O.K., yesterday I wrote this thing called “Life Is Just A Rodeo”, about Rob Thomas and his band, Matchbox 20’s decision to pull out of a gig at Cheyenne Frontier Days. I said…
Get your head in the game Thomas! If you are against rodeos, then, why in the hell would you book a gig at the Worlds…Biggest…Outdoor…Rodeo?
Then, I got a comment from Steve. I don’t recognize Steve as someone who has commented before. Steve said…
I believe that Mr. Thomas was under the impression, like so many Americans, that the BS that rodeo puts out about itself being wholesome family entertainment had a basis in reality. It was only after he was shown some of the brutality and meaningless animal abuse that takes place at Cheyenne did the band say no can do.
Fair enough. Now, from time to time I will write something where I am critical of someone. When I do, I am usually talking about some activity that the individual did.
A few times, I have received comments from people who were working in some organized fashion for a cause. I don’t have a problem with that.
My response to Steve…
A couple questions, Steve.
Are you working on behalf of or, as part of, an organization?Are you saying that Rob Thomas, at one point, liked rodeos and booked a gig at one of the biggest and most well known rodeos in the world then, he had an epiphany and decided he didn’t like rodeos so, he canceled the gig?
Steve has not responded, which is fine. I was kind of hoping he would. I’ve been setting up some recording gear here in the Winnebago. It’s a challenge to do anything like that because, there’s some ciphering involved. You want to maximize the efficiency of every square inch. And, last night, the Joe Bald Store was out of Pall Mall Light’s so, I got regular Pall Mall’s. You get a different sort of vibe when you do the nicotine octane boost.
So, this issue was running through my head. I would like to clarify my issue with Rob Thomas.
My problem with Thomas has nothing to do with rodeos or cruelty to animals. Nothing.
I don’t think that, using a gig cancellation as a form of protest and, a way to get press coverage is a good way to do business with people.
If Thomas legitimately had an epiphany after the he signed contracts for Frontier Days, if all of the sudden he comes the conclusion that, for moral reasons, he can’t play at a rodeo then, he should cancel the gig. He should let the people that booked him know of his intent and reason why. Because, if you want to break a contract, you should supply a reason.
Now, I don’t know for a fact that Thomas did sign papers. I doesn’t really matter because Thomas made a point of announcing his side of things on the band website. Here is the complete statement from the Matchbox 20 site.
Regrettably, Matchbox Twenty will not be able to perform at Cheyenne Frontier Days on July, 18th. After careful consideration, it was decided that participating in this event would directly contradict the mission statement of SIDEWALK ANGELS FOUNDATION, our non profit organization. The other members of Matchbox Twenty support this decision and while we understand that a great deal of effort went into the planning of this show, and apologize to any and all fans who purchased tickets to see us. We ask that they please understand that it would be impossible for us to put ourselves in the position of making money from what we believe to be the mistreatment of animals.
Thomas is using this as a soapbox and, at the same time, publicizing (marketing) his own foundation.
Thomas is breaking a contract and using it as a way to promote. It’s pulling out of an obligation and, using that, as a means to create publicity.
I look at this and it makes me wonder if somebody was trying to set Frontier Days up. I wonder if it’s possible that Thomas never even intended to do the gig. Is it possible that this is some form of civil disobedience? I don’t know.
One thing I did, before I posted this thing yesterday was, look around to see if there was more rodeo protest going on. There is quite a bit. It seems to be organized and, there is a good amount directed at Frontier Days specifically.
Who knows what’s going on there?
Breaking a commitment, pulling out of a deal…backing out of a gig, maybe it’s old school thinking but, you don’t want to do that. It’s kind of a code of the road kind of thing. The old booking agent would say; “It’s not proper.”
If you don’t show “careful consideration” before the contract, you should do the show. If it becomes apparent that you are morally incapable of doing the show, after you have committed, work it out with the other side and keep it out of the press because, you are the one pulling out.
If you pull out of a deal, use your actions as a tool to promote and protest; that’s bad business.
That is bad show business.
Related posts
Tags: cheyenne frontier days, Joe Bald, matchbox twenty, mistreatment of animals, rob thomas
J wrote,
I agree. Speaking of show business, would “Munk” happen to be Thelonius?
J’s last blog post..Another Mic Shootout
Link | April 15th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Pribek wrote,
Yeah J, I came up with that bass line one night, and recorded it the next day. I listened to that and thought to myself-”I ought to put some ‘Monk chords’ on that”. Monk was one of those guys that used a lot of altered, dominant chords, to my ears.
Anyway, somebody said “that’s Punk Jazz”, when they heard it. So, I started using “Munk” as a working title. Then Eric Schuchmann said, “Punk Jazz” when we were tracking so, I said “so it be”.
Link | April 15th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
PatrickisnoAprilFool wrote,
Dear Illustrious One and friends:
I think you have stumbled into a corral full of stynch-opated cow lovin’ pied-pipers. It seems a story broke in middle February, that is having many celebrity-hero-sociopath’s working overtime to get a piece of the free publicity. Only this time it comes on the backs of bovines and some pretty awful stuff:
-and-
“…Rob and his wife have established Sidewalk Angels Foundation, a non-profit organization created to aid those in need in and around Americaâ??s big cities â?? working with various charities to assist people who are destitute or homeless and get lost in the system; those who cannot afford proper medical care; and animals that have been abandoned or abused. (http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Rob-Thomas-Biography/7CABF7AC4B73BA7C48256FE5000A216E )
My opinion is that the afore mentioned crooner is a matchless nitwit with a mind that thinks only inside the Box.
–conclusion: It is very, very disturbing when celebrity starts thinking it is someone’s hero.
This information is:
A a load of pooht, but good for roses
B marginally informative
C depresses me more than before I read it, and it is still only Tuesday
D could be used if I cared
PatrickisnoAprilFool’s last blog post..MTC#10
Link | April 15th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Steve Wilson wrote,
Pribek! I’m back. I’ll try and answer your questions.
Am I working on behalf of an organization?
-Lol, define working. I volunteer for several Animal Protection organizations when I can spare the time from my regular job. In this case I happen to be one of the people who volunteered to videotape the abuses at Cheyenne in 2005 and again in 2007 for SHARK (SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness).
“Are you saying that Rob Thomas, at one point, liked rodeos and booked a gig at one of the biggest and most well known rodeos in the world then, he had an epiphany and decided he didn’t like rodeos so, he canceled the gig?”
-I have no knowledge as to what or how Mr. Thomas thinks. I don’t know if he is even consulted about the details of every gig before it is booked. What I do know is that about 3 weeks ago Shark provided Rob Thomas (through his animal organization) videotape that was shot at Cheyenne. Several weeks later Shark was contacted by their contact at his organization and informed Matchbox 20 would not be performing at the rodeo.
My belief is that he watched the videotape and was appalled at the abuse that takes place. Countless animals injured and even killed. Electrically shocked, necks and backs broken, etc….for a crowd’s amusement. It isn’t a pretty picture.
As far as not backing out of a contract, I would agree that in a perfect world all entertainers would know how brutal rodeos are before hand, but that just isn’t the case. At http://www.shameoncheyenne.com you can read more details about this rodeo and watch the actual videotapes we shot.
At any rate, thanks for the questions and I hope I don’t come off as snippy, but I am very proud of what Matchbox Twenty did. It is so rare that people actually follow through with what they claim to believe in even when it might cost them.
Thanks.
Link | April 15th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Pribek wrote,
Steve, I’m glad you checked back. I don’t think you sound snippy at all.
The reason I asked if you were working on behalf of an organization was, genuine curiosity.
I have no problem with you plugging SHARK or linking to the videotape.
But, to me, this story isn’t about the treatment of animals.
And, it’s not about backing out of a contract rather, the way in which it was done. If Thomas just backed out, it wouldn’t be a story.
He published his statement and made it a story. That just doesn’t seem like the way the one breaking the contract should handle things.
So, you are proud of what Matchbox 20 did. Are you proud because it raises awareness of your cause?
To me, Thomas using his unprofessional conduct as a way to garner publicity, devalues your cause, Steve.
Link | April 15th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
PatrickisnoAprilFool wrote,
Marinell was sitting at the keyboard last night, and I had the Sonific running in the background; I was reading on the couch. “Marinell, that’s Jack’s album.”
“What?”
“On the speakers, Jack’s new album.” Munk was on, with all that going on… in the middle..
“That’s Jack? Right now on the guitar? Wow listen to that! He got better!” she said.
PatrickisnoAprilFool’s last blog post..MTC#10
Link | April 16th, 2008 at 6:19 am
MooPig wrote,
Okay, I’m taking markers on the July 19th MB20 appearance at
North Dakota State Fair
July 19, 2008
Minot, ND
http://www.ndstatefair.com
Odds are only a snippet this morning; 4 to 5 on this one; log in at ndstatefair — there are people dressed up like animals!!!!! And , unbelievably, they show selling all meat hot dogs in their video!!!!
Place your bets now if the MB20 will bail on North Dakota’s fair!!!
I take Paypal, and Visa/MC…
MooPig’s last blog post..MTC#10
Link | April 16th, 2008 at 6:30 am
Steve Wilson wrote,
Yes, irregardless of whether or not this brought publicity to the plight of rodeo animals, I think what Mr. Thomas did was very consistent with what he claims to believe in. That is what I respect.
I would also argue that what Mr. Thomas did was not unprofessional in the least. He entered into a contract based on the promises and claims of the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo that they treat animals humanely. The videotape evidence proves that this is a blatant lie. I think an argument could be made that Rob Thomas entered into a contract based on the lies of the rodeo and therefore he has every right in the world to say I was misled and neither myself or the band will be a part of this.
As for the other poster and the North Dakota Fair, you are comparing apple to oranges. Cheyenne is nothing but a rodeo. 12 straight days of rodeo counting the slack. They are also the PRCA Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year. ND has one Bull riding event and one ranch rodeo five days after MB20 performs. Neither of which are inhumane in and of themselves.
Link | April 16th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Pribek wrote,
Do you think that it would have brought publicity to the plight of rodeo animals, if Thomas would have handled the gig cancellation in the normal fashion?
Do you think that Thomas used this cancellation as a way to bring publicity to the plight of rodeo animals?
I have signed a lot of gig contracts and never seen any language about animal rights.
“Cheyenne is nothing but a rodeo. 12 straight days of rodeo counting the slack. They are also the PRCA Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year.” There’s no mistaking that Thomas knew he was going to a rodeo.
Issuing public statements and press releases, using Public Relations people to further an agenda is fine by me.
Using an organization that hired you to do a job, as a fall guy, in an effort to promote an agenda is, a cheap shot. It’s a low class move.
It shows a lack of respect to others in the profession.
Link | April 16th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Steve Wilson wrote,
“Using an organization that hired you to do a job, as a fall guy, in an effort to promote an agenda is, a cheap shot. It’s a low class move.”
I’m not following. Who do you think hired whom? Who is the fall guy?
Link | April 16th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
MooPig wrote,
Dear Pribek:
May I interject at this point? I would like to summarize the time line of this breach of contract. I hope it gives Steve Wilson’s feeble attempt at sensationalism a few more stamps.
(See; also TuneBoom.com; $747 buys you 300k in payola)
So far the discussion includes:
109 year old Cheyenne Rodeo and livestock show contracts MB20 in July-ish 2007 to fill in entertainment on the 18th, July 08. Contracts are all the same, breach and so on.
Feb 18, 2008, USDA has to lock down a slaughter house in CA for cattle with Down Cow, and recall a lot of hamburger.
Rob Thomas gets a whim and opens up the Animal cruelty prevention foundation and throws money into it, to avoid paying taxes. He probably thinks he is Melinda Gates or something which after 44 million in one album sales makes it all moot anyway.
Rob Thomas picks up the newspaper one day, sees a headline in the NY Times, Animal cruelty at Cheyenne. He says, “aren’t we playing there?” His wife says, “Yes, Robbie, and do I look fat in these Wranglers?” They jump to youTube and watch a one-sided commercial blurb on the abuse of livestock…
Three months before the date he decides the entire MB20 traveling show will not play there.
Up to the time of his decision, Thomas has had at least nine months of advertising, sponsorship, and good will promotion of his MB20, by Cheyenne.
Cheyenne Frontier Days Sponsors include: Union Pacific, Suncor Energy, Qwest, Bank of the West, Coca Cola, McDonalds, Wrangler, Wal-Mart, State Farm Ins, Century 21, and University of Wyoming, plus locals like Grease Monkey Pancake House, Big D Exxon, and Steel Creek Trailer Sales.
Thomas then issues a statement and says: “Cheyenne FD is cruel to animals.”
MooPig, me, Personally: I think a grand jury might vote to allow this as a slander case into the courts. Slander by Thomas who will be asked to pay damages to Cheyenne. Live and learn; live and learn.
Thomas might even be obliged to pay for all the advanced ticket sales, lost deposits, vendor losses and the other sponsors — Wal-Mart — might line up for a little of that negative press themselves…
God Bless the internet, and all the Americans still living in the freedom of shameless enterprise. But Steve you have produced no evidence that cruelty is the issue.
The Thomas MB20 should have showed up like the real rockers of old, and stage an ass kicking protest to the cruelty of Rodeo animals, right there in the face of Wyoming University, and all its summer break cowboys.
You see Stevie what I’m trying to tell you is that your use and display of the footage of killed and maimed steers, is, well, just as cruel as those who are trying to subdue the animals in sport. You are using the animals and a multi-national, 100+ year sponsored event to boost some other aspect that I cannot figure out still. I would like to understand your point though.
MooPig’s last blog post..MTC#10
Link | April 16th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Steve Wilson wrote,
Maybe Rob Thomas is a mad marketing genius and he planned all this out, I have no idea.
The whole point of the video is that nobody has to believe anybody, it is there for people to judge for themselves.
Don’t tell Coke they are a sponsor at Cheyenne, they might have to sue you as they vigorously deny they are a sponsor.
Link | April 16th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
PatrickisnoAprilFool wrote,
Or Mattel has to reconsider its 50 year claim to Matchbox 20 logo?
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/1120125049047582773ELDnfC
http://members.aol.com/awtoyboy/picturepg5.html
Congratulations Steve, I am nominating you for B-Law 101 Poster Child!
I vigorously sense, Steve, you have a choice right now to re-think your consistency argument, or eat this advertisement on the sponsor’s of Cheyenne FD Gold Boot Sponsors Page includes Coca Cola: http://www.cfdrodeo.com/general%20information/sponsors.aspx
Aside–
Childrens, this is what happens if you never take time to learn basic torts/contracts law… you lose.
PatrickisnoAprilFool’s last blog post..MTC#10
Link | April 16th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Steve Wilson wrote,
You don’t like it take it up with Coke. Coke has a policy that it won’t support events where an animal may be hurt so they don’t sponsor rodeos. However! Their local bottlers can support rodeos. You just never see the local bottlers name on any of the rodeo signage thus tricking even people like you into thinking Coke sponsors rodeos. Visit http://www.CokeCruelty.com for more details.
Link | April 16th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
J wrote,
Careful, Pat; –those PETA folks are known for their domestic terrorism! MB20 set ‘em up! But can’t we still all just get along? Come on, ya’ll; –I’ll buy us all a round of hamburgers!
J’s last blog post..Another Mic Shootout
Link | April 16th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Pribek wrote,
OK Steve, let’s back the truck up a second.
“Using an organization that hired you to do a job, as a fall guy, in an effort to promote an agenda is, a cheap shot. It’s a low class move.”
I’m not following. Who do you think hired whom? Who is the fall guy?
Frontier Days hired Matchbox 20. Frontier Days is being used as the fall guy buy Thomas and SHARK and publicist/pr goons.
I’ve been doing these gigs for thirty years now. During that time I have had to deal with a stigma that is attached to musicians because of the actions of some who did not treat the job with respect.
I’ve been over to the SHARK website and seen the TIGER and read about how you guys contact the acts beforehand and try to convince them to cancel Cheyenne.
I feel confident that I know your stance on animal cruelty and Frontier Days.
What I’m not clear on Steve, is this; Do you advocate Matchbox 20, using their breaking of a contract, as a Public Relations scheme to further that cause?
When a professional, in any field, conducts himself in an unprofessional manner, it reflects on others in that profession.
Breaking the contract and making it a story, a way to do some axe grinding, is unprofessional.
SHARK is playing the publicist game of manufacturing news if, they played a part in this fiasco.
Link | April 16th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
MooPig wrote,
Yes, J; I just wish I could save the shaver his next few years from futility. Do we have that much hind-sight, that we can see right through these hmmm-haw arguments and sloganism? If I had $20 million in record sales would I be offered a seat at the goon meetings? Thanks to J, Pribek, and Steve — but
Steve, It’s time to get off the seesaw and into the sandbox. The steers don’t need your kind of help, you need their help.
and you can have the last word.. I’m tagged out with it. pd/mpw
MooPig’s last blog post..MTC#10
Link | April 17th, 2008 at 6:50 am