EXCLUSIVE: International Debate Rages Over Bizarre Bluesfest Cancellation

Bluesfest promoter Peter Noble has launched an extraordinary attack on his industry peers in the wake of Ernest Ranglin's bizarre cancellation from the festival, prompting an international behind-the-scenes industry debate.

Billed to tour as part of the Jamaican Legends project, Ranglin pulled out of the dates with the festival suggesting that he received a better offer, notably from a booking agent competing with the one they booked the appearance through. It prompted this 'second agency', Christian Georgiadis of the French-based Bacana, to respond via theMusic.com.au, saying that no alternate dates had been booked during the Bluesfest time period next year.

Yesterday Noble issued a remarkable statement in which he claimed to have documents both confirming Ranglin's tour and correspondence that confirms Ranglin's knowledge, and blessing, of the dates. The statement, which theMusic did not publish until we had independently verified sections, also attacks Georgiadis' character and accuses him of “manipulating” Ranglin out of work.

From France, Georgiadis has told theMusic overnight that the claim of, “Having 'manipulated' Mr Ranglin is a wrong and misleading assumption which lacks of arguments and rather stands for a shady accusation.”

He added, “If Ernest Ranglin has decided to decline to perform Bluesfest as part of the Jamaican Legends project, then he must have had his good and own reasons. Furthermore I can assure that despite his age, Mr Ranglin is in excellent mental shape. Mr Ranglin is rather an experienced music professional and cannot be influenced.”

Ranglin's manager Mark van den Bergh, who Bluesfest believes to have been working with the artist for a number of years, is now believed to have been fired by Ranglin early last week. The confusion of this tour appears to have arisen following that dismissal, with Ranglin now exploring new touring options.

Based on documents presented to him, Noble has no doubt van den Bergh acted in a correct manner throughout his business relationship with Ranglin.

It is also believed that as recently as this week another party, this time Australian based, has been shopping a new tour from Ranglin around to festivals and venues in Australia for next year.

According to Georgiadis, the Bacana agency has been established in the market for 15 years, working with festivals and venues internationally, and has been working with Ranglin for a number of years on a non-exclusive basis. They've “never booked more than a handful of headline shows” for Ranglin each year, he said.

“We have no power nor mandate to refuse to let Ranglin work nor did we have any good reason to do so since there was no conflict of dates… We are also huge fans of the Australian music scene hence we have worked and work with prestigious and reputable Australian artists. Bacana will attend for the fourth consecutive time AWME [Australasian World Music Expo] in Melbourne with the aim to encourage the exchange of both, music business and cultural dialogue between the continents.”

Georgiadis continued, “My company never aimed for nor dared to damage the reputation of Bluesfest. I understand the energy Bluesfest is investing in order to secure its outstanding reputation. However this should not happen [by] discrediting Ernest Ranglin or my agency.

“I also consider this situation an untrustworthy and unfair campaign. Its public exposure seems unfounded and to a certain extend also ridiculous.”

In his statement Noble had expressed frustration at the media finger-pointing towards promoters when an artist cancels an appearance. Since that statement Noble has expressed a concern over the remaining artists involved with the Jamaican Legends tour – Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Bitty McLean and Alex Wilson – who may now be out of work. He expressed to theMusic.com.au that they are keen to put this saga behind them and explore new options for the festival.

UPDATE 17/1013

An individual from Joy Music Jamaica, who claims to represent Ernest Ranglin, has contacted theMusic with the following quote from the musician.

“Hello The Music, upon contacting Peter Noble he has decided to stop on the various releases and comments in my regard.”

The message also carries a quote they credit to Peter Noble:

“Thanks for your letter – let's now all move on.”