1 Topic by Bluemac (edited by Bluemac 2013-12-13 07:51:43)

  • Registered: 2013-10-08
  • Posts: 170

Topic: A personal apology to Joe

I would like to personally apologise to Joe for any offence I may have caused him in any of my posts or comments, he was clearly upset by my thread relating to the importance of Europe, and possibly others, and for that I am truly sorry. I consider myself a huge fan of his music and travel long distances to see him play and would never intentionally upset him. It was never my intention to make any assumptions or insinuations about himself, his organisation, intentions or musical career, only to generate some lively debate.

I was always careful to state that I was not speaking for all fans, all Europeans or all of Britain, but was expressing a personal opinion based on my own experiences and feedback from others. If I said that the response to the whole tour was 'lukewarm' then that was an inaccurate and ill-advised generalisation and choice of words and I apologise sincerely for that and accept that others, including Joe, do not agree with that assessment. I also fully accept that I was not in a position to make such a generalisation and should not have done so. For the record I don’t believe I ever said that Joe uses the European tour as a warm up for the American tour, I believe I said that I FEARED that might one day become the case, which with hindsight could also be seen as offensive, and although I didn't mean it that way, I apologise if that is how it came across.

I felt that I had some genuine points to raise on the subject of why Joe has been so popular in Britain in relation to our musical heritage and my fears that if he moved too far away from type of music, interest in him might start to wane and Europe might start to become less attractive to him, and that I REALLY didn’t want that to happen. I thought it was an interesting debate on the differences between European and North American musical culture and I have repeatedly said that I was not trying to be critical or negative, but clearly Joe does not take the same view and I have too much respect for him to do anything other than apologise and hope he accepts that apology. I also apologise to any other forum members who may have taken offence or been negatively swayed in their opinions in any way by what I said – that was never my intention and I always appreciated the time people took to respond, whether they agreed with me or not.

Unless Joe requires any further apologies from me, I shall respect his wishes and not post on this forum in the future.

Bluemac

Even fools say something worthwhile now and again

2 Reply by hulldanfan (edited by hulldanfan 2013-12-13 04:33:33)

  • Registered: 2012-03-17
  • Posts: 235

Re: A personal apology to Joe

A forum is 'A meeting or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged'

As such, you should be allowed to post your opinions frankly as long as they don't contain personal insults etc.  I was never in any doubt that you were posting from a position of genuine concern.

There are plenty of posts on this site saying 'Joe is the greatest guitarist ever' and 'Joe can play anything' etc. etc.  I should be allowed to say, "Get real - He isn't and he can't"

That's not an insult or disparaging in the slightest.  He is a wonderful guitarist and I post here because I admire Joe and love his music, but all forums and debates are better for a bit of balance and objectivity.  I for one honestly think that's what you were trying to provide.

I'll tell you a story and hopefully it will stay up here long enough.  I was a Walter Trout fan before Joe really hit the scene and used to go on his forum (late 1990's or early 2000).   Then all of a sudden, a whole bunch of Joe fans started posting on Walters forum, using really foul and abusive language. Making threats and hurling personal insults at Walter.  It got seriously ugly.

I'm not saying anyone on here was involved, but some may remember.

That was justification for removing all the posts, but Walter and the webmaster allowed most of it to continue because at the core, there was a genuine debate about the arrival of 'The new kid on the block'

So, I would suggest to moderators that sometimes they close or move threads a little too quickly and are a little over protective of Joe.

3 Reply by Lester

  • Lester
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Re: A personal apology to Joe

It is getting close to Christmas, let us all have a bit more goodwill towards our fellow forum members.
Bluemac was brave to post his topic and it brought a good debate to the forum.
It is fair to assume that forum members are supporters of Joe otherwise they wouldn't be here.
Joe now has a large 'back catalogue' of songs, he can only reasonably play two or three from each album at a concert. 
I wasn't too sure about the acoustic set being introduced, but having seen it live (Brighton 2013) I really enjoyed it and thought the recent UK tour was one of his best.
Joe's band line-up has changed over the last couple of years and that is bound to influence the musical style at live concerts.
Joe will do what he wants to do and so far has been very successful, I still can't believe how many live shows he does during the year!
Let's just look forward to some new songs in 2014, enjoy Caveman's excellent production and settle down to a nice Christmas holiday watching Tour De Force.

If you read this Joe, thanks for all the time you have given to us in the UK and good luck for 2014.

Lester..

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  • Registered: 2013-10-07
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Re: A personal apology to Joe

Well said, Lester. This is a fan forum not the United Nations, so let's keep things in perspective and enjoy a bit of love and peace. Happy Christmas to Joe, his hard-working team and all my fellow forumites!

  • Registered: 2006-05-08
  • Posts: 1,996

Re: A personal apology to Joe

Joe's a reasonable man.  He'll gladly accept an apology.  But is it an apology if most of the words are used to justify your previous position/actions?  Let it go and show everyone here you are more than a one trick pony.  I think you have it in you and look forward to your future posts.

Gibson 60th Anniversary 1959 Les Paul Reissue, Gibson LP Standard Faded CSB, Gibson Gary Moore LP Standard, Epi Joe Bonamassa GT LP, Epi Zakk Wylde LP, Dean Michael Schenker Flying V, Jackson Randy Rhoads V, ESP/LTD George Lynch Kamikaze, EVH Striped Series R/B/W, Fender/Squire John 5 Telecaster, Fender Joe Strummer Relic Telecaster

6 Reply by Bluemac (edited by Bluemac 2013-12-13 08:02:40)

  • Registered: 2013-10-08
  • Posts: 170

Re: A personal apology to Joe

dknight16 wrote:

Joe's a reasonable man.  He'll gladly accept an apology.  But is it an apology if most of the words are used to justify your previous position/actions?  Let it go and show everyone here you are more than a one trick pony.  I think you have it in you and look forward to your future posts.

No, I'm really not trying to justify my previous position/actions, I am genuinely apologising.

Even fools say something worthwhile now and again
  • From: Charlotte
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 2,350

Re: A personal apology to Joe

Bluemac, falling on one's sword is not easy to do but your apology was well said and I can sense your heartfelt concern over what was said.  I cannot speak, nor can anyone else, for Joe (only Joe can) but I do know that he is one heck of a guy and really appreciates the fan base that has swelled over the years both in Europe and the States.  nuff said!

Music is good for the Soul...
  • jim m
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  • From: Okie City, OK
  • Registered: 2006-04-24
  • Posts: 3,429

Re: A personal apology to Joe

I don't believe you were asked to not post Bluemac but just asked to show a little respect for the man that pays for us to have this little forum. He does pay attention and there is nothing that he doesn't see. He read your earlier posts that were basically the same theme. I know that some people just get a little obsessive sometimes in their need to have a satisfactory answer and some times that answer must be in agreement to the point. You might of got some agreement but not from the boss. We are tolerant of all types of people here as they come and go for various reasons.

If I had thought you were being totally abrasive for the sake of controversy I would of eliminated the post a long time ago. I didn't mind the discussion personally. Of course it wasn't me that was being scrutinized. Now I may take exception to the post saying things disappear around here all to frequently I don't think so. This is a place for new and old fans to exchange information and form some bonds. It isn't a place to argue. Expressing an opinion though and arguing a point can get tedious at times. We just try to keep the atmosphere somewhat light hearted and friendly over all.  There may be a little contradiction going on after you got flamed by Joe but he is over it. I'm sure apology accepted. Stick around if you like.

jim m's Website

  • Registered: 2013-10-08
  • Posts: 170

Re: A personal apology to Joe

jim m wrote:

I don't believe you were asked to not post Bluemac but just asked to show a little respect for the man that pays for us to have this little forum. He does pay attention and there is nothing that he doesn't see. He read your earlier posts that were basically the same theme. I know that some people just get a little obsessive sometimes in their need to have a satisfactory answer and some times that answer must be in agreement to the point. You might of got some agreement but not from the boss. We are tolerant of all types of people here as they come and go for various reasons.

If I had thought you were being totally abrasive for the sake of controversy I would of eliminated the post a long time ago. I didn't mind the discussion personally. Of course it wasn't me that was being scrutinized. Now I may take exception to the post saying things disappear around here all to frequently I don't think so. This is a place for new and old fans to exchange information and form some bonds. It isn't a place to argue. Expressing an opinion though and arguing a point can get tedious at times. We just try to keep the atmosphere somewhat light hearted and friendly over all.  There may be a little contradiction going on after you got flamed by Joe but he is over it. I'm sure apology accepted. Stick around if you like.

Thanks for those comments Jim. I meant to say in my original apology that I thought you had done a great job of moderating these threads and so I'd like to take the opportunity to say so now.

Even fools say something worthwhile now and again
  • gary
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  • From: Palatine Illinois by Chicago
  • Registered: 2006-08-25
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Re: A personal apology to Joe

I just wanted to say to Bluemac that I never thought your thread was meant in  a bad way.I did not think that your assessment was probably accurate.However,it was a topic to debate as I thought it has some relavancy.
  Hope you don't beat yourself up too much.It is easy to trip yourself up on a forum by bringing up a topic for debate.Seems it's a Double edge sword.A little debate comes across as negative,but it also spices the forum  and gives us a chance to wave our Joe banner high in the air!
I also wanted to say your apology is very genuine and hope you still stay with us here.
As Rocket says rock on and keep the faith!

Your rock candy baby
Your hard sweet and sticky

gary's Website

  • From: Netherlands.
  • Registered: 2006-04-27
  • Posts: 2,186

Re: A personal apology to Joe

Bluemac don't worry too much about it. I know Joe very well and he is really a great guy. He would be sorry if you wouldn't post anymore, he loves his fans and he is very open to any form of criticism.  I agree with Jim. Post on!!
That you apologise says a lot about you in in a positive way. Respect!

  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 1,168

Re: A personal apology to Joe

Bluemac we are all good and you are welcome to post on here anytime you wish....

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but not entitled that everyone will agree with you.
Like I clearly did not yesterday. Anywho all is good and I like the perspective you bring to this forum.

Happy Holidays

Joe B

  • From: California
  • Registered: 2013-03-18
  • Posts: 11

Re: A personal apology to Joe

Total respect to Joe and Bluemac and everyone else on this forum! If the rest of the world could deal with a conflict even half as well as this....

  • From: Naperville IL
  • Registered: 2007-05-23
  • Posts: 504

Re: A personal apology to Joe

Way2optimistic wrote:

Total respect to Joe and Bluemac and everyone else on this forum! If the rest of the world could deal with a conflict even half as well as this....

                                                                                                                                                 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WAY2OPTIMISTIC smile ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Thanks JB and Bluemac
I 2 thought it was a great thread.
Please don't remove this one smile

  • From: Crystal Lake, Il.
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 5,120

Re: A personal apology to Joe

Jeeze! You work a couple 12 hour days, attend a late night office Christmas party, and you miss all the excitement!!
I missed the original topic, but it looks like a sincere apology was made and accepted. Nice gestures on both sides and all's well that ends well!

"Rock ON & Keep the Faith"

16 Reply by Bluemac (edited by Bluemac 2013-12-14 03:44:30)

  • Registered: 2013-10-08
  • Posts: 170

Re: A personal apology to Joe

Joe Bonamassa wrote:

Bluemac we are all good and you are welcome to post on here anytime you wish....

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but not entitled that everyone will agree with you.
Like I clearly did not yesterday. Anywho all is good and I like the perspective you bring to this forum.

Happy Holidays

Joe B

Thank you Joe, I really appreciate you taking the time to post a personal reply, which I have only just seen because of the time difference. I was highly embarrassed yesterday when I realised I had gone so far as to offend you, so I'm not only grateful to you for your gracious response to my apology but also to those forum members who posted supportive messages.

I hope you enjoy your last couple of shows and have a great break over the holidays. My wife and I are really looking forward to seeing you play in Basel in March.

Bluemac

Even fools say something worthwhile now and again
  • Registered: 2006-05-08
  • Posts: 1,996

Re: A personal apology to Joe

Nice ending!

Gibson 60th Anniversary 1959 Les Paul Reissue, Gibson LP Standard Faded CSB, Gibson Gary Moore LP Standard, Epi Joe Bonamassa GT LP, Epi Zakk Wylde LP, Dean Michael Schenker Flying V, Jackson Randy Rhoads V, ESP/LTD George Lynch Kamikaze, EVH Striped Series R/B/W, Fender/Squire John 5 Telecaster, Fender Joe Strummer Relic Telecaster