Victoria Frerichs
via the Internet
Michael Roberts, you say that Marching to Mars is "jaw-droppingly awful" and that, although Sam sucks, he's still got a high opinion of himself. I'd like to know exactly what you don't like about Marching to Mars. And what did Sam ever do to you to earn your disgust?
If you don't like the man, fine. But don't accept an assignment to interview him and then spend the whole time sniping about him. It's immature and pathetic.
Gesi Rovario
via the Internet
I would just like to say that I think Sammy kicks ass without Van Halen and that what they did to him was crap. Sammy's right: Any VH that comes out will suck. I lost a lot of respect for VH, but dicking Sammy over was stupid.
Kevin Keller
via the Internet
Barry, Barry Good
Thank you, Michael Roberts, for the article about Barry Fey ("The Long Goodbye") and the Hit Pick notice of the Tommy Bolin Tribute Concerts in the same August 14 issue.
I am a mother and a grandmother out of the Zephyr-generation Colorado. Candy Givens and Tommy Bolin were simply the best--the most original and unique--female singer/blues harp player and male guitarist of the genre. There will never be another Candy or Tommy.
I'm just a mosquito here, but I did sing with both of them. Candy was my good friend in high school, and Tommy taught me jazz licks (he was fifteen years old) after I introduced him to my husband at the time, who became their protector and roadie/confidant when Zephyr started touring.
Barry was the soul of kindness to me and to Candy and Tommy during those early days with the band. Barry remained so when went to see him again 25 years later. He offered to help me (a nobody) and graciously received me and my tiny granddaughter when we stopped by his office for an unannounced visit.
Barry Fey took care of hundreds of thousands of crazed, music-happy kids over a period (a long period) of years. He was not much older than we were and was constantly placed in the position of being the responsible adult in the midst of a very large, unruly family. He had to make many difficult and unpopular decisions to benefit the greatest number of kids; a lot of them never grew up mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually.
I'm thankful that Barry was there for us--a constant and true friend. And I miss Candy and Tommy--the Hunna Bunna's.
Kathryn "The Grape" Elisha
Breckenridge
Every Dogster Has His Day
Regarding the Caroline Corley and Keanu Reeves incident, discussed in the July 31 Backbeat and then in subsequent letters columns:
First, let me say that I am proud to call Caroline a very dear friend, and to all of those self-assuming "assholes" out there, I was on the phone with her less than a minute after her "on-air" interview with Reeves and the rest of Dogstar. I have never heard her upset after an interview (if you call one question answered on the air an interview), but the whole situation has been blown out of proportion.
I have attended numerous concerts and shows with Caroline in the past, and never have I seen her be "off-putting" to anyone.
Christopher R. Smith
via the Internet
Letters policy: Westword wants to hear from you, whether you have a complaint or compliment about what we write from week to week. Letters should be no more than 200 words; we reserve the right to edit for libel, length and clarity. Although we'll occasionally withhold an author's name on request, all letters must include your name, address and telephone number. Write to:
Letters Editor
Westword
PO Box 5970
Denver, CO 80217
or e-mail (include your full name and hometown) to: editorial@westword.com
Missed a story? The entire editorial contents of Westword, dating back to July 1, 1996, are available online at www.westword.com/archive/index.html
