Posted November 7, 2011 by Megan Rondeau
Via PETA U.K.
Steve Forrest has only just turned 26, and he’s already toured the world as the drummer of one of the biggest bands on Earth, Placebo. While the band prepared for the release of their new DVD, We Come in Pieces, which was released in the U.K. on October 31, Forrest set aside some time to star in an all-new ad for PETA U.K. In the ad, Forrest asks you to “be comfortable in your own skin, and let animals keep theirs.”
Steve Forrest for PETA UK, photo: Kayla Wren
Animals suffer atrociously in the name of fashion. Many are caught in steel traps in which they languish for days, starving and suffering excruciating pain. Mothers with babies have been known to chew through their own trapped limbs in a desperate attempt to escape and return to their young. Animals on fur farms often go insane, spinning in circles in their cramped wire cages, unable to dig, swim, or do anything that is natural and important to them. They are typically killed in crude ways, such as by neck-breaking, which does not cause instantaneous death, or by painful electrocution. The only way to prevent this cruelty is never to buy or wear any fur or fur trim and to encourage others to do the same.
Check out PETA U.K.’s interview with Forrest below, in which he talks about his tattoos, the animal issues that are close to his heart, and what he and the band will be up to in the coming months.
What made you decide to support PETA’s “Ink, Not Mink” campaign?
Obvious reasons really, it’s a great campaign of which I support fully. So when asked to get involved I didn’t hesitate.Have you ever worn fur?
No, I can’t say I ever really had a want for it. I can understand if we were cavemen and needed it to survive, but nowadays it’s not needed.When it comes to how animals are used and abused by the fur trade, was there a piece of footage or a photograph you saw of how they are killed that made you anti-fur?
I’ve seen many examples of how terribly a lot of animals are treated, not just for the fur trade but also for beauty products, the food industry, as well as the entertainment industry. And it makes me sick!Are there any other animal issues that are important to you?
Just give them a bit more respect and try to open your mind to accepting that there are other important things in life other than your own agenda. Animals need much more respect. The overfishing at the moment has been on my mind a lot.What plans have Placebo and your other band, Planes, got coming up?
Placebo [released] a DVD and documentary on [October 31], and Planes will be coming out with an EP in November, which we will be touring for the remainder of the year with hopes for an LP in 2012.We’ve read that you got your first tattoo just seven years ago but already have 75 percent of your body covered in art. What inspires the artwork for your tattoos—and do you plan to reach 100 percent?
I just always knew that I wanted this. I can’t explain it, but I believe like a lot of people, I was just born with an urge to do something different with myself, and this is one of the ways I have. Life, in all its wonderful and not so wonderful aspects, inspire my work.
*****
Everyone knows that fur is dead. Take the peta2 Fur-Free Pledge today and spread the word that you can be truly compassionate this holiday season by choosing to be fur-free.
peta2 Street Team Coordinator + lover of vegan food, cats, animal rights, Dawson's Creek, and Harry Potter.
Too long to explain here, it's long enough for a novel.
Father loves to farm, be self sustainable, loves to read, he's a antiques/vintage auctioneer, art student, and looks like mr. Rogers. My mother is a Montessori teacher and is amazing with children, all about local organic foods, loves gardening, cooking etc. my sister who is nine years older than me was into indie music and introduced me to all sorts of things at a young age. This all rubbed of on me and from that base I grew into similar things. I'm an INFJ
I love animals about as much as rock, heavy metal, tea, and coffee. Hoping to make a difference and help animals through PETA!!!
I'm tall, a geek, nacho - obsessed, I love sewing and Cath Kidston, also I'm vegetarian (wannabe vegan.)
Jersey girl now I'm all country.
Well let's just say life ain't always beautiful but it's a beautiful ride. I love all my pets and would do anything for them. I have one dog, two cats, a ferret and my babygirl shaymin,(the cutest hedgehog alive) I'm into all different kinds of music. I'm a singer myself and love art.
I want to get into marketing but not have to rely on people which have different morals and worldviews than I do to hire me. While I'm figuring this out, I want to show everyone what I believe in and spur them into action against injustices.
Life On A Tour Bus
I am Angela. When I am not helping animals I am listening to music, reading, or playing video games. My spirit animal is a fox and I love nature. What else is there to know? Want to know anything about me, need advice or anything message me :)
553 days ago
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Compassion is sexy.
561 days ago
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thats awesome!
561 days ago
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Amazing ad, amazing person
562 days ago
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Agh! I love Placebo. I was never aware of their relation to animal rights until now.
And I thought I couldn’t love ‘em any more :3
562 days ago
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That is really nice artwork!