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Sorry Louisville, you don't have Richard Marx to kick around anymore at HullabaLOU [Updated Feb. 15]
You never forget where you are when big news breaks. For me, it was 9:16 p.m. and I was on the toilet, catching up on Twitter on my iPhone when I saw this devastating HullabaLOU development via a reTweet: "Unfortunately Richard Marx isn't available to perform his ballads due to conflict. Full festival lineup announcement in a few weeks!"
Louisville.com's investigative team confirmed the terrible Tweet (while still on the toilet) by Googling "HullabaLOU Marx," which led to the festival's Facebook Fan Page (15,130 fans, really?) and this post at 12:35 p.m. on Jan. 15: "Well everyone, unfortunately Richard Marx won’t be available to perform his classic ballads due to a conflict. Still on pace to announce the full festival lineup in a few weeks!"
HullabaLOU's news page, however, has no mention of this stunning development. Why the hush-hush, Churchill Downs Entertainment?
Will Marx fans who already purchased tickets in anticipation of seeing a scorching rendition of "Right Here Waiting" at America's most famous horse track get a refund?
Marx's website (yeah, I didn't think he merited one either) also had no information.
With no info on the cancellation greater than a social networking status update, rumors and innuendo are running rampant:
- Did Churchill Downs Entertainment decide Marx's appearance wasn't worth the ridicule, so it put his act down Eight Belles style?
- Was Marx's conflict an appearance at the much-rumored new music festival Suck Fest 2010?
- Did Marx look at the rest of HullabaLOU's lineup and decide the gig was a bad career move?
The public demands answers. Or not.
Update: Feb. 15, 2010
Dear Richard Marx's six fans,
Thank you for your feedback. I took the last week to reflect on your comments and would like to clarify my position: Not only is Richard Marx responsible for some bad music, but he's to blame for a bizarre and stalkerish fan base as well:
- It is not laudable that Marx backed out of HullabaLOU so he could play four shows instead of one. He broke his commitment to his fanbase so he could chase down more money. You'd think someone who's supposedly so successful and rich would be true to his word and not his wallet.
- I took a quick look at your message board. Let me offer some observations: No, Richard Marx will not be asked to make an appearance on "American Idol." No, Richard Marx does not secretly post on his own message board--even he has better things to do. As for the "What would your Christmas present be from Richard?" thread? I was afraid to open it.
- Thanks to whoever referenced my adorable little innocent 1-month-old daughter by name for the sake of defending Richard Marx: you made this caustic blogger into the one who took the high road. Well played!
Thanks for your time. You may now return to killing Richard Marx's house pets.
Best,
Zach Everson
You also might enjoy: Zach's weekend picks: The Starry Sky, Paul Poundstone, Halfway to Forecastle.
Photo: Courtesy Richard Marx
Third Annual Sushi in the City continues to grow in fun and size
BAHAHAHAHA...Thanks for the
BAHAHAHAHA...Thanks for the giggle, your update has made my day. Yes, Richard is an amazing performer, has an amazing voice, is an extremely talented songwriter/producer. As a person? No comment. Perhaps the funniest part is that he can't stand most of his 'fans'. Again, thanks for the giggle!
The vitriol!
Wow, you guys. Methinks thou dost protest too much. Sounds like Richard Marx fans have an inferiority complex. A dissenting opinion of your favorite artist just won't do, huh?
Evidently Zach (and the rest of the non-Richard Marx centered world) didn't know that Marx had such a loyal following. He's lucky to have you, but should be embarrassed at your behavior. Zach's smart-ass commentary has been overshadowed by your lack of class.
Don't you just wish you could make it go away??
My,my my Zach.Don't you just wish you would have done your homework? Oh, and Richard if you happen to be reading, this may be about you and the true artist you are, but it is really about Zach not really giving any regard to his profession and making himself look like a fool. Let's all hope(as if we really care abut you Zach)that maybe next time he may stop, do his homework before he looks once again like a complete fool. But after reading his new editorial regarding Kenny G...well. looks like this loser will always be just that.
Let's compare...
Let's see:
Richard Marx- 30 millions albums sold, millions of fans, the first artist to have his first 7 singles make the top 10(which is a record still today for a male artist); 20+ years in the music industry, has written for more artists than you can count(as I'm sure you'll run out of fingers and toes), a Grammy for Song of the Year,and more credits too numerous to mention. And what is bittersweet is that he probably makes more off the royalities of RHW than you'll ever see.
You-a sad little commentary and a bizarre attachment to your toilet.
And I would say that even you would be able to see the winner but if you're not a fan of Richard Marx than you OBVIOUSLY can not pick a winner if you tripped over one.
Seriously???
Were you born an a$$hole? Or did you just get that way with your big head?
Seriously? Did YOU ever write a song that won a GRAMMY? Yeah. I didn't think so.
Don't f*ck with the loyal Richard Marx fans.... you'll lose, moron.
...don't erase this comment like you did the last one I wrote... unless you can't handle the heat.
Naughty words
I erased the last one you wrote because you used an obscenity.
Disappointed
Mr. Everson, while you don't deserve my respect for this article, I was taught to respect my elders... anyway... Mr. Everson - Richard Marx is one of the few remaining fully rounded talented musical artists in an industry that has gone downhill - fast. He has fans all over the world and the fan base to prove it.
Are you a disgruntled fan who refuses to travel to one of his many other US shows and just embarrased to admit that the only reason you are discussing HullabaLOU is because RM was the only reason you were going to attend? If so, it's truly a shame that you have to stoop so low to degrade one of the top Hit songs of the 1980s and a song that still gets airplay to this day because of how much it means to many people world-wide.
And by the way... if any Marx fans had already purchased tickets, more often than not, you can bet they are still going to go to HullabaLOU despite RM not attending. They will have a good time, and more often than not, they will not stoop to your level.
As for RM, his going to China is a great opportunity not only for him, but for the fans who have been waiting years to see him perform live.
As for your jibe about his website, it is a lot more interesting then the one(s) that allow you to post your ridiculous opinions and I wouldn't be surprised that for those who see this that were planning on going to HullabaLOU despite RM not performing decided to NOT attend to boycott you. Period.
What kind of festival IS THIS??
Seating? What??? Zach, I happened to be bored-browsing eBay and noticed a good number of Hullabaloo tickets on sale. And they're for seats. A "festival" with seats? What the hell? Does that mean there is ONE stage? So you have to sit through Kansas to get to the Black Crowes? Seats?? You have to sit???
The website offers NO clarification whatsoever.
I just assumed-- especially because the Fairgrounds in NOLA is host to Jazz Fest and is a Churchill property-- that Hullabawha? would take its cue from JazzFest.
I'm stunned-- xo @Loueyville
To the Editor:
Even if you're not a fan of Right Here Waiting for You Richard Marx has helped produce some of the biggest hits of our era. He has produced songs for Nickleback, N'SYNC, Barbra Streisand, Josh Groban, Vince Gill, 98°, Luther Vandross, Kenny Rogers, Sarah Brightman, Lara Fabian, Sister Hazel, The Tubes and SHeDAISY. More recently, he has written and produced records for Daughtry, Leann Rimes, Katherine Jenkins, Travis Tritt, Emerson Drive, Natalie Cole, Keith Urban, Paulina Rubio, Kenny Loggins, Chris Botti, Michael Bolton, and actor Hugh Jackman. I guess you're not a fan of any of those artists either, huh? Glad to know that the guy who wrote this article did ZERO research- might want to think twice before hiring lazy writers.
The writer
The writer is the editor, but thank you for your comment Mr. Marx.
Not so fast, Einstein
Zach..That last "anonymous" post wasn't me, but...THIS is. Turns out, having zero to do with putting you in your place..whoever you are...I have these insanely loyal and protective fans who not only post online, but then alert this kind of mindless crap to the woman who runs my website (Yep, I do have one...makes me SO cool) and then I occasionally hear about it. I've weathered these kind of nasty attacks for over 20 years. Mostly by over-achievers like yourself, who have "Air Canada's enRoute" as the headline of their resume.
I was actually looking forward to playing HullabaLOU but it was just one show and I was offered a tour in China that, while only 4 shows in country over 8 days, will compensate me in numbers that would fill you with even more envious rage than you already seem to possess, if that's possible.
Oh, yeah..I'm also still really happily married to a kind and beautiful woman after 21 years; have 3 amazing sons who are great human beings; and I still not only tour and make my own records, but write and produce with a ton of great artists for their records. I love every second. I realize it's not on par with being editor-in-chief of Louisville.com, but...
See, like or hate my music, I have, for 20 years plus, put myself out there and given 100% to my craft. I'm a pro. I never phone it in and I've never taken the 30 million records and slew of hits for granted. I wrote "Right Here Waiting," which you denigrated, not to be a hit song, but a musical love letter to my wife years ago. Luckily my friends persuaded me to record it. People all over the world sing that song to each other. I just got a letter from a young lady whose husband was killed in Iraq and the lyrics to "RHW" were his screensaver. She wasn't the first who told me stories like that.
So...upon looking at what's available about you...and seeing your photo...dude, your photo is so grim...all I can assume about you is that you're a bitter man who either never got a break, or never had the talent to deserve one.
Vivian will certainly grow up to be so proud.
Richard Marx
Zach Who?
Hmm, the first thing that sprung to mind while reading this unbelievably ill-informed piece of tripe was that anyone who can't go to the toilet without frantically checking Twitter, is probably one of the saddest individuals on the face of the planet.
I'm a long-time fan of Richard Marx. I still listen to his older material -- yes, NEW, unlike the outdated opinions you flout here -- and I have had the honour of meeting him on more than one occasion. He is a consummate performer, and a gracious and generous human being.
What you don't seem to understand, is that he seriously doesn't care what people like you think about him. You don't register. Really. When he bothers to write a response to mindless pap like this it's because he knows his fans will feel it far more deeply, and that he can put our sense of frustration into words in his (always eloquent) fashion. Without resorting to the kind of tired, second-hand opinion flinging that sparked it in the first place.
So, Mr, uh .. what was it again? Before you run off to the toilet to tweet/surf/Google or whatever it is you do there (I have an idea but I'm sure you wouldn't want to discuss that) remember this: some people can actually survive, and even thrive, without the good opinion of a second rate hack ... yes, really! How about that?
Really?
I would have to agree with Terri.......just the fact that you consider tweeting while on the toilet a memorable moment kind of made me think that your writing and research isn't even worthy of printing it out to use as toilet paper.
Opinions are like assholes they say, everyone has one. Also being a long time fan of Richard Marx, I've read a lot of them and yet yours really takes the cake of reaching a whole new level of crap.
Do people really actually care enough to follow your tweets? I hope that you tweeted while you were on the toilet.....maybe THAT would actually be a worthy piece of news!
What Moron
Wow, you must be one very sad angry man....and I use the term man loosely. Do you even have any idea what you are talking about? Did you take any time to research Richard Marx? You seem to think Richard is a one hit wonder...well bud, do your homework and you will see that Richard is a musical genius. Not only is he an amazing singer, his songwriting craft is one that has produced some incredible songs for some wildly successful artists, along with many of his own hits. In a time where the music industry seems to be confused as to the term real talent, Richard has remained true to his craft.
I could go on and on giving you facts regarding Richard's success, but instead I will point out what I really got out of what you said... You just appear to be one of those sad individuals that never could seem to make it in the real world, so instead you hide behind your worthless words, pumping yourself up in believing that you really have something worthy to say, when in reality your nothing but a pompous loser. Sorry Zach, but when you read this, I will take pleasure in knowing that somewhere in your gut, it will hurt just a bit, because you see truth in those words.
He should have flushed this
He should have flushed this editorial down the toilet.
Snotty is the new professional?
I have been a fan of Richard Marx for some time and I have found it common for people who are unfamiliar with anything but his radio persona to miss the musical genius that he is. I have had the privilege of watching several of these people watch him in one concert and be blown away by this said genius. EVERYONE of these skeptics who have seen him live and hear his music and experience his humor and kindness become instant fans. Everyone that I have shared his music with, live or recorded have realized that he is a deep well of musical inspiration.
When these people mock him, I cut them a break, because they are usually respectful enough to not put their opinions in written form on the internet before being well informed. One would have hoped that you would do the same. A musician that has dedicated himself to his craft for over 20 years, whether you care for his style or not deserves that much. One would hope that someone in your position would know that. Apparently not.
Why?
Zach, 2 things come to mind whilst reading your piece.
1. Why? Why not research a person before writing about him. We, the RM fans, had discussed the music festival and his trip to China on his website. You only had to read it.
and..
2. Why? Why would you tweet on the toilet and not flush this piece of crap away along with your excrement!
Always remember...behind every great performer like Richard Marx..there are thousands of great fans, who are passionate and loyal. We will alwys stand up for a consummate professional like RM, who only deserves good things in life, not this rubbish.
Really???
Just one question. Were you born ignorant? Or did it happen later in life?
NEVER f*ck with Richard Marx fans..... You'll always lose.
Are you actually a professional writer?
Day after day, I'm amazed by the poor quality of print journalists all over the world. But, you my friend take the cake. What possibly possessed you to write this poorly researched, disrespectful piece of rubbish? Do you honestly believe that a music legend like Richard Marx does not deserve a website on the internet? Do you know anything about Richard Marx and his extraordinary career?
His name is not as prominently associated with his hit songs by the average person because he is first and foremost a songwriter rather then an attention grabbing a**hole like yourself and most of the current 'chart topping' artists. He is not only a terrific songwriter/musician and performer but one of the most compassionate and kind human beings you are ever likely to hear of in the entertainment industry. Go do your research, learn about his chart topping success, Grammy awards and nominations and then come back and write something that is actually worthy of being published anywhere other then the back of a public toilet door.
Snarky and worthless
I was linked here by other people in the Richard Marx fan community (shocking to you, maybe, but we do exist). While I appreciate their effort, it makes me sad, as I spent five minutes of my life that I'll never get back reading and responding to the garbage that passed for your article. Personally, I'd rather have spent the time listening to one of Richard's timeless songs. Lesson learned.
Are you kidding?
There is really nothing more I can add that my fellow RM fans haven't already so brillantly said accept to repeat that you (1) are a sad, little excuse for a human being; (2) as a so-called reporter, you know NOTHING about fact-finding or researching that which you write about; & (3) and most important.......Don't EVER f*€k with RICHARD MARX FANS!!!! Go back to the toilet from which you crawled from!
Gee Zach, no reply???
While you were so quick to reply when you thought Richard was singing his praises, when in reality it was just a well informed person pointing out Richard's many accomplishments, I am amazed that you have no response to the posts. What's the matter Zach? Thinking now maybe you should have research Richard a bit more????
Now don't you wish you could just make it go away????
Well Zach,
My,my, my.....don't you wish you would have done you homework on this one. And Richard, if you are even bothering to read this joker's garbage, let me be the first to say....yes, all we say about you is true, but this is about professionalism also. Zach you lose all around on this subject. Why don't you just man up? No one really cares what you have to say, but at least admit you were wayyyyyy off base on this one. Totally unprofessional!