Jamaican Legend Ernest Ranglin Hits Back At Bluesfest

Jamaican music legend Ernest Ranglin and his management have hit back at claims by Byron Bay Bluesfest organisers that the guitarist dropped out of playing the event after taking “a bigger offer.” Ranglin has responded by saying that he never even agreed to play the festival.

UPDATE: Byron Bay Bluesfest 2014 third lineup announcement has arrived – full details here!

Earlier this week, Bluesfest 2014 organisers announced that Ranglin, who was to appear at the festival as part of the Jamaican Legends show featuring Sly & Robbie and Bitty McClean, had pulled out after accepting a “bigger offer,” saying they were “profoundly disappointed.”

The organisers said they had confirmed Ranglin’s appearance through an agent with whom they’d dealt with previously, before receiving an email from another agent. Ranglin claimed the first agency no longer represents him, despite their allegedly having Ranglin’s confirmation for Bluesfest.

Now Ranglin has offered his side of the story in a statement to Noise11, saying:

“I must exercise my right of reply to the news media and my audience. My agent had made some bookings and responses for booking(s) in Australia of which I was not aware. I regret the problems associated with that action taken by my agent and apologize to all.

“The Jamaican Music Industry procedure in regards to agents and bookings is for agents to contact the artiste with a request for performing on a show.

“After the artiste looks at the Terms and Conditions presented to them in written contract, then, the artiste will make a decision whether to accept or not to accept the contract.”

Ranglin plead earnest ignorance, insisting he wasn’t aware that he was asked to perform at Bluesfest, saying “I was not asked to look at a contract.”

Meanwhile, Christian Georgiadis of the Bacana s.a.r.l. agency, who currently represent Ranglin, has come out saying that his agency was not involved with any Bluesfest negotiations, telling theMusic.com.au:

“I can confirm in writing that Mr Ranglin hasn’t been confirmed by us at any event during the period of Bluesfest…the reputation of the probably most influential Jamaican artists of all times has been damaged with such negligence.

“Mr Ranglin is a humble and decent person and he is not deserving to be treated in such way.”

The organisers of Bluesfest are currently considering different options for the Jamaican Legends performance. Readers can stay up to date with all the news surrounding Bluesfest 2014 at our special Feed right here.

Gallery: The 10 Weakest Excuses For Last-Minute Gig Cancellations (And 1 Way To Do It Right)

Must Read
X