Randy Bachman Snubbed for Juno Awards

UPDATED April 4, 2005 - Go here for latest developments on 2005 Juno Awards Ceremony and Neil Young's health.

Talk about being down on a frown when a messenger brought me a letter....

In what is being called the "ultimate snub", Canadian music lovers are outraged by the news that Randy Bachman has not been invited to perform at this year's Juno Awards.

In an article in the Winnipeg Sun by TOM BRODBECK:

"Talk about a slap in the face. Winnipeg rock legend Randy Bachman spends the past couple of years lobbying to help get the Juno Awards to come to Winnipeg for the first time.

He's asked by Juno organizers to contact another Winnipeg rock legend, Neil Young, and convince him to perform at the televised event, scheduled for April 3 at the MTS Centre.

Bachman travels to the U.S. and finds Young and gets him to agree.

And what does Bachman get from Hogtown Juno organizers for his enthusiasm and effort? A pig sticker in the eye.

Turns out there are no plans for Bachman to perform at the Junos.

He wants to. But they won't invite him."

The Winnipeg Sun goes on to speculate that Neil Young might boycott the Junos if Bachman is not invited to perform.

So the newspaper has started a petition drive (hmmm, that gives me an idea)...

DEAR JUNO ORGANIZERS:

I'm insulted by your snub of Winnipeg music legends Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings and demand they be invited to perform at this year's awards ceremony.

Signed,

___________________________________

Drop off or mail to: Junos Protest, c/o The Winnipeg Sun, 1700 Church Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3A2. You can e-mail submissions to features@wpgsun.com. Deadline is 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 17, 2005.

You know, this is the kind of thing that can cause Neil to back out of award show really easily. He's done it before and might just do it again. Buffalo Springfield Again....

So fire off an email to the Winnipeg Sun address above. You can make a difference if you really try.

Thanks Bad News Beat for news item.

More on Neil Young performing at JUNO Awards and Randy Bachman and Neil Young.