.

[Thalysiakeuh]

kei mooie video & song, echt triestig

[mmelvin077]

I listen to this video several times a day. I think I have commented on this before.. but it is just so beautiful. I think of Matthew every single day. It's one of those stories that stay with you.. I adore this song. Thank you.

[jennaxoxo456]

Our School did the play "Laramie Project" , I was backstage and at almost every rehersal I cried. One person had to be Fred Phelps protesting at his funeral, it make me sick to my stomache hearing it. I also thought it was upseting at the end when his father made his statment. I saw a picture of Matthew Shepard and I couldn't belive that someone would want to hurt him. HATE IS WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Liefsmaike]

<33. I love thiss.

I will see them in a few weeks!

[halloikbentheone]

there are few artist who can really put their lines in a way that can really touch me, and this song can even make me cry, you are awesome a balladeer...

[20yearoldsrule]

How this could have happened..

It makes me sick, that somebody did that to him, and being such a stupid shit to say you didn't want to kill him, but you just hitted him hard a couple of times. saying that really shows you have a problem in life..

I've seen them live yesterday, when they started playing this song, everyone was touched..

words cannot describe it..

rest in peace Matthew

[BRUINESTIFT]

Awesome:O

I'm going to see them !:D

[GirlViciousThirteen]

This is sooooo beautiful I was crying. Matthew Shepard did not deserve to have his life ended like that. This is a beautiful memorial to such a good person who shouldn't have died.

[harrydebom]

Kippenvel!

[babeandandy]

"The only white skin I saw on his face was where he had been crying"

took a moment to even comprehend what it meant... began balling at that point...

[IrishTracy]

Amazing!

[harjan744]

Mooie video!!!!!! Jammer dat youtube ook haat video's accepteert.. Phelps bijvoorbeeld..zogenaamd een Christen die met de bijbel in de hand alles en iedereen die homo is of anders denkt mag vermoorden in de naam van God!!! Ik heb zelf 2 vrienden voor mijn ogen zien verongelukken en dan zie je video's hier die zeggen dat het de wil van God is.. Laat ze allemaal oprotten..

[ThomasCrum]

R.I.P. Matthew! I think of you every day!

[mies92]

wooow!

[niugnep93]

rest in peace Matthew. I hope you found what you were looking for in your too short life. Wishing you found beauty, love, forgiveness, and peace on that night. I hope you still believe Laramie sparkles. With every lucky penny and shooting star I'll think of you.

keep the faith,

Nina

[suzzi311]

Thats aweful:( he didnt deserve that.

[Krorell]

Superr mooi!

Soo beautyful

[rahnerahne]

i cried ):

it's not fair that he had to die.

i've done so much research for matt,

and it still tears me.

[darkgothictabby]

what is wrong with people in this world? so much hate and little understanding or compassion

[ashmantoronto]

a young boy once asked his mother:

Do you think I'll be famous?

wow...I teared up to that.

[JanVerbeek1]

prachtig liedje....doet me denken aan een klasgenoot die ik half jaar geleden verloren ben...16 jaar brommer ongeluk...hij deed niets verkeerd...voor a balladeer: ga zo door !

[mmelvin077]

this is breathtaking

[kodyboye1]

What an amazing song, and what a beautiful tribute to a young man who was killed because he was different.

This song deserves to have more views than it does.

[Alantin86]

Bedankt voor dit mooie nummer! hopelijk opent het weer een paar mensen hun ogen

[cdover7890]

that has to be one of the most beautiful songs i have listened to in a long time.

[cdover7890]

i can't stop watching this.

[BurtBenz]

Prachtig nummer! Voor meer over het verhaal van Matthew Shepard, tjsek mijn video's. En vergeet niet dat het bijna tien jaar geleden is..

[7DeadlySinsGluttony]

Beautiful.

[minuvera]

I have been doing a great deal of research into the story of Matthew Shepard and the town of Laramie, Wyoming over the last few weeks. I cannot watch this video with out crying. It so wonderful and a great tribute to an innocent life taken way too before his time.

[spherius23]

Het hele interview gehoord met Leon Verdonschot (overloos / kink fm). Als je de gehele achtergrond over deze zaak weet... Ik moest wel even slikken en pinken tijdens het eerste keer horen van dit nummer. Wonderschoon.

[Sulakke]

Saai, maar wel mooi.

[Monk821]

Heerlijk nummer. Binnenkort even jullie album halen. Heb Panama hier ook al liggen (L)

One Love.

[stuffonyourcat]

Heel mooi nummer, indrukwekkende video,

maar erg triest, vreselijk dat zulke dingen gebeuren.

Ik heb vandaag net jullie album gekocht.

Jullie kunnen er trots op zijn!

[xerofox]

I had to get used to "Mary had a secret" but this song is just what a balladeer does best. Emotional songs with a meaning, great piano and wonderfull singing. I can't wait for the new album.

[MagicMysteryx]

Sommige mensen sporen gewoon niet. Ze praten dan wel over respect, maar volgens mij weten ze de betekenis er helemaal niet van. Hoe kun je nou zoiets doen?

Prachtig nummer, echt heel erg mooi&indrukwekkend.<3

[hejira7]

...ik vroeg mij al af bij het verschijnen vd

1e CD, waar is het mooie Poster Child?! Nu dus op de tweede CD... Mooi! Ben benieuwd naar de andere tracks!

[nyckle13]

Net als Mary Had A Secret een geweldig goed nummer, a balladeer: TOP!

[Kiwivogeltje]

Ik ben er stil van. Wat een indrukwekkend verhaal, wat een mooi nummer.

Geweld is zo zinloos.

[ZuchtxDyeah]

Een tijd terug had ik de film: the matthew Shepard story gezien. Gister hoorde ik dit nummer op 3fm en het gaf me meteen rillingen...

Why do we live in such a fucked up world?

[rakker195]

Erg indrukwekkend en mooi nummer