Definitely not past caring Michael but, in deference to the people who really count, I've offered little comment until a more balanced outcome is agreed between the various parties.
The rift seems to have been sparked by a combination of both inside and outside events, with loyalties tested beyond breaking point in the emotionally charged atmosphere of trying to complete the new album under awkward circumstances. These things happen. Sometimes a reconciliation is possible, and sometimes it isn't. Very little is possible without communication.
In my view, we can't have two MAN bands on the go. We can have MAN and something else (maybe A.N.Other's Manband?), but only if there's a sense of acceptance from everyone involved.
For example, I could see Martin and Josh pushing MAN forward creatively. Martin's long association and management of the band, his connections with POiNT, and with the booking agents in both of MAN's main territories suggest to me that this is the more likely outcome for the MAN brand. James is a great guitar player by the way, and they'll have no problems in sustaining a show. How much of the back-catalogue would remain in the setlist is an interesting question. For me the second song in the first live show would be a key moment. Considering of course that the first should probably be 'Visionaries' (all irony aside); will the second be a MAN classic, or a new song from the several already written for the next new album?
I can also readily see a George Jones' Manband treading the boards, and majoring on the traditional (traditional? Are we really getting that long in the tooth?) favourites that brought us to the group in the first place. George is undoubtedly a fine player and singer, and if Bob stays on board then there's no doubt about the talent on display. The unanswered question here is more about forward progression. Will there be enough song-writing talent to sustain a new album? For me there aren't enough clues on 'Diamonds and Coal' to point the way, and of course the latest recordings may not see the light of day for a considerable time.
With both these bands on the go, that would double the potential gigs that I'd be interested in seeing. Who knows, that could be ooh say 12 cancellations a year instead of the usual 6
