I think Brian is out of line whenever there's any criticism towards the musical, fair or not, but I admire him for calling people like this reporter out. If indeed he did the interviews he stated (and why would he lie?), why would she print something like that? She must hate Queen/Brian, which is fine in an editorail but not reporting lies.
deleted user 10.11.2004 13:22
'They were lovely. Everybody behaved impeccably. I heard things about bickering on the American stage, but there wasn't even a whimper on the English side.'
I like this part best. Shows how misbehavior sets standards.
Even if, as it seems, this journalist's comments were ill informed and slightly "bitchy", I still think Brian's comments are worse. It's a bit disappointing that he would respond in such a crude manner, especially in the public domain. I thought better of him than that.
But we've seen it before. I think he must be prone to instinctive and knee-jerk reactions.
I'd have more respect if he just pointed out the
real facts and said he was disappointed in the journalist rather than launching such a personal attack.
I think she was just trying to be a bit tongue-in-cheek but she failed miserably and it did come out sounding bitchy. Still, I agree: if he would just laugh it off and say tee-hee-she-was-so-very-wrong he wouldn't come off sounding like quite such a spoilt brat.
I thought he learned his lesson after getting told off by the fans last time for his rant about similar things.
Almost seems like there're two sides to him 'cause most of his replies to letters etc show the kind, mild mannered musician all his contemporaries say he is.
Perhaps all the trouble he had when he had to have rehab is still there a little and this is how he deals with it.
I have a friend who was in South Africa for the 46664 concert and managed to get backstage passes and had a long conversation in the bar with Brian and Roger and said they were both really friendly and interesting to talk to, so I guess these rants are generally out of character.
Brian is one of the most decent men in rock and despite the fact he appears to be tilting at windmills, he's standing up against someone who is telling bald faced lies about him. He's a musician first, and has never been a guy who has chased celebrity. Why shouldn't he be pissed about it? I've seen how people respond on this board if people disagree with them and it's not pretty.
deleted user 10.11.2004 17:39
I thought what he called her was hilarious.
deleted user 10.11.2004 18:45
The article was really bad, to be fair. Beyond scathing. It actually (indirectly at least) accused Queen of cashing on the back of Live Aid:
Here are the lines referred to by Bri:
"Back in 1985 cynics accused many of the Live Aid stars of relaunching flagging careers on the back of the concert. It was difficult not to be reminded of those sentiments last night.
As Geldof chatted to the press, Brian May, the Queen guitarist, waited for several minutes to be interviewed before sloping off after everyone ignored him. Roger Taylor, his band-mate, fared little better."
I'm quite surprised of Brian's response, yet not dissapointed. I think he had the right to call this woman a "nasty sniping little bitch".
I don't think Brian is mad at the fact that this woman wrote that he was completely ignored, but as mentioned above the fact that she said that "some artists" cashed-in on the event by relaunching their careers.
I think most of us would be feeling similar to Brian in that situation, at least I know I would be. I am glad that he is able to express his feelings on his site whether some people like it or not.
He might be the nicest guy in the business, but even nice guys have the right to be pissed off when being disrespected in such a manner.
I think Brian is right being pissed off... but it was a bit rude what he wrote... but thinking of what I would do... I'd probably do the same, so I totally agree with him.
I think he did the right thing, putting the true reason (why him and Roger left) on his site.
Then at least the fans will know why they left. No matter what that stupid reporter might say.
So... GOOD JOB BRIAN!!!!