View Full Version : No Neville Bros at Jazzfest?
Bill/KC
05-04-2007, 11:46 PM
Interesting article in the T-P. I'd like to see what everyone's opinion is on the matter.
http://blog.nola.com/living/2007/05/funky_meters_return_to_no_but.html
Michelino
05-05-2007, 12:07 AM
I miss the Nevilles.
Closing Jazz Fest with the sun at your back and the Nevilles with assorted generations on stage, and the end of fest vibe was always a special time.
And when they finally return to do it again, I plan to be there.
Poppafunksgirl
05-05-2007, 03:24 AM
Naturally we miss the Nevilles closing the fest. I just think people need to stop speculating about why they are not playing. They closed the fest for what...13 years in a row?? Maybe it wasn't that many, but let's be grateful for all of the music they have brought to not only New Orleans, but the rest of the world for the last 30 years and more! I think the torch is burning bright and the new generations will continue to carry the Neville fire for many decades to come. The music business is not as easy as the general public may believe it to be. Artists need to be paid what they are worth and they need to be recognized for their accomplishments and their devotion to their music. For me the Nevilles are the single most important family in American music--in my lifetime at least--and that may be a bold statement, but I truly believe that. The depth of their discographies, their versatility as musicians and vocalists are unmatched. Art Neville can sing anyone's song better than they can sing it themselves and for me that is something very special. So while we miss the Brothers at Jazz Fest..so what...they've got an entire summer tour booked with Ziggy Marley for that matter! Let the Neville family do whatever they want now and return to Jazz Fest on their own terms. They deserve it and they owe us nothing...
mluke66
05-05-2007, 10:12 AM
Cyril was on OZ with Bob French before Friday. He said the reason was on Quint Davis. Not really sure what to make of that.
Lostcajun
05-05-2007, 10:25 AM
I heard that too. Kind of hard to really pin down Cyril's answers. Cyril said it was the first time he had been back to NOLA.
Bill/KC
05-05-2007, 12:43 PM
I was wondering about this little comment in the article-
<But had Jazzfest "made an offer that we couldn't refuse," Art said, the Neville Brothers would have performed this year. "I would love to be able to play in New Orleans with them, but it's got to be right.">
Hhmmmm.........
Belle
05-05-2007, 01:01 PM
The comments by Art has lots of folks scratching their collective heads. me for one.
vegout
05-05-2007, 01:05 PM
All indications are that JF did not offer enough $ for them to play. I'm guessing they will work this out and will be playing next year.
SteveMiami
05-05-2007, 01:21 PM
Interesting article in the T-P. I'd like to see what everyone's opinion is on the matter.
http://blog.nola.com/living/2007/05/funky_meters_return_to_no_but.html
Hiya Bill,
It would be weird for me to end* with Harry Connick after all the "I'm a Neville, You're a Neville, we're All Nevilles, See You Next Year. Jazz Fest is over" finales but time marches on.... the vibe of my second fest totally changed when they banned the little red wagons, tents, etc. on the track and I'm pretty sure the fest of five years from now will be a big change from Jazzfest 2007.
The Neville family is an icon of New Orleans and I hope they work out the money and Valance Street shines over the Fair Grounds next year.
*(I would end with the Wild Magnolias tomorrow)
amanda77
05-06-2007, 02:41 AM
Thanks for sharing the article.I was wondering about if and when they were playing the fest.I saw them at Tips on just a regular weekend about 10 years ago.They were great.
nyc gal
05-07-2007, 02:25 AM
Saw a t shirt today:
The Never Brothers
oh, and Cyril is a jerk--I heard him on 'OZ giving some lame, half baked , jumbled response when asked to comment on his previous harsh words about NOLA.
Oh, And if he has an issue with Chris Rose, he should have the balls to call the man out and speak to him in person.
Silly ranting and innuendo seem to be Cyril's output these days.
good riddance-Austin can keep him.
Cleophus
05-07-2007, 03:15 AM
What a drag... I hope Cyril, Aaron and the Bros. can 'reconcile' with the city soon. Such a loss to have them staying away. I hope it's not just about money, either.
bywterbro
05-07-2007, 07:58 AM
i saw cyril perform last year at congo square on White buffalo day..
hes been back here..
I heard that too. Kind of hard to really pin down Cyril's answers. Cyril said it was the first time he had been back to NOLA.
Zydekitten
05-07-2007, 12:11 PM
Saw a t shirt today:
The Never Brothers
oh, and Cyril is a jerk--I heard him on 'OZ giving some lame, half baked , jumbled response when asked to comment on his previous harsh words about NOLA.
Oh, And if he has an issue with Chris Rose, he should have the balls to call the man out and speak to him in person.
Silly ranting and innuendo seem to be Cyril's output these days.
good riddance-Austin can keep him.
But did you see the back of it, which reads "Asthma, My Ass"???
windowman
05-08-2007, 01:29 AM
The best things in life are free
but you can give them
to the birds and bees
I need money
that's what I want:rolleyes:
I think Cyril's comment about Quint i$ the bottom line...
Lester_leaps_in
05-08-2007, 01:33 AM
Hey, Windowman. Don'cha ever sleep?
windowman
05-08-2007, 01:45 AM
Sometimes I have to sleep, Lester. The only times of the day I play on the bored are right before bed or early morning. My brain is out of sync after festing for ten days, but it sure was fun.
Lester_leaps_in
05-08-2007, 02:06 AM
My brain is out of sync after festing for ten days, but it sure was fun.
Yes it was!
I just got home from JF a couple of hours ago, and, as tired as I was, I needed to check the bored before I went to sleep.
See ya next time.
Well, I hope it wasn't a money issue. There has been some talk of Rod Stewart getting $500,000 for his performance this year. If that is true, and money was the issue with the Neville Brothers, then the folks who run the festival have their priorities all wrong. Of course, this is pure specualtion.
Frosty
05-08-2007, 04:22 PM
I'm beginning to think there are two Cyril's. There is Cyril who has never been back to NO and Cyril that played Congo Square last year. There is Cyril who has issues with the city, then Cyril who plays club dates this year. There is Cyril who is perfectly fine with Austin and fed up with Louisiana and Cyril who ppays the VOW Fest in Houma. There is Cyril creating disunity in some of the bands he plays with and Cyril who preaches about One Love and One Planet.
ibjamn
05-08-2007, 04:48 PM
I'm beginning to think there are two Cyril's. There is Cyril who has never been back to NO and Cyril that played Congo Square last year. There is Cyril who has issues with the city, then Cyril who plays club dates this year. There is Cyril who is perfectly fine with Austin and fed up with Louisiana and Cyril who ppays the VOW Fest in Houma. There is Cyril creating disunity in some of the bands he plays with and Cyril who preaches about One Love and One Planet.
I think schizophrenia is a good diagnosis for cyril....
Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)
05-08-2007, 10:59 PM
The Nevilles will return to JF in the future. Think 2008!!!
mariena
05-08-2007, 11:03 PM
I love Aaron Neville, but when I see the way Allen T., Irma Thomas, Harry, Tab, Wynton and others stand up for the city, it kinda makes me a little mad at the Nevilles. I still love em, though.
Bill/KC
05-09-2007, 12:25 PM
My knee jerk reaction is to say, F*@K You Guys!! But I'm sure there's a lot going on behind the scenes that we, the public, aren't being made privy to.
windowman
05-11-2007, 10:00 AM
According to an article in today's Lagniappe (not yet posted on nola.com), there was a deal for the Nevilles to play in 2007 and 2008, but something happened after Aaron's wife passed. Quint is quoted as saying they will be back next year. I will be away from a computer for most of the day, but if this is not posted when I log back in, I will get it up on this thread. The article is a review of the entire fest by Keith Spera and the Neville Bros. reference is the last section of the review.
AtPontchartrain
05-11-2007, 11:57 AM
Neville Brother-less fest: For the first time in at least two decades, Jazzfest did not include at least one of the four Neville brothers.
Cyril Neville did not appear as billed with the New Orleans Social Club; he claimed he'd never confirmed with the Social Club's manager. And Art Neville -- who performed at the '06 fest with the Meters -- did not sit in with son Ian and nephew Ivan's DumpstaPhunk as hoped on the second, rain-soaked Friday. (That night, Art made a surprise appearance with Cyril's band at Cafe Brasil.)
Aaron Neville's fears of aggravating his asthma in post-Katrina New Orleans contributed to the brothers skipping the '06 festival. Both Art and Cyril hinted that financial issues played a role in their '07 absence. On WWOZ-FM, Bob French asked Cyril why the Brothers didn't play.
"Ask Quint Davis," Cyril said.
After the '06 festival, Davis said, Jazzfest negotiated a two-year deal for the Neville Brothers to perform in 2007 and '08.
"It was a lengthy negotiation with their agent and manager," Davis said. "They wanted a certain financial package. We concluded the negotiation successfully. It was done. They were booked."
Then in the fall, the health of Aaron's wife, Joel, took a turn for the worse. Unsure of her prognosis -- she died of cancer in January -- all parties agreed to postpone the deal.
"So we did Harry (Connick)," Davis said, "and life went on."
But Davis has "no doubt" that the Neville Brothers will be back in '08.
"I firmly believe that next year will be the triumphant return," he said. "Now whether Cyril will come or not, I cannot tell you."
http://www.nola.com/timespic/stories/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-1/117886659664080.xml&coll=1&thispage=7
eat_mo_crawfish
05-11-2007, 12:07 PM
The Art surprise during Cyril at Cafe Brasil was great, started with a kick-ass version of "Tipitina" and went from there.
AtPontchartrain
05-11-2007, 12:12 PM
Cyril singing out for ... water! With the Pimps of Joytime
http://lads.myspace.com/music/musicplayer.swf?n=aHR0cDovL211c2ljLm15c3BhY2UuY29t &t=3CoPyn3wIEOLsOzWfnAJQzZTFNtvks7YSAKKaLYijI2mmTK2 Tr1ivCrncGSq4PkbZg7CLLDrjkRzRKLb270MfA==&u=LTE=&a=0&d=MjE5NTA2OTReMTE3ODg3NTE3NA==
Rossvegas
05-11-2007, 12:40 PM
I have really mixed feelings about this because, as many of you know, I'm a big Nevilles fan. The fact is, I would travel to NOLA for the Fest, if only to experience the whole Nevilles "One Love" vibe at the end of it all.
My guess is that the economics have caught up with everyone. Over the past few years, several out of town artists are runoured to have received $1 million guarantees (Stiing, for one), and although the Nevilles are likely getting paid well, they're definitely receiving nowhere near that amount. It must be frustrating to them to receive $100K+ guarantees out on the road, and then play their hometown for a fraction of the money paid to Van Morrison, Springsteen, et. al.
It also doesn't take a genius to figure out that the gate receipt economics have changed over the years. Quint has been quoted as saying that it takes $10 million to put on the Fest, but if you assume an attendance of 500,000 @ $40 per ticket, that's $20 million BEFORE concessions, merchandising, broadcast, licensing, etc. I think the Nevilles know that they're not kids any more, and they also know that they (rightly or wrongly) have become an iconic symbol of the Fest.
On the other hand, the Fest has proven that it can do just fine without them...but at what cost? Personally, I would MUCH prefer that they paid the Nevilles, Fats, etc. a substantially higher performance fee than to spend that same money on people such as John Legend, Lionel Richie or Rod Stewart. Hell, if Rod Stewart is worth $500K, isn't the Crescent City's first family of funk worth at least that much? It is, after all, the NEW ORLEANS Jazz and Heritage Festival, and there are few things that scream New Orleans more than the Nevilles...
Just my 2 cents!
Frosty
05-11-2007, 12:44 PM
I have really mixed feelings about this because, as many of you know, I'm a big Nevilles fan. The fact is, I would travel to NOLA for the Fest, if only to experience the whole Nevilles "One Love" vibe at the end of it all.
My guess is that the economics have caught up with everyone. Over the past few years, several out of town artists are runoured to have received $1 million guarantees (Stiing, for one), and although the Nevilles are likely getting paid well, they're definitely receiving nowhere near that amount. It must be frustrating to them to receive $100K+ guarantees out on the road, and then play their hometown for a fraction of the money paid to Van Morrison, Springsteen, et. al.
It also doesn't take a genius to figure out that the gate receipt economics have changed over the years. Quint has been quoted as saying that it takes $10 million to put on the Fest, but if you assume an attendance of 500,000 @ $40 per ticket, that's $20 million BEFORE concessions, merchandising, broadcast, licensing, etc. I think the Nevilles know that they're not kids any more, and they also know that they (rightly or wrongly) have become an iconic symbol of the Fest.
On the other hand, the Fest has proven that it can do just fine without them...but at what cost? Personally, I would MUCH prefer that they paid the Nevilles, Fats, etc. a substantially higher performance fee than to spend that same money on people such as John Legend, Lionel Richie or Rod Stewart. Hell, if Rod Stewart is worth $500K, isn't the Crescent City's first family of funk worth at least that much? It is, after all, the NEW ORLEANS Jazz and Heritage Festival, and there are few things that scream New Orleans more than the Nevilles...
Just my 2 cents!
Agreed, Make that 4 cents now.
Rossvegas
05-11-2007, 12:48 PM
Jeez, if we all keep chipping in 2 cents, we might just have enough to top up Quint's Neville Brothers budget for next year!
Ross: Thanks again for your generous offer of free digs. Maybe next year. How about those Senators? I'm pulling for Hell Toupee but won't mind seeing Dany play for the Cup.
Regarding the Nevilles: Those guys have given enough to the city and the overall musical culture of America for enough years to not owe us anything at all. Get off their backs, please.
I saw a great shirt at the fest: ASTHMA MY ASS. Funny - I can see how people could be pissed about them not playing, but hey - its their life- they dont owe us anything - weve all been enjoying their music for a long time. and their taking some time off from the fest will only make it that much more special if and when they decide to return.
rosetree
05-11-2007, 02:09 PM
Imagine the crowd for them when they close out Jazz Fest '08!!!! It's going to be off da hook....;) :D :D
I can dream........
pokerchick66
05-11-2007, 02:13 PM
Imagine the crowd for them when they close out Jazz Fest '08!!!! It's going to be off da hook....;) :D :D
I can dream........
Beeeeeeeep! Wrong answer!
I wanna keep Harry as closer. ;)
Headless Hornman
05-11-2007, 02:15 PM
When they come back I'll be there at the start of the set to welcome them. But then off to the Radiators (damn FOMS).
Hey Ross: saw you walking through the Blues Tent once (Tony Joe White maybe?) I would have had to make a mad dash (and lost my seat) to get to you; figured I'd see you again Sat or Sun. Now I wish I had made the run.
rosetree
05-11-2007, 02:24 PM
Beeeeeeeep! Wrong answer!
I wanna keep Harry as closer. ;)
I think that Harry will defer to the Nevilles....he's a good boy!
Frosty
05-11-2007, 02:27 PM
Beeeeeeeep! Wrong answer!
I wanna keep Harry as closer. ;)
I wasn't there second weekend, but I felt he was the perfect choice. Even if the Neville's return, I hope in the long run, that spot belongs to the former DA's son.
pokerchick66
05-11-2007, 02:28 PM
I think that Harry will defer to the Nevilles....he's a good boy!
I think you're right but one can dream, right?
Or how about this? I'll go you one better and hope that they can BOTH play and close together! Now that would be a draw.
rosetree
05-11-2007, 03:38 PM
I think you're right but one can dream, right?
Or how about this? I'll go you one better and hope that they can BOTH play and close together! Now that would be a draw.
YYR!!!!;)
pokerchick66
05-11-2007, 03:40 PM
YYR!!!!;)
lol, didn't they play together as kids anyway?
It would be perfectly fitting. :)
Rossvegas
05-11-2007, 03:51 PM
I dunno...I caught about 5 songs of Harry's set and found it way too heavy on the cheese for my tastes. I made my way over to the Wild Magnolias, and THAT hit the spot! Toss in special sit-ins such as the Tambourine Lady, Paul Shaffer, Zigaboo and of course the Big Chief himself...THAT'S your Acura closer, baby!
pokerchick66
05-11-2007, 03:59 PM
I dunno...I caught about 5 songs of Harry's set and found it way too heavy on the cheese for my tastes. I made my way over to the Wild Magnolias, and THAT hit the spot! Toss in special sit-ins such as the Tambourine Lady, Paul Shaffer, Zigaboo and of course the Big Chief himself...THAT'S your Acura closer, baby!
Cheese? Did you say cheese???
Ross, Ross, Ross . . . what am I going to do with you? ;)
Sorry about almost running you over in the Quarter! :o
mymecca
05-11-2007, 04:04 PM
so i must be in the minority...i was a first weekender only until 2005
personally, whoever wants to stay away for whatever reason, i say peace be with ya...can't stand in their place...certainly can't judge 'em
that said, since they AREN'T there...i prefer to NOT speculate on why...nor hope they come back...undue attention to seemingly whiny woosies won't get anything accomplished in NOLA...life is too short
Corona
05-11-2007, 08:52 PM
I dunno...I caught about 5 songs of Harry's set and found it way too heavy on the cheese for my tastes. I made my way over to the Wild Magnolias, and THAT hit the spot! Toss in special sit-ins such as the Tambourine Lady, Paul Shaffer, Zigaboo and of course the Big Chief himself...THAT'S your Acura closer, baby!
Amen brother! We were all there, where the hell were you???????
Rossvegas
05-12-2007, 03:54 PM
Hehehe! I figured you might be there! I was in front of the right PA stack, approx 70 feet from the front of the stage and dancing my porky little ass off.
"Get some wine and some wimmin, start acting kind of crazy, and parteee all night long...."
Somebody SCREAM!
mightyradgumbo
05-12-2007, 04:08 PM
so i must be in the minority...i was a first weekender only until 2005
personally, whoever wants to stay away for whatever reason, i say peace be with ya...can't stand in their place...certainly can't judge 'em
that said, since they AREN'T there...i prefer to NOT speculate on why...nor hope they come back...undue attention to seemingly whiny woosies won't get anything accomplished in NOLA...life is too short
I am right witcha, Ell. There are many who have made the journey back. I will focus on the folks that have returned to NOLA and the Fest. Those who have not, for whatever reason, are not here. Therefore, they are not a focus for me.
Orleansnj
05-12-2007, 06:21 PM
Amen brother! We were all there, where the hell were you???????
Not the best pics....but here are a few from that Wild Magnolias close....definitely excellent !!!
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t281/orleansnj/IMG_0332.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t281/orleansnj/IMG_0329.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t281/orleansnj/IMG_0285.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t281/orleansnj/IMG_0328.jpg
Zydekitten
05-12-2007, 06:25 PM
YYR, Ross!!! The WM closer was absolutely the way to close Fest 07!!! While it would be great to have them at a bigger stage, I really enjoyed the relative intimacy of seeing and dancing with them at the Heritage Stage.
Corona
05-13-2007, 10:09 AM
excellent pics :) Man, I couldn't stop crying through that damn set and when they did their closing song saying "bye-bye" I was sobbing :(
Sorry I missed you Ross and Onj
woodreaux
05-13-2007, 04:54 PM
screw the never brothers and go see the radiators close the fest.
Rossvegas
05-13-2007, 09:01 PM
excellent pics :) Man, I couldn't stop crying through that damn set and when they did their closing song saying "bye-bye" I was sobbing :(
Sorry I missed you Ross and Onj
Sorry I missed you too, babe...but I just KNEW you were there!
It's funny that you said that you cried during their set. I expected to be a complete puddle of tears at last year's fest (and I was) but it was during the most joyous sets - Eddie Bo, the Mags, etc. - that I cried the most. There was something just so incredible about experiencing all that joy from people who had suffered so much, you know?