“A band whose legacy and reputation has been built solidly on a perceived ‘code’ of unity, cameraderie, musical cohesiveness, and a blistering ‘twin guitar attack’.

“There is absolutely no professional or musical impediment or rationale to preclude me from participating in this event.

“Rather, this decision is a result of a last desperate and bullying demand from a singer who’s animosity towards me has spanned decades and whose antipathy towards the band is well documented.

“I now marvel at the absence of the integrity, honesty, loyalty, courage, and ethics that characterise this band’s rhetoric and mythology.

“I will continue to honour the spirit and reputation of that band and move forward beyond this cowardly and vindictive act.

“And, I still proudly hold onto the memory of a time when we rallied round it’s flag and yelled Yeh hup!”

Disclosure: The Barman manages Chris Masuak in Australia.