|
|
| Ten Thousand Motels |
STEWART WIPES OUT BALDRY DEBTS
ROD STEWART is so devoted to his late pal LONG JOHN BALDRY he is determined to clear the star's debts and give him a spectacular send-off.
A fund had been set up by friends of blues veteran Baldry, who died from a chest infection earlier this month (JUL05) and had been unable to work due to his illness, to cover his spiralling bills.
But although the collection was stopped last Friday (29JUL05) when Baldry's brother ROGER became embarrassed by the charitable gesture, Stewart stepped in.
Stewart's manager ROD STIEFEL says, "They can stop collecting because Rod would never let John go without a proper send-off."
31/07/2005 02:22
|
|
|
| Ten Thousand Motels |
Long John Baldry's family incensed by call for donations
Last Updated Thu, 28 Jul 2005 17:01:58 EDT
CBC Arts
The brother of late bluesman Long John Baldry is upset and "very embarrassed" that a fund was set up to pay the late musician's medical and funeral expenses.
"I'm at a lost for words," said Roger Baldry from England. "The memories of my brother are now being fouled up by people who should not be poking their nose in."
Long John Baldry died last week in Vancouver after a four-month battle with a chest infection. The 64-year-old, born in London, England, became a Canadian citizen in 1980.
FROM JULY 22, 2005: Long John Baldry dies in Vancouver
Baldry is regarded as the father of British blues and helped the likes of Rod Stewart, the Rolling Stones and Elton John when they were struggling musicians during the 1960s.
Baldry hit the top of the singles charts there in 1967 with Let the Heartaches Begin. He also led several bands including Bluesology, Blues Inc., Cyril Davis and the All Stars and the Hoochie Coochie Men.
After his death, Baldry's website put out a call for donations to cover "current expenses." Roger Baldry says he was not consulted and believes his brother would be offended by such a move.
"He was a very, very proud person. He would have been horrified to have been involved in such a scheme."
Frank Garcia, who runs the site, said he removed the call for donations after learning of the family's reaction. Garcia says he feels bad and didn't mean to cause trouble.
Anya Wilson, a Toronto publicist and friend of Baldry's, says the musician's friends have rallied to cover any outstanding expenses. Rod Stewart has also offered to help.
A public memorial for Baldry is scheduled for Sunday at the Arts Club Theatre on Vancouver's Granville Island.
|
|
|
| IzzyStradlin |
As Woody once said about Rod, "the guy is tighter than two coats of paint", so it's good to see Rod doing something worthy of late.
He sure as hell isn't doing anything worthy muscially, sadly. |
|
