Gabriel Pulls Out
Jeff A.
Simon Gronow
Peter Gabriel has scrapped plans to sing at this year's Oscars after
discovering that his performance had been cut to 65 seconds, the singer said
on his website on Friday.
The veteran British artist - co-nominated in the best song category for Down
to Earth from Wall-E - said he had decided to "make a little protest" after
learning he would only be allowed to perform a cameo.
"We'd assumed that the songs would be performed in full," Gabriel said. "But
the producers came in to revamp it as audience figures were falling off. So
I've now decided to withdraw from the ceremony.
"I do think it's a bit unfortunate because songwriters, even though they're
a small part of the whole film-making process we still work bloody hard and
I think deserve a place in the ceremony as well," Gabriel said.
"I'm an old fart and it's not going to do me any harm to make a little
protest but I think for some of the other artists it's not so easy."
The other nominees in the best song category are Jai Ho and O Saya, both
from the best picture favorite Slumdog Millionaire.
In previous years, music nominated in best song nominees has been performed
live on Oscars night.
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences was not immediately
available for comment.
Gabriel said he still intends to attend the Oscars, which take place at the
Kodak Theater in Hollywood on February 22. "The ceremony should be fun and
I'm looking forward to it," he said.
"Jeff A." <Yesfan...@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:yLnll.12356$W06...@flpi148.ffdc.sbc.com...
> http://www.denverpost.com/entertainment/ci_11698387
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progea
> http://www.denverpost.com/entertainment/ci_11698387
He rulkes on his birthday http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090213/ap_en_ot/oscar_gabriel_protest