Last September, the Greenpeace ship The Arctic Sunrise entered Russia's northern waters to stage a dramatic but peaceful protest against the nation's state-run offshore drilling operations. Despite the frigid conditions, activists attached themselves to a Gazprom oil rig, but were soon removed by Russian authorities. The entire 30-person crew was then arrested and charged with piracy and "hooliganism"—serious allegations that carry years of jail time if convictions are made.Now, Will Oldham, aka Bonnie "Prince" Billy, renowned indie folk rebel, has joined the percolating movement to free the so-called Arctic 30, who have lingered in a Russian detention center for months now, amidst international outcry. Greenpeace sent me the above video as an exclusive today, and it features the singer-songwriter deploying his signature acoustic drawl in a retooled version of "Black Captain." It's dedicated to Peter Willcox, the Arctic 30 ship captain.Greenpeace had apparently discussed the case with Oldham, who wanted to sing the song for Peter.Wilcox and most of the others have been released on bail in Russia, but are unable to leave the nation and are still facing charges.From the song's description:Bonnie "Prince" Billy sings "Black Captain (For Peter Willcox)." Willcox, the Greenpeace Arctic 30 ship captain currently charged with piracy and "hooliganism" for his role in a peaceful protest again an oil rig in the Russian Arctic, was granted bail last week after two months in "pre-trial detention" in Murmansk and St. Petersburg, Russia. He still has not been allowed to leave Russia to see his wife and two daughters, and there is no date set for his trial.Greenpeace has launched a petition to help secure the release of the crew, where you can read more about each of the other members of the Arctic 30.
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