Some David Cassidy fans seem to think that if we criticize him or his work, we are bashing him. I thought I'd address this in a separate blog entry rather than in a comment buried in a thread.
I truly believe that you can be an objective fan. We are not twelve years old anymore and have developed some critical thinking along the way. Some of his stuff is great; some of it is bad. Sometimes he's gracious with fans; other times, he's an ass. I would think that David Cassidy, of all people, would appreciate some objectivity from fans seeing as he complained of the fanaticism in his heyday. Try and find some critical coverage on his performances or work back then. Apart from that Rolling Stone article - and even that focused more on the phenomenon that he was, rather than his actual talent - there really isn't much. He wasn't a god then (just looked like one...) and isn't a god now. Objectively critiquing his work and public behavior is not David-bashing. It's appreciating him as a real person, with talents, faults and qualities.
Not properly rehearsing "Mae" before a performance? You can call that lazy. You can also call it self-sabotage. There are not many other rational explanations for that fact seeing as he knew this was a top song request from fans for months prior to that tour. Seriously, what's up with that? To use an analogy the twelve year old in us will understand, that's like skipping class, not doing any homework all semester and studying the material for the first time the night before the final exam.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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38 comments:
Great thoughts, today Daydreaming. Objectivity? It would seem that he WOULD like that.
Yeah, his lack of preparation did strike me as odd. Well, not so odd, since I've seen many other celebs do that but it always seems wrong. I was disappointed that he did it.
While a lot of people are saying to move on, forgive, he’s not a murderer, etc. because the vast majority of the experiences are great, there are others that are bringing up more scathing things. Someone posted that the reason why more about the negative experiences has not been said in the past is that most people feel that no one will listen or that they will be judged harshly for bringing it up. I think there is probably some merit to that.
I started off the day with something like “Without judging David and hurt/upset fans alike, can we at least ALL agree that he upset and invalidated longtime fans???? Let’s not invalidate them further by not acknowledging how upsetting it was and is for them.” I think this is the bottom line for me about what happened.
I don’t like to hear that he’s done this time and time again but I think that’s probably true too. So I don’t like that he’s continued to do this now to the point of losing some very loyal longtime fans that have until now, given him unwavering support. That would be a SHAME. I don’t agree that he should continue to be coddled, excusing him from doing what everyone else would be expected to do and acknowledge what he did, has been doing, and apologize.
There have been some VERY heated arguments even today, compelling ones too, on both sides. It would be better in discussing this if we could acknowledge each other’s points of view, and make our own points w/o being inflammatory. That might go a long way toward inducing more objectivity and mutual understanding by everyone. Right now it still feels like fans are judging each other.
Testing. I must be thick as a side of beef. Been trying to post for a day but can't get it right. Don't have google or blogger accounts. Here goes.
British fan xxx
Thanks for getting us back on track. I'm all for objectivity. I guess I'm still on a high from only recently re-discovering David but I do feel sympathy for anyone who has been disappointed by his behaviour. I feel kinda sad that he's not quite turning out to be as I would have hoped. The good thing is, knowing he's not the perfect human being I dreamed about over the years, I can separate him from his work, realise I'm lucky to be married to a super guy and let go of the fantasy I had of Mr Cassidy. There's no such thing as perfect.
I will still shamelessly drool over his former looks, marvel at his voice and dissect all parts of him with the rest of you!
I agree that he should put his all into performances. I'm surprised he forgets the words to songs that were written especially for him and he is supposed to be proud of.Whether it's sloppiness or memory deterioration is anyone's guess.
xxx
British fan, I'm so glad to see you back. I missed you!!! :-) :=) :-)
Thank you. Good morning!
When you rise this morning go take a look at cmongethappy, page 15 of THAT thread. Sorry no technical skills so can't link it. Read the long post by new member Daidycat. She is a long time fan of David and met him over the years. Her post is articulate, well-balanced and acknowledges David's erratic behaviour. Her words have touched my heart since she has managed to put into words everything I feel about Mr Cassidy and my concerns over his career to date. Hope its still there.
xxx
Thanks for letting us know about Daidycat's post, British fan. I love how she expresses her thoughts on David and his career. Her thoughts echo mine a lot as well.
BTW, British fan, sorry about modifying the comments form and locking some of you out. I was just trying to remove the "Anonymous" option as a signature. Don't know why Blogger can't do that. But I digress.
Hi British fan,
I read it (DaidyCat) and yes, her experiences provide great perspective and insight. I can see what she's talking about. It would explain a lot. She has managed to take a look at the whole picture and offer compassion for David and upset fans alike. Bravo!!!
By the way, I have also been blogging about David lately, and I quoted you on my blog post today:
David Cassidy: Eyelashes All Over The Place. :-)))
I was particularly surprised by her mention of David turning down roles on Broadway. I can't get my head around that one, unless he felt they weren't good parts for him. What an enigma he is!
singmedavid thank you so much for the link. I will take time to check it out later when I get home from work. I will HAVE to learn to be more computer literate. I can't do any interesting stuff. Spend all my time exploring and digesting other people's work, you know, just relaxing and stuff, rather than actually learning things myself. This is my chill out time!
xxx
I found this blog today and it was such a relief discover that there actually are fans out there who are willing to admit that David is not perfect! To blame the fans...my God! Could it be his alcohol problem that is behind this (in August he announced publically that he is an alcoholic)? If this is the reason for his behaviour, he should admit it, apologize and get treatment instead of blaming the fans! Some might think that the alcoholism is a part of his private life, but in this case it isn't, since it affected his work, which was to be at the show, be nice to the fans and write authographs. If he had been working in an enterprise and behaved like this during an important reunion, he would surely had been fired. We, his fans, are his employers! Should we fire him or give him another chance? I myself vote for another chance - if there is an apology and explanation!
There was a post, there got deleted on CMONGETHAPPY.com. This was someone who used to work with David.
He said that David was delusional and never got the help he needed.
David is very good a blaming his problems on other people.
David wants to live in his own make-believe world.
I kind of want an entertainer to make me forget my problems.
Its amazing how DC want to bring people into his delusion.
I think David really believes his story about the fans causing the problem.
I understand that some fan like DAIDYCAY feel like they have an investment in the guy.
I have seen DC in concert, but I never paid.
I could just imagine the people that took planes and spent a fortune getting to Las Vegas, Broadway and to this guy's show thinking that David somehow appreciated it.
Well, some of the comments on this blog have been David bashing---see Cao's comment above. "David just wants to live in his own make-believe world". Oy vey. Anyone notice that Cao's posts on the Get Happy site have been deleted? That's because they've all been off-topic, talking about DC's family, his personal problems, etc.
Daydreaming, on the other hand, you do a great blog, and you're very balanced in your approach. There aren't too many DC sites on the web that do the same. It's much appreciated.
SLK,
This topic was about David bashing. The thing is whether we are doing critical thinkings or bashing.
The guy who wrote that post I was talking about posted before on the music section of the site.
He had personal opinions about the guy and said that he knew that if he posted them anywhere, they would be editted.
I am glad I saw that.
I think Scott is still wondering where he wants this thread to go.
Danny Bonaduce didn't want David on his show because of the way David interview. Yes, Danny has said similar things about David.
Welcome Fan since 1972! Yes, Daydreaming David does do a great job of providing an objective forum!!! Thank you DD!!!
Thanks, cao, for pointing out the post that got deleted. I read that too. I guess the way it was written was considered David bashing.
Thanks, singmedavid! When I read my own comment, I feel bad because I am so harsh! I'm writing about David, whom I loved so much when I was a teenager. And whom I realized I still love, in a special way, when I rediscovered him a year ago. But, during this last year I have started to suspect that I might not LIKE him, if I knew him. It's feels good to be able to admit that among "my own", i.e. to other fans who can accept that David has faults like the rest of us. I'm surprised every time a public person, politican, actor, singer etc., tries to deny having committed an error instead of just saying "Yes, I made a mistake, I'm very sorry, etc". Those who choose that strategy come out of their troubles much easier than those who deny things and ultimately have to admit that they have been lying. I hope David manages to reinstall our confidence in him - but maybe he doesn't give a damn.
I know what you mean Fan since 1972, I don’t think you’re being harsh! I want to be supportive of the longtime fans too, and his actions, and the words of the publicist blaming fans??? That’s outrageous! And I'm concerned about David. I even initially thought of alcohol too!! I think people have touched on truths but will we ever know??? To me he's had an extraordinary life, and he's eccentric. I don't know that I'll be able to understand him and I've stopped trying so hard. I'm just trying to enjoy what I can about him now that can't change, like his older music and younger self. Thanks to many creative and generous fans, there is much to be entertained by. But there’s still this part of me that wants to like him. I loved his first book and how open he was. He is multidimensional and I still do believe there is a very humanistic, kind, warm side to him. Will I go to a show, I’m still thinking about that. I’m sure you’ve seen some posts around that his performances are not what they used to be.
I know, I wish he would just acknowledge that he upset and invalidated longtime fans already. I don’t get why that hasn’t been done. But a lot of people do have trouble with that being accountable for their behavior.
My story is that I’m actually a NEW fan. I actually liked his voice back in the early 70’s and bought a few albums but I didn't think much about him beyond that. I did think he was very cute and saw a few PF episodes. But I had no idea there was even a craze!!! I guess I was too busy with my new baby sister and we had just moved so I was trying to make new friends. I saw the C’Mon Get Happy movie for the first time this summer even though it came out in 1999. And I was like, “WHAT??? How did I miss this?? What was it about him that made him the most wanted man on the planet???” And it didn’t take me long to find out. :=)))
Looks like you're having fun with your blog singmedavid. That wet eyelashes picture is just surreal, if that is the correct word. I used to wonder if he wore mascara but now I really think they're all his. Lucky b******. Hello, Fan since 1972. If it's any help I am feeling both excitement at re-discovering him and having those feelings come flooding back, admiration for what he has achieved despite his set-backs and disappointment in some of his behaviour and aspects of his character. Bit of a roller-coaster really!
I loved his first book too. The honesty, colourful language, I got a feel of his personality. I didn't mind reading about his sexual exploits as it's kinda what I always thought anyhow. I did feel that he was a little bitter of his treatment but overall it was positive. However, in his more recent book, the tone was lighter, more philosophical and David really seemed to have come to terms with the past and mellowed. By what we hear, maybe that is not the case after all and that makes me sad for him.
It's not too late for David to make his mark. With more fans re-discovering him (nostalgia eh?), along with die-hard fans who've been there all along he should still have a strong base.
David should get in the recording studio soon before his voice starts to deteriorate (with age) and record songs HE LIKES. If he believes in what he is doing, then he will put in the effort. If his act is getting stale he needs to inject it with some new material and new enthusiasm. I think most of his fans would be really happy with that. We don't need to be tied to the old songs any more than he does. Might give him a new lease of life and get him auditioning for something challenging. Come on David!!
I love this blog.
It's too bad we can't seem to get a message to him to tell him these things, British Fan. I wonder if it would make any difference for him to know that most fans know he is very talented, want him to pursue more of the recording work that he likes, and wouldn’t mind giving up some of the older songs for the new in concerts. There seems to be a disconnect between what he thinks the fans want, and what they really want.
Yes, British Fan, I’m having fun with my blog posting lately. Especially since I wasn’t posting at all before. LOL! But I realize that most of my posts are going to be for the newer or newly renewed fans who still have a lot more to discover about him. I do love to write about him.
I'm feeling an urge to send an email to his website. They encourage people to write to David. Maybe the requests might filter through to David. Mostly I want him to know that fans would support things that he would like to try and welcome any new recordings.
You have to remember that David is going to be 60 in a few months.
I don't see him taking a lot of risks with singing because he really doesn't have that many years left as a performer.
I think he realizes that not a lot of people want to see a 70 year old DC singing "I think I love you".
Shirley Jones still has a nightclub act but she still goes around and tries to get acting roles.
I think the only way he could reinvent himself is through acting.
The only thing there is DC has to start looking and acting his age.
The vanity will have to go.
Glad you're enjoying my blog, British Fan. It's become a very rewarding project for me. Love reading comments from new readers as well.
Cao, you mention that other fans are "invested" in DC but you've seen him perform for free. Are you equating being invested in a performer with having bought his albums or paying to see him perform? I'm not sure I understand your take on this. Are you saying you're not "invested" in DC? If not, why do you take the time to comment on blogs that pertain to him? I really don't understand.
I understand your point CAO. I'm sure he has at least one good album in him yet. I don't mind if he has enough money to live comfortably and wants to retire any time in the next few years. I'd like to think David could live a relaxed and happy life away from the limelight when he's ready to do so. I'd just like to see him achieve one more thing he can be proud of be it acting or singing.
xxx
Daydreamer,
I am like a lot of people that saw that guy and haven't thought of him in a long while.
I started to review his life and work.
I think my point is just to give balance to an argument.
This ia an example of balance.
David sent an e-mail to his fans over Labor day weekend and told them to vote many time for Ruby and the Rockets.
The fans really thought that this was going to save the show and spent a lot of time on that site voting.
David was telling his fans that the show was 'breaking all sort of records'.
The show had less than a million viewer and was on the brink of being cancelled.
I understand there is still 'Save Ruby' campaign going on.
My thing is that David's fans get invested in that sort of thing.
How much time do David's fans get caught up in this sort of thing while David can't even take the time to issue a proper apology.
By the way, I am gald that some people see my point.
You bring up a very good point here. It does seem as if David's fans invest a lot more time (and money and effort) in him than he does in them.
Did that email to vote for Ruby really come from David's site? I recall voting a couple of times but I didn't believe it would do anything because that poll was not very scientific (just the fact that the same person's vote can be counted hundreds of times...), I'd have trouble believing the network would hold it in high regards next to official Neilsen ratings.
This was posted on David Cassidy.com
Before you all head off to spend the holiday weekend in the company of family and friend, I'd like you to do me a small favor for me. My new show Ruby and the Rockits airs on Tuesday evenings at 8:30 ABC family network.
The show has been breaking records all across the board but we need your help. Vote fOR Ruby and the Rockits this weekendon E-online "which TV show rocked your summer?" poll.
It is very important that we do well on this poll so please spread the word and ask everyone that you know to vote for Ruby and the Rockits.
Thanks you all so very much for you support!
Love
David Cassidy
Tsk, tsk. Thanks for the info, cao.
What´s wrong with it. He don´t put a gun on my head and said vote, vote, vote. He only ask for a small favor and then you can do it or not.
German Fan
German Fan;
The problem there was that he was misleading his fans to think that poll was important to the show being renewed.(it wasn't)
I saw on the ABC board and elsewhere where his fans didn't understand why it was cancelled because they ahead.
I was even getting e-mails from Lorna telling where Ruby was in that poll.
Well, German Fan, I see what Cao means by this small favor. Problem with David's longtime unconditional fans is that a small favor like this could mean hours in front of the computer clicking away on a useless poll. And yes, I understand it's a personal choice, but we have to admit that it's misleading to tell fans to vote in a poll that the network is probably not even aware of.
For the record, I highly doubt the Vote for Ruby message was from David personally. I think he's a little savvier than that when it comes to how TV shows work.
There is a video on youtube where David is singing Back in the USSR at a recent concert in Vancouver, and he is not even singing the words, he is mumbling them as one does when they don't know the words. So it shows he just puts a song in on a whim, without rehearsing or refresher course of the lyrics, and of course fans think its so cute when he messes up a song. As you say DD, its like cramming for a test. Why even sing a song if you don't know the words? Unless its purposely for the "cute" factor??? Not when people pay money for tickets!
Sorry, forgot to sign as American Fan
American Fan, I think I know the clip. Wasn't he sick at this show though? So, that might not be a good example. (Not giving excuses, just trying to be fair :-))
Yes he was ill. All the more reason then not to put the song in last moment if it's not rehearsed at all or you're not sure of the words in the first place. Other songs that night he did fine, the songs he always does, and knows how to sing even in his sleep.
Amer Fan.
You're absolutely right, Amer Fan. Common sense. Guess he was counting on the audience to know the lyrics and pick up the slack.
I agree with American Fan. Don't perform it if you don't know it. Very unprofessional---that's why I didn't go to see him when he was at the Nokia Theater the other week---I was worried he would phone it in. If I'm going to fork out 50 bucks, I want a real show where everyone is giving it the best they have!
SLK, has he already played the Nokia Theater? I thought that was in February.
That's weird. I could have sworn that when I first looked at that link you posted, it said Oct 23, which was a Friday night. I remember thinking to myself that I hadn't planned to do anything that night and debated going. I think they got it wrong and changed it. But then, it could be my imagination. Hmmm.
CAO, it appears that you are very bitter and need to "check" yourself and consider your purpose of entering these sites and posting. They are nothing short of critical. I do not see anyone making DC out to be perfect, he does not have to be. Fans are fans for talent, we can not try to "mold" the perfect person so that we can admire him. If you don't like him, become a "fan" of someone else. It may be healthier for you in the long run.
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