| Tue Feb 01 2005 |
STING 'PERSUADES' CHRIS BOTTI TO SNUB BUSH BASH (EXTENDED) |
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 According to a recent article posted by CONTACTMUSIC.COM, Sting persuaded US TV presenter Katie Couric's rocker boyfriend to drop out of American President George W Bush's inaugural celebrations, according to a new book. In "The Blue and the Red", author Toby Rogers claims Sting told trumpeter Chris Botti not to perform at the 20th January event, which saw Bush sworn in as President for a second term. Rogers claims Sting told Botti, "You can't do it. You can't perform at the inaugural. It will ruin your career!" However, a spokeswoman for Botti says the musician pulled out of the inaugural event because of a scheduling conflict. She told website Pagesix.com that "He was booked to play the Jazz Alley in Seattle the same day and he couldn't get out of it." Chris is claimed to have said that"Almost everyone I spoke to said not to do it, but I would have done it if I could have gotten out of those dates. I would play for any president that asks me."
Chris furthermore states that "I was shocked when I read that. I couldn't believe it. It weirded me out a little bit." Didn't happen, says Botti. "I never got an official offer...I would play for any President, ever. It would be an honor in someone's career."
He also is obviously still not used to people asking him things like whether he has any marriage plans any time soon. "What?" answers Botti. "No, not any time soon."
He says the inauguration flap raised his awareness of the price of fame. "My heart goes out to people who are in the limelight when they're a lot younger. I'm a 42-year-old musician," points out the handsome blond performer, who once did a 4 year stint on the road with no home address. He also recalls playing "some of the toughest gigs -- the kind of clubs where people would come in at three in the morning carrying weapons." With all that experience, "I think that in the last few months, I've been able to stand back and keep my perspective, where younger kids who have not paid as many dues as I have might not be able to."
Botti's plans include a TV special/DVD in coming months -- but mainly touring and more touring. "The most important thing this year, for me, is going to be performing this music for audiences. The music is quite edgy and risky and beautiful and melancholy. Going out and performing it is the ultimate payback for me."
Partially based on article that appeared in on Channels.netscape.com.
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Posted on Feb 01, 05 | 3:03 am
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I think Chris Botti has done great job on his latest album and I'm glad Sting is there too. Anyway, I hope Sting is not interested in politics anymore in the way he was in 80s and he didn't put any pressure on Botti to cancel his appearance during inaugural celebrations of Bush. But even if he did, I find Botti's explanations diplomatic and classy.
Posted by: danny79 on Feb 01, 05 | 5:29 am
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