The announcement of an Australian tour by a re-tooled Radio Birdman has provoked a savage reaction from overlooked guitarist Chris Masuak.
Speaking from his home in Spain and amplifying his comments via his Facebook page, Masuak described his exclusion as “cowardly and vindictive”.
“Despite my declared readiness, willingness, and assurances to put the band's interests and reputation well ahead of any personal differences I am ‘not invited to participate’ in the upcoming tour and promotion of the ultimate release of a band I have been associated with for 40 years,” Masuak said.
“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.
