The End

[Raspbernie]

Well, folks. It was fun while it lasted. I can't tell you how excited I was when Eric first announced that he would be touring again this summer. But Eric's "Walk Down Abbey Road" was ultimately filled with potholes and detours. After you read his latest message , I'm sure you'll agree with me that Eric could not have continued with this tour. Let's all hope that this experience hasn't soured his taste for touring and that we *will* see him out on the road with again...and SOON! --Bernie

[PaulaSR]

Thank you so much Eric for letting us know the 'reasons' behind the many misunderstandings! I totally agree with you and respect you for your decision. I guess if I can't get my money back (I got them through MetroTix) I will be listing them on e-bay today. Anyone need front row seats to the Iowa show? And thank you Bernie for all your work on attempting to get this 'mess' resolved. I am still 'hoping' that someday I will get to see you in person Eric as I know many of your devoted fans hope for this as well. Paula in Madison Wisconsin!

[Laura]

Bernie-Thanks for the info. After your recent posts and all the discussion, I sent my tickets back yesterday. Under the circumstances, I can understand Eric's position and his decision not to play. His time is better served staying home with his wife and kids than standing around for playing for part of the shows, just playing a few songs. Hopefully, we will see him again on the road.

[HubbyOfEricFan]

Thanks Eric. I totally respect your decision to pull out. It was the only way to resolve the situation. You don't need that crap!!! It's too bad the promoters treated you with such disrespect. You did the right thing and we all understand. I still hope you decide to tour someday so that my wife can fulfill her dream! Take care and best of luck to you and your family.

[GATW]

It's a shame, but I understand. The whole reason I bought tickets...well, you know. And Eric likes Wolf Trap -- last time he commented on the "great acoustics".

Until next time...

[deBASHmode]

I've seen two shows on this tour, and each headliner leaves the stage for a long period during the first "act". The whole idea is to give each headliner solo time in the spotlight. I think the general public needs to keep in mind that this is a talent showcase/Beatles tribute, and not their favorite star, backed by other famous names. There's a backing band there to allow each headliner their moment in the sun.

It's too bad Mr. Carmen couldn't come to terms with such an arrangement. The others in the line-up seem to embrace the idea of allowing the others their solo moments to shine, and Eric's would have been some bright moments indeed.

[bahoodore]

Mr. Carmen should simply put his own show together...he has enough material (great material) to do 2 hours of rockin' tunes. He could do it alone on piano and still give great performance. I bought tickets to get the chance to finally see him. I have been waiting 20 years to see him in concert...I can say that I will never be fooled again. I think I'll just listen to the records. It's cheaper and safer. Plus the egos and political shenanigans of the music business don't get in the way. Two thumbs down for the business. At least Christopher Cross will be worth it.

[Betsey]

I didn't stay for the Dirty Dancing concert without Eric and I will not see Abbey Road without Eric. Eric, you are just like your music -- full of extraordinary class, dignity and integrity. Any true fan of yours will understand your decision and defend it. I, myself, would have been very upset to see the show as you described it. You're a cut above that nonsense. Thank you for the great music and perhaps we will all get another chance to see you perform soon. All my best to you and your family. Betsey

[Art]

Eric:

Good decision. I would have liked to see you, and had tickets to 3 performances, plus plane tickets. But, I'd rather lose the associated money invested so far than to go to a lousy show. Thanks for the detailed explanation. Why don't you send Ringo a couple of songs for his new album and tour with him next year? Better yet, get something going yourself. Hope to see you soon. Art in Utah.

[darlene]

Eric, "Just as I suspected!," as Jeremy Brett playing Sherlock Holmes would say. What can I say?

The promoters who would do this don't have an idea in the world what real talent and professionalism are. It's sad, but more often than not, true. That's why they're promoters and not artists! Many of them are just hangers-on to artists, anyway.

And anyone on the board who is complaining forgets that you were going to sit backstage while everyone else jammed, and doesn't understand that under those conditions, a musician doesn't even want to BE there!

Like I said, what they needed was an amateur fill in person, not Eric Carmen. I would never attend that "thing" they're putting on now. We'll see you sometime again. And it will be well worth the wait. It was last summer! Now you can stay home and write!

--Darlene

[Raspbernie]

Actually, I have nothing new to add...I just wanted to use one of the new graemlins since it pretty accurately pictures what I'd probably look like if I ever got the chance to give the producers of the "Walk Down Abbey Road" tour a piece of my mind! --Bernie

[darlene]

Bernie, I love your new graemlin! It's exactly what *I would look like if I got a chance to tell off the promoters of Abbey Road also, except that my "graemllin" would be chasing them and biting them while it gave them a piece of my mind!

As you know, both the Keswick and Ticketmaster list only Farner, Bruce, Cross and Parsons on the bill now. It's just something I have no interest in seeing. The nice agent granted me a refund (you have to talk to a screener first, and phone call volume is VERY heavy -- I waited long distance on hold TWICE and it was 35 minutes before I got a refund -- typical Ticketmaster). I'm sending my tickets back today.

Without either Eric or Todd, the remaining four will be working a lot harder, and knowing those promoters, won't get an extra dime for it, but that's THEIR problem, not mine, yours, Erics, nor anyone else's.

By the way, who are the *jackasses* who promoted this thing? My ticket just says "JUPNE." Is that short for "Jennifer Juniper?!" --Darlene

[Billy]

Eric, I totally agree with your decision. Thanks for giving us the insight behind it. Looking forward to some new music from you soon!

[Matthew C. Clark]

Well I guess I won't see Eric at DTE Energy Music Theatre but I am going to see Alan Parsons & Christopher Cross anyway. Can't wait until the next Eric CD comes out or maybe unreleased tracks. I am getting the DVD of the Disney movie "The Journey Of Natty Gann" from 1985 if it's still in print! Matt

[John Shaft]

Eric,

Your explaination made all the sense in the world and the fact that you took the time to post the message (even when you really didn't need to) just shows what a class act you truly are.

Unfortunately, I have never had the chance to see you whether it be with Ringo, The Rock Hall or wherever. Even though I probablly would've bought tickets to see you with this Abbey Road gig I would much rather see you do your own show.

[LobsterLvr]

Eric, 30 years later your lyrics still resonate.

"I hope there's no hard feelings

'Cause there isn't anyone to blame

(I) was raped, reshaped and tryin' to escape

Caught in a rock and roll time warp

Just tryin' to find the way to get out

Lemme out, lemme out

Lemme out, lemme out

I gotta get out"

Dave

[LobsterLvr]

The bad news is: you're not part of the Abbey Road Tour.

The good news is: now you've got time to put the finishing touches on your new CD!!!

Dave

[LobsterLvr]

The bad news is: you're not part of the Abbey Road Tour

The good news is: you've got about 300 fans within 200 miles of Glenside PA who suddenly have nothing to on July 24th. I've got a really big yard (or living room with a nice grand piano in case it rains). I can get a whole bunch of other NJ-based fans to help set up chairs. Darlene can provide instrumental back up. Bernie can handle the public relations. Your family can swim in our pool. My wife makes a killer chicken parm. You say the word and CarmenPalooza is a go!

[hungryeyes]

Eric, thanks for the message. I have a feeling you will put a great show together someday and you know your fans will wait patiently for that moment.

Bernie, thanks again for always keeping us updated.

Gina

[Tiggsherby]

Oh well, for the record, I just returned from the Keswick and recieved a refund without any problems. I mentioned that I only bought tickets to see Eric and pointed to the sign behind her that still had Eric listed on the bill. She said they only found out about him not being in the show by other fans looking for refunds and still haven't gotten the offical word from the promoters! The Philadelphia Inquirer ad still listed Eric as of Sunday. Oh well, your check in the mail, Gina -- it would have been nice sitting next to a true EC fan. The backyard gig sounds like a great ideal -- I'd be there!

[Robin23]

It is a treat to read Eric's messages to us his devoted fans. Thanks so much for such a detailed explanation of all the problems with the tour. I am confident that you'll be on a great tour next summer and I'll have front row seats with my sister sitting next to me. You are a class act and we continue to appreciate your talent and grateful for you sharing it with us.

Robin M.

[JuliaAllByMyself]

Although I am heartbroken that Eric will no longer be doing the tour, I forgive him, as I am sure he didn't make his final decision lightly and I am sure it was the right one. We will still be travelling over to America and Canada regardless, as our Canada flights are non-refundable and there will be a 75% late cancellation fee on the four hotels and American flights. Regrettably, the dates do not allow us to go to Bernie's and Kathy's party, which sounds great. We will try and make the most of our trip, although it will be with a heavy heart, though we will try and track down Eric's guitar whilst we are in Cleveland. If only the promoters realise what a seriously BAD mistake they have made by not appreciating that they had Eric in their line-up. I've so far managed to cancel two venues and will keep trying with the other two, so the promoters will be at least eight tickets down. I shall always keep our suitcases packed and passports ready for when Eric announces his SOLO venue(s), as after all, it's only Eric that we want and NEED to see up on that stage.

[Billy K.]

Finally got to read Eric's message thoroughly. It surely makes plenty of sense to me, for a number of reasons.

It's silly to play part of a show, and get paid for it, although Eric could have easily chosen that path -- which he said. Sitting out one or two songs is OK...but over half the set is quite ridiculous!!

And in this day and age where artists, labels and promotors are too often labeled as "greedy", fans can certainly appreciate someone wha will give them their money's worth.

Now, I've got a question -- were any of the other performers as restricted, as far as amount of time on stage? Did Mark Farner, for example, also spend a lot the show backstage, or was he on stage the whole set? Or is this a double-standard against Eric?

[LostControl]

Julia,

Too bad you're coming all the way over here and don't get to see Eric. At least none of us can complain as much as you, we're not leaving the continent.

What part of Canada are you coming to? There's still lots of great stuff to see and do here, although it's not as exciting as seeing the concert.

Michelle

[hungryeyes]

Billy K. -- I have that same question also about the other performers on/off time on stage. I don't understand. I know someone, somewhere on the board had mentioned they went to a couple of shows. Could someone help with this question???

Thanks,

Gina