Man at The Inn At Lathones

[Michael Heatley]

This board is all about opinions, and I think if that applies at all it applies across the board, if you know what I mean.

I know Micky's not able to answer his critics, but we're not his critics - we're his friends. 

C'mon folks...

[George Jones]

I would hate to think that I would be putting a stop to anyone, having an opinion or discussing other players or singers.  But don't forget, im the one who visits dad every week, the last time I was able to have a proper conversation with him was 3 years ago,  so pardon me if I feel a bit sensitive about things.  It hasn't been an easy time for Dad or me.  I had no choice in how the band has turned out.  That decision was made for me.

But looking back, it was not meant to be.  And im looking forward to new projects, the new album is cooking and Im enjoying the freedom that is coming with it, especially in the songwriting department.

Like I said before, my dad is unaware of the split, he only gets positive news......and that's the way it will stay.

I, more than anyone am in debt to the people on this board who have shown all the love and respect to dad over the years, I will never forget it.

I don't mean to darken the mood here....but i've kept to myself for a long time, and I agree with everyone on here that we should all have the freedom of speech.  

[Gavin Crumpton]

This board is all about opinions, and I think if that applies at all it applies across the board, if you know what I mean.

I know Micky's not able to answer his critics, but we're not his critics - we're his friends. 

C'mon folks...

If you're Micky's friend why are you so wholeheartedly supporting a band led by a man who has treated Micky and his family so apallingly? Anything goes?

I dont think any comparisons between Micky Jones and this current band are wise if there is to be any peace around here. He doesnt derserve any comparison whatsoever to the band who with their last tour and album have just put humiliation on the name of the band that was his life.

Uncalled for? I'd say so.

[Colin Salter]

NnnnnnnnnnggggggggggaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Damn, just bitten through my lip.

[Davey]

i know three or 4 posts came up as i was writing this but ...i think it is good to extol the fact from time to time that Micky Jones is one of the greatest singers of all time, as well as one of the greatest guitar players of all time, and probably a few other things musically and non related too...also one could make the argument that Oric compared two shows to each other with a gap of a few years in between.it doesn't have to be seen an overall picture of Micky Jones's development or progression as a vocalist.but i would also like to add as i've stated before i have never seen Man live except on film so my knowledge is  obviously limited on this subject    ...wait isn't the root cause of the recent split musical differences? ...i know no one wanted to touch this with a ten foot pole the last time i mentioned it,but when you look at the history of Man we see that Deke,Phil and Martin had left and rejoined at least three times each(and each of them did  worthwhile projects in the meantime),and some other members a few times too.this makes me hope for at least some kind of olive branch in the future sometime down the line if it/when it's possible.again here my knowledge is limited but thanks for letting me say my piece...also to George: i want to express interest in the guitar made after Micky if that is still happening.that would be a joy to have and play on -Peace-Davey  p.s. and to Gavin:will GWP vol 2 be coming out soon?...

[mikes]

George, we're dearly awaiting your project to start. I for myself had to come to terms with your split and I'm trying to be fine with it. I've given the other party a listen and I'm going to be one of the first buying a ticket as soon as you come over to Germany. Then I'm going to take you aside and take your view on everything. But please, you and Gavin, be so fair as to let people speak their minds, even though they might utter something that sounds unpleasant to you. As everybody else have put it: There is - and will be - only one Micky Jones. I've got fond memories about your dad, artistically and off-stage. No-one will be able to take these away from me. But then again there have been ebbs and flows and possibly oric had been to a show where weaker vocal performances were displayed.
I dare to say that everybody on board here sees Micky as an angel sent down (who wrote that great bit?  ) and so do I. I remember a show in Winterbach (near Stuttgart). I was late and stormed and, right to the front of the stage. With Micky playing the upcoming solo right to me, hitting me right in the middle of my heart.

So if you're due to play in Germany I will be there and want to know from you, in person, why I shouldn't listen to the Ace/Ryan combination. But maybe you'll just make me forget all my questions and make me listen to what you're doing ... 

[George Jones]

Mike,

I think you have got the wrong idea.  I have no intention of putting people off seeing Martin and Phil, if they want to see them, then thats up to them. 
I hope if you come to see us in Germany when we come over, you will enjoy us for what we are.
What kind of person would I be, telling people what to listen to?

Something positive will come out of this for all of us.

That's all I can say on the matter.

[Mark Davies]

Mike,

I think you have got the wrong idea.  I have no intention of putting people off seeing Martin and Phil, if they want to see them, then thats up to them. 
I hope if you come to see us in Germany when we come over, you will enjoy us for what we are.
What kind of person would I be, telling people what to listen to?

Something positive will come out of this for all of us.

That's all I can say on the matter.

Well said George. Looking forward to seeing 'Son of Man', hopefully sometime soon.

[AlanK]

I dont think any comparisons between Micky Jones and this current band are wise if there is to be any peace around here. He doesnt derserve any comparison whatsoever to the band who with their last tour and album have just put humiliation on the name of the band that was his life.

Uncalled for? I'd say so.

Humiliation, Gavin?  

What I saw on Sunday night was exciting, passionate and musically right up there. I had turned up in part out of some sense of loyalty, having been a huge fan since 1973, but my expectations were low. Live at the Star Club didn't do it for me, and I thought the writing was on the wall then. I subscribed dutifully to TWC for many years, but eventually jacked that in as I felt a dead horse was being severely over flogged. (Sorry, Michael)

However, after Lathones I am completely re-invigorated and feel that the musical heritage is in safe hands. While you can never replace the irreplaceable, James Beck is a fine young guitarist who is obviously relishing the role he is playing in the band.
Vocally, I agree with Oric. On Sunday the vocals were strong and accomplished, and Josh can also only go on to greater things. Ren?, ich habe dich auch nicht vergessen. Mensch, du warst klasse!

I realise that the recent split was acrimonious to say the least, but the paying punter surely wants to see a concert where the classics are given a good airing, where the more recent stuff is on show and where the musicians are given a platform to impress, and that's exactly what I got on Sunday.

[Gavin Crumpton]

I dont think any comparisons between Micky Jones and this current band are wise if there is to be any peace around here. He doesnt derserve any comparison whatsoever to the band who with their last tour and album have just put humiliation on the name of the band that was his life.

Uncalled for? I'd say so.

Humiliation, Gavin?  

What I saw on Sunday night was exciting, passionate and musically right up there. I had turned up in part out of some sense of loyalty, having been a huge fan since 1973, but my expectations were low. Live at the Star Club didn't do it for me, and I thought the writing was on the wall then. I subscribed dutifully to TWC for many years, but eventually jacked that in as I felt a dead horse was being severely over flogged. (Sorry, Michael)

Yes, humiliation Alan.

Whilst it is without dispute that there are 10 or so people on here who REALLY like the band, lets consider the facts of the events of the last few months:

Kindgdom of Noise released which was rushed, unfinished, shoddy, poorly mixed etc. etc. The album has a one star rating on Amazon and even some of Martins fans are calling it 'mediocre.' All to be expected from an album masterminded by Martin Ace but very sad that it bears the Man name.

20 or so people turn up to see them at the Pontardawe Festival, several of whom ask for their money back after not recognising the people on stage and having to endure a set dominated by Aces novelty songs and rock and roll tunes. The gig is reported by one festival goer on the forum as being by "The Martin Ace Band"

13 People turn up to see the band at Wrexham

Man are only able to get a gig at the 100 Club by agreeing not to do any other London gigs on the tour (in the past 3 London gigs would have been the norm)
This gives the band the only gig on the tour where audience numbers exceed 30 something.

30 odd audience at Hebden Bridge
30 something at Southend

Rhondda Parc gig is cancelled after 0 (zero) advance tickets are sold

30ish attendance at Leeds
13 at Doncaster
20 at Lathones

I'd say thats a pretty humiliating series of events. I just hope Martin and Phil are getting the message now! The only sad thing is that the Man name has been attached to all of this. Devalued and run in to the ground by Martin and co. Many of the bands past members think its time for the name to be laid to rest after the events of the last year of so I'm sure many are sad to see the band in its current state.

I have heard through the grapevine that Martin is considering calling it a day after the lack of interest in the recent tour and with TWC finishing at the end of the year.
It is the only dignified thing left to do. The horse is well and truly dead now.

Whether or not that happens it is highly unlikely there will ever be a Man UK tour again after the turnout on this tour. An average audience of 20 someting does not generate enough money to cover the bands fee (?500-?600) and the PA costs, let alone leave any profit for the promoter.

Sorry guys but that is the harsh reality of the situation.

[Colin Salter]

Jeez Gavin. How many times?

YOU HAVE MADE YOUR POINT.

We understand the point you have made.

We accept your point of view.

Now accept ours or (in yor own quaint Anglo-Saxon words) f*** off. Somebody's upset you and now you're trying to make all the rest of us be upset too. It's playground stuff.

If you had any sort of open mind and interest in the music of the Manband, you would have gone along to at least one of the gigs on the tour and heard for yourself what everyone else is talking about and which apparently you can't bear to hear: that the music is alive and well, being performed with renewed passion and energy. Fighting your one-man campaign to ensure that the Manband closes down and is never heard live again hardly serves the music or the men who started it all and who, however dismayed we may all be by the fact, are no longer playing it themselves.

You should be ashamed of yourself for expressing your love for the Manband this way. In the astonishingly healing words of George himself, who has more grounds for grievance and sadness than you or any of us, I think you have got the wrong idea.  What kind of person are you, telling people what to listen to? Although this forum is also for discussing the band's history, you're clearly no longer a fan of the the Manband in its current form, and you're just out to spoil it for the rest of us who are. I really think that if this is all you have to say on the matter, you have said it, clearly and repeatedly, and should now stop posting on this board, for your own sake and ours.

Sorry, everyone else! I do try to refrain from negative vibes. It's what us old hippies were put on earth to do. But I'm finding Gavin's postings increasingly poisonous. We can't have all the apples, but we can have some apples, and Gavin wants us to have no apples, just memories of apples. Well I like apples.

[AlanK]

Well said, Oric.

I was just pondering my reply when yours appeared.  I quickly realised that I couldn't have put it better myself - except I might have used bananas in the analogy rather than apples.

This new line up has a future and hopefully word will spread about just how good the live show is. I have already confessed that I went to Lathones with a heavy degree of scepticism. If a few more sceptics can be persuaded to give the new line up a whirl, I'm sure that things can go from strength to strength. It just needs people to take that step, because once they are through the doors, I can't see them being anything but enthused.

[Gavin Crumpton]

Oric, why is ok for you, Jules Michael and Allan etc to make the same point repeatedly and not me?
Do you only want to hear opinions you agree with? Do you want a one sided forum that praises Martin's band constantly? I'm hardly a lone voice in these opinions am I?

Are you so uncomforable with the truth that you dont want it to be told? Do you want everyone to pretend everything is fine in the Manband world when it clearly isnt!

What kind of a person am I? Well a better one than Martin Ace because I dont treat my mates like shit when they become seriously ill. How dare you make comments about me like that!

It is you who should be ashamed of yourself for being offensive and intolerant of other peoples views because you dont like them. I've never told anyone not to listen to. Never. I have an issue with Martin using/abusing the Man name in the way he is. Lets face it the only reason he is, is because nobody would be interested if it were called The Martin Ace Band.

And for the millionth time I'm not upset, I'm actually very happy and enjoying seeing Martin and Phil falling flat on their faces. It isnt often in life people get the comeuppance they deserve is it?

Whether you like it or nor Oric things are falling apart at the seams. Get your head our of the sand or out of Martin Aces arse if thats were you keep it and get a reality check.

Jeez Gavin. How many times?

YOU HAVE MADE YOUR POINT.

We understand the point you have made.

We accept your point of view.

Now accept ours or (in yor own quaint Anglo-Saxon words) f*** off. Somebody's upset you and now you're trying to make all the rest of us be upset too. It's playground stuff.

If you had any sort of open mind and interest in the music of the Manband, you would have gone along to at least one of the gigs on the tour and heard for yourself what everyone else is talking about and which apparently you can't bear to hear: that the music is alive and well, being performed with renewed passion and energy. Fighting your one-man campaign to ensure that the Manband closes down and is never heard live again hardly serves the music or the men who started it all and who, however dismayed we may all be by the fact, are no longer playing it themselves.

You should be ashamed of yourself for expressing your love for the Manband this way. In the astonishingly healing words of George himself, who has more grounds for grievance and sadness than you or any of us, I think you have got the wrong idea.  What kind of person are you, telling people what to listen to? Although this forum is also for discussing the band's history, you're clearly no longer a fan of the the Manband in its current form, and you're just out to spoil it for the rest of us who are. I really think that if this is all you have to say on the matter, you have said it, clearly and repeatedly, and should now stop posting on this board, for your own sake and ours.

Sorry, everyone else! I do try to refrain from negative vibes. It's what us old hippies were put on earth to do. But I'm finding Gavin's postings increasingly poisonous. We can't have all the apples, but we can have some apples, and Gavin wants us to have no apples, just memories of apples. Well I like apples.

[Colin Salter]

Thanks, AlanK - can't believe I used apples instead of bananas! What was I thinking!

(Actually, this is appallingly domestic, but we've just dug our juicer out of storage and are making fresh juice every morning for breakfast - hugely satisfying gadget fun, and you can kid yourelf you're being really healthy too. This morning's recipe - two apples, four sweet potatoes, an Asian pear and two carrots. Damn fine, and I think that's why apples were on the brain.)

[AlanK]

Oric, why is ok for you, Jules Michael and Allan etc to make the same point repeatedly and not me?
Do you only want to hear opinions you agree with? Do you want a one sided forum that praises Martin's band constantly? I'm hardly a lone voice in these opinions am I?

Gavin

You claim not to be a lone voice of criticism, but a quick review of the posts following the recent UK dates shows nothing but positive comments about the band, the playing, the set choice etc. etc. I looked hard for someone who was actually there to say that something was naff, but couldn't see anything negative at all.

Obviously wounds are deep, but and you are, of course, entitled to allow them to fester for ever and a day, if that is what you want.

Come on boys, do something. Just a little bit would help. It's better than doing nothing, instead of sitting round thinking of yourself......


Come on boys, do something. You gotta make your move. It's better than doing nothing, instead of hanging round with those complex blues........


Ring a bell?