Hal Thau's Answer
postal
Dorothy
Feeling slandered
In response to Barney Wyckoff's letter published March 19:
It is incredible to me that I have been slandered by the only person who
ever betrayed John Denver. In our 33 year partnership, John Denver was sued
only once; that was by Barney Wyckoff.
John took Barney from a non-entity job and gave him a way to learn something
about the entertainment business, and an opportunity to make more money than
he ever dreamed of; and, more importantly, gave him his friendship. John
died still harboring this betrayal by a close friend.
His comments about John Denver and my relationship with him does not dignify
a response.
Hal Thau
Aspen
David Ladewig
couldn't keep his mouth shut.
"postal" <ctr...@snet.net> wrote in message
news:lVsm8.8519$wG7.2167657626@newssvr10.news.prodigy.com...
Claudia Levesque
David Ladewig wrote:
> Mr. Wyckoff's accusations are ringing a little hollow right now. Too bad he
> couldn't keep his mouth shut.
I was expecting the two replies to the original comments; I'm sure most people
were.
Both were *exactly*, almost verbatim, what I'd anticipated.
Too funny......
Claudia <wg>
No 8 of 9
>
>
>
>In response to Barney Wyckoff's letter published March 19:
>It is incredible to me that I have been slandered by the only person who
>ever betrayed John Denver
Now that I recall, John did mention this in his book. Hmmmmmmm. Maybe Hal has
a point. Too bad I couldn't run John's business. Dang it he could have
trusted me!!!! Jeez John I was here all along. Grin
Cindy
David Ladewig
"Claudia Levesque" <c...@reach.net> wrote in message
news:3C9A70E4...@reach.net...
>
> I was expecting the two replies to the original comments; I'm sure most
people
> were.
>
> Both were *exactly*, almost verbatim, what I'd anticipated.
>
> Too funny......
>
> Claudia <wg>
Why? Were Mr. Wyckoff's remarks off base or did you know the other
repsonses would come because of the letter?
Why did Mr. Wyckoff sue John Denver? Isn't Mr. Wyckoff some kind of art
broker or gallery shop owner? I know that Mr. Wyckoff produced and album
or two for JD later, but that wouldn't be a tough job with all the songs
already produced earlier.
Sounds like much ado about nobody.
David
Pamela Beasley
John didn't have much to say about it in the book, but what he said
seems to create more questions than answers!
from pages 189-190
"Initially Jerry had threatened a legal suit to enforce our
contract--it still had three and a half years to run--but he never
followed up on it. The silence that followed that last brief phone
converstion has gone on for a decade, during which time Jerry became
first a Hollywood mogul and then the company bearing his names went
bankrupt.
What I did to myself professionally after cutting that tie is something
I continually turn over in my head, but not in my heart. Certainly I
bled, but it was also the beginning of my really taking responsibility
for myself as a man. For a while I let two friends manage me--the
aforementioned Barney Wyckoff, who now runs an art gallery in Aspen, and
Don Coder, who had gone on road trips with us-- and it got way out of
hand: a dull echo of the Weintruab fiasco. It seems that all too often
in the entertainment business when people come to work for you they
suddenly feel empowered to take you over, lock, stock, and barrel.
Finally, I had to part company with Barney and Don and they wound up
suing me. Eventually we settled, but what was most painful about that
situation was that I let it happen. Someone said that the first time a
thing like this happens in your life it is a tragedy; the second time
it's more like comedy."
So who can elaborate on this?
Pam
EmmaLdy
I agree with you Claudia.
Who cares if a little black kettle is calling a Big Black Pot black, that
doesn't change the facts about one who makes the little black pot look like a
teeny tiny spot.
emma
Mary L.
his book. Obviously John did tend to surround himself with people
that as he said "took over" and thus he had no real control over
things which can be a disaster. He seemed to learn that the hard way
as he did many things!
As for what happened between John and Barney, we'll never know but
obviously from Barney's remarks at the Aspen Memorial, there was
definately some forgiveness, at least on Barney's part, and hopefully
he and John became friends again. But if there is any civility to be
found here, it needs to be found by the parties involved so that it
doesn't turn into a "he said, she said, they did" kind of thing where
no questions get answered and all that exhudes from his is hurt
feelings.
So, the only question I'd like answered by Hal is how in the world did
that movie ever get released and why?
Mary
Pamela Beasley <pamela....@airmail.net> wrote in message news:<F5C48BB8DEDFC926.B9303BA5...@lp.airnews.net>...
No 8 of 9
>that movie ever get released and why?
>
>Mary
Very good question, Mary. Why would he portray John with an image that John
so desperately wanted to shed. Because he thought it's what the public wanted
to see? Well, did anybody see any good reviews about the show. Not me!
Cindy
David Ladewig
"Mary L." <eagles...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:9b95e438.0203...@posting.google.com...
>
> So, the only question I'd like answered by Hal is how in the world did
> that movie ever get released and why?
>
> Mary
Mary,
Hal may not have anything to do with it. Once a script is finalized and
production set, the advisors, promoters, and others are out of the picture.
The rights to the piece are transfered to the production company, directors,
and the ultimate owner, the airing network. You are left with
interpretation and seldom does a director care what the creator meant. From
there, you get the middle managers at the network, who hack it up even more
and finally you get something to air.
As long as the investors are happy, all is well in the film biz.
David
jke...@yahoo.com
I don't know Hal. I don't know Barney. I have read their two published
letters. Mr. Thau's was to the point, acccurate, and showed some
modicum of class. Mr. Wyckoff's was harsh. Was it accurate? It could
have been, but it paled in comparison to Mr. Thau's response. If Mr.
Wyckoff was looking to make Hal Thau look bad, he failed. He belittled
himself.
Diamondsnstones
Diamondsnstones
>> >ever betrayed John Denver
>>
I find this line extremely funny as there were a number of people who betrayed
John Denver. I am not going to list them here but give it a thought and it
probably will come to you. Sue
HawksN31WS
Diamondsnstones
David Ladewig
"HawksN31WS" <hawks...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20020325014725...@mb-da.aol.com...
> C'mon Hal, respond to the rest of it.
Why should he respond to any of this diatribe? I thought Mr. Wykcoff's
letter was completely tasteless and reeking of envy. He should have taken
up his complaint directly with Mr. Thau.
jke...@yahoo.com
I have to agree with David. I don't know either Barney or Hal, but if
their letters are any indication, then Mr. Wyckoff is someone I don't
think I care to meet. He may have been correct for all I know, but to
the outside observer who knows neither man and is reading this letter
tit-for-tat in the Aspen papers, it apprears Mr. Wyckoff shot off his
foot.
Claudia Levesque
> > Why should he respond to any of this diatribe? I thought Mr. Wykcoff's
> > letter was completely tasteless and reeking of envy. He should have taken
> > up his complaint directly with Mr. Thau.
>
> I have to agree with David. I don't know either Barney or Hal, but if
> their letters are any indication, then Mr. Wyckoff is someone I don't
> think I care to meet. He may have been correct for all I know, but to
> the outside observer who knows neither man and is reading this letter
> tit-for-tat in the Aspen papers, it apprears Mr. Wyckoff shot off his
> foot.
I went back and read Mr. Wyckoff's letter again, with an effort to be more subjective and less emotional
in my reaction.
Okay, writing that with the express wish that his words be put into print was not in the best of taste....
and to the average observer does seem more than a little tacky.
However, I am wondering if there may be more behind the actual story... that might have led Wyckoff to
react in a rather extreme manner?? I have a gut feeling that this *might* be the case.
On the aside: while I certainly noticed anger in this letter, I can not see any sign of "envy"
whatsoever.... at least, that was not my own personal interpretation of the content.
Best to you ~ Claudia
Hal Bidlack
threads. I apologize for leaping into the middle of an ongoing
discussion. I was a friend of John Denver, and I am currently a
friend of Hal Thau (when we are together, we simply refer to one
another as "Hal the other"). I do not know Mr. Wycokoff, as my
friendships with John and Hal were as a result of my environmental
work.
I am very proud Hal Thau lets me call him fried. He is a very kind,
very warm human being. He has worked tirelessly since JD died to
support the family and John's memory. I have had the honor of being
involved in a small portion of that work, and know that Hal
consistently and quietly labors to support JD's family and his legacy.
I am very proud to be going to JD's induction into the Colo
performing arts hall of fame as Hal's guest, and look forward to the
opportunity to again tell him how much I respect him and value his
friendship. I once mentioned to John that it was fun to be able to
call him friend, and he replied "Well, Hal, say it loudly and often,
because it goes both ways." I am happy to make that same proclamation
today for my friend Hal Thau.
Hal Bidlack
Colorado Springs, CO
Claudia Levesque <c...@reach.net> wrote in message news:<3C9F8948...@reach.net>...
Claudia Levesque
Hello Hal, nice to meet you.......
> I just found this alt. group today, and began reading several of the
> threads. I apologize for leaping into the middle of an ongoing
> discussion. I was a friend of John Denver, and I am currently a
> friend of Hal Thau (when we are together, we simply refer to one
> another as "Hal the other"). I do not know Mr. Wycokoff, as my
> friendships with John and Hal were as a result of my environmental
> work.
>
> I am very proud Hal Thau lets me call him fried. He is a very kind,
> very warm human being. He has worked tirelessly since JD died to
> support the family and John's memory. I have had the honor of being
> involved in a small portion of that work, and know that Hal
> consistently and quietly labors to support JD's family and his legacy.
> I am very proud to be going to JD's induction into the Colo
> performing arts hall of fame as Hal's guest, and look forward to the
> opportunity to again tell him how much I respect him and value his
> friendship. I once mentioned to John that it was fun to be able to
> call him friend, and he replied "Well, Hal, say it loudly and often,
> because it goes both ways." I am happy to make that same proclamation
> today for my friend Hal Thau.
>
> Hal Bidlack
> Colorado Springs, CO
I was a friend of John's as well, but I have never met Hal Thau, nor any members of John's family. Also, I
don't know - nor am I even familiar with - the musicians who worked with John in the past..... or individuals
who are connected with any organizations with which Johnny was affiliated. In other words, I have no ax to
grind, nor do I have any loyalties towards anyone but JD.
I do know, however, that the sentiments expressed by Mr. Wyckoff are not unique just to him..... although I
don't believe that anyone has gone so far as to wish to have their views published in the local newspaper. I
also feel that the fact that Mr. Wyckoff had a major falling out with John at one point does not necessarily
diminish his credibility or sincerity, as it was not uncommon to love Johnny dearly and also have some explosive
incidents occur during the friendship. I still think that there may have been unknown reasons (to most of us)
that precipitated this rather odd outburst in the Aspen News.
I do, though, respect your loyalty to your friend the "other Hal."
Best to you,
Claudia
David Ladewig
Don't be a stranger and welcome to the fray. A lot of good people read this
network. All this nonsense sounds like an insider thing and means nothing
to me. Thank you for your insight. It is refreshing to see two posts in a
week that are positive about a friend of John Denver.
Best,
--
David Ladewig
cometravelwithme.com
Diamondsnstones
friend. But I am not a friend of Hal Thau and watched for a distance certain
things that went on and are still going on today that totally irritate me.
This is not a forum for a discussion of those things. I know that JOhn
respected you and I wish you would watch closely what is going on. There has
to be good reasons why people who were good friends of John are angered at Hal
'Thau. There is much behind the anger and the disgust. But I respect the fact
that you feel as you do. I know John would be standing in wonderment at those
who called him friend as there were times when he felt that the whole world was
against him. My Regards.
HawksN31WS
I too appreciate your refreshingly positive post. I believe everyone has some
good in them and friendships that last over many years bear a foundation for
loyalty that I respect.
As a footnote, however, I have yet to see any productions or projects on a
national basis that carry on John's legacy that may live up to the promise made
by some after his death, except for perhaps the release of a few new CDs. I
believe that this can still tastefully be done. I have made suggestions to
John's family along those lines, such as a silver screen documentary without
actors. It may not be an Academy Award winner, but if it's done right, there
is a guaranteed audience of millions, including the children of this
generation. And there are many who are willing to help.
I feel it is our responsibility to continue the legacy with integrity so that
worldwide appreciation and understanding of John and the purpose of his music
can continue into the future. Now is the time to do it.
David Ladewig
> As a footnote, however, I have yet to see any productions or projects on a
> national basis that carry on John's legacy that may live up to the promise
made
> by some after his death, except for perhaps the release of a few new CDs.
I
> believe that this can still tastefully be done.
Don't be to judgemental about the results so far. There are so many
opinions that have the leverage of money and clout, most works are
compromised before a production meeting is ever held.
>I have made suggestions to
> John's family along those lines, such as a silver screen documentary
without
> actors. It may not be an Academy Award winner, but if it's done right,
there
> is a guaranteed audience of millions, including the children of this
> generation. And there are many who are willing to help.
It might very well be an academy award winner, but not with all the input
most people think is necessary. From experience, I can remember all the
films that could have been better if a smaller circle had been involved. As
a real life film director, I've either directed or produced/directed 62
films over the years. Most of them are documentaries about people, or
institutions, or products. I don't do the National Georgraphic type of
film. We always cut the size of the decision making circle to 5 or less very
quickly. You get a better product that way and the public will watch a film
with continuity over cause any day of the week. After I was inducted into
ASCAP, the very first speaker I heard said, "Never ask anyone if they like
your music, but be concerned if it offends them." John Denver never
offended anyone whether they liked the music or not.
I hope the real JD story gets told someday, but it will be a miracle if it
is more than 60% factual. You have to take some literary licences to hold a
viewer's attention for 90 minutes. A little truth in the right hands can
make someone a household name for decades.
We'll see how it works out.
David
cindy speigle
Denver, his music, and everything he stood for and believed in.
I too was a friend of John's...............
What a wonderful man..........................
Hopefully the documentary will be finished within the next year..........
Peace All....Cindy
David Ladewig
David
"cindy speigle" <aspe...@peoplepc.com> wrote in message
news:ua1448a...@corp.supernews.com...
Dr Pepper
Since you were a friend of John's, can you tell us about any one special moment
in one or any number of encounters you had with him......What was he like? I am
so sure everyone here would love hear about any times you spent with him (that
you are willing to share) even if it was with a large group of friends.....I am
living vicariously through people that met John....He seems to have had such a
wonderful and endearing personality....Lorraine
I loved the post by Hal B.
cindy speigle
all..................
It was February 1997, John was appearing at The Fox Theater in Atlanta,
Georgia...............After the show we went backstage for a while.......I
was with my son, his wife, Jim Connor, composer of Grandma's Featherbed &
Bobbie Johnson, For Baby, For Bobbie...........as we left through the stage
door exit, a huge cheer went up from outside......it was incredible....of
course they thought John was coming through the door...........there were
people as far as you could see, some with kids on their shoulders and they
were all singing John's songs............it was just
amazing...........anyway, we were going over to The Ritz Carlton to visit
with John & the band.........it took a long time for John to get
there.........later in the night we were all just sitting there talking, and
I asked John........."Were all those people still at the stage door when you
left?" His answer was "Yeah Man! You would have thought I was a rock star or
something!" Anyway.........this just goes to show you that John never
considered himself a star and continued to not realize just how much
everyone loved him.
I will always miss him, no matter how much time goes by, but in my own way I
will do what I can to carry on what he stood for and see that his music
continues to be heard as long as I live.
Peace to all.................Cindy
Dr Pepper
and very typical of his charismatic personality.....I could just picture
everything you said.....Gosh, I am so glad you have this great memories of
him.....they are indeed priceless....Lorraine
nimue
Please could you go into a bit more detail re this production?Who's making
it,what family & friends are involved etc.Will it be shown overseas (e.g
Australia?)So glad to see John get this kind of recognition at last!
cheers,
Lisette
creck
Thank you. These are the words I've been waiting to hear. Please, no more TV
movies that portray the man as a buffoon.
Colleen
HawksN31WS
phela...@itv.com
I hope you don't mind receiving this reply out of the blue. I am a television producer based in London, England. I am currently making a programme about John Denver for a major US Channel. I would love to speak with you about John, and your relationship and of the possibility of you appearing the programme for an interview. Might you be able to get in touch?
With warmest wishes
Phelan
On Thursday, 21 March 2002 22:12:33 UTC, postal wrote:
> This too was in today's Aspen TImes:
> Dorothy
>
>
>
> Feeling slandered
>
>
>
> In response to Barney Wyckoff's letter published March 19:
> only once; that was by Barney Wyckoff.
> John took Barney from a non-entity job and gave him a way to learn something
> about the entertainment business, and an opportunity to make more money than
> he ever dreamed of; and, more importantly, gave him his friendship. John
> died still harboring this betrayal by a close friend.
> His comments about John Denver and my relationship with him does not dignify
> a response.
> Hal Thau
> Aspen
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