Former country music sensation Oliver Anthony, known as Christopher Anthony Lunsford, delivered a powerful message at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) conference in London. He challenged Americans to abandon false idols and reclaim personal responsibility.
(Oliver Anthony/Instagram)
Anthony, whose song "Rich Men North of Richmond" topped the Billboard charts in 2023, criticized the fragility of modern society and the excessive focus on celebrities, influencers, and politicians. He lamented the lack of appreciation for true heroes while these figures often receive undue attention.
Having announced his departure from the music industry to embark on a traveling ministry, Anthony expressed concerns about the pervasive influence of social media and the digital age. He argued that these platforms program individuals, commodify culture, and foster tribalism, making people more susceptible to manipulation.
(Getty Images)
Anthony, 32, highlighted America's addiction to screens, citing the excessive amount of time spent on digital devices. However, he found hope in the humanitarian response he witnessed in western North Carolina during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024. The volunteers' dedication to saving lives inspired him and reaffirmed his belief in the power of human compassion.
(Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
Now focused on his Rural Revival Project, Anthony aims to revitalize forgotten farming towns and communities. He encouraged trust in a higher power and doing good, echoing his commitment to bringing renewal to rural America.
