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Glastonbury Comments:
CONOR OBERST has apologised for remarks made during his set at GLASTONBURY in which fans were left offended at comments made about late DJ JOHN PEEL. Bright Eyes were promoted to the headline slot on the John Peel stage at last weekend’s festival (June 26), after Ryan Adams pulled out due to an ear infection.
After his performance, fans started emailing NME.COM saying they were “appalled” at his attitude, with the singer allegedly making disparaging remarks about John Peel and the Make Poverty History campaign.
A reader claimed: “Some of the things he was saying concerning the Make Poverty History Campaign and John Peel were completely out of order. Being a bit cynical about some people's motives behind supporting the campaign is one thing, and is perhaps okay, but belittling the campaign which many people strongly believe in is plain wrong.
”The John Peel thing was in my opinion even worse as it was completely inexcusable. You can't slag off one of the most important people in our lives just because he didn’t play your tunes. A lot of people left the show and I think and hope he lost a lot fans that night. He lost me. It's a shame because the guy is quite possibly a genius, but also, clearly, he is a complete cock.”
In a statement issued exclusively to NME.COM the singer has offered his “sincerest apology” for his comments about Peel.
He said: “I would like to express my sincerest apology to the friends and family of Mr. Peel for anything I said during our performance at Glastonbury. I truly don’t remember much of the show but have been informed since of what I said and it was way out of line and far from my real feelings.
”I have nothing but respect for John Peel and his beautiful gift for sharing music. I never had the pleasure of meeting him but by all accounts he was an outstanding man and deserves much more respect then I showed. I am very sorry.”
- Then at his London show, he said:
”I know things have been super f**ked-up around here and we’ve been thinking of you,” Bright Eyes’ leader told the crowd as he introduced closer ’Easy/Lucky/Free’.
Adding: ”And I know you’ve all been even more worried thinking about each other, but hopefully humanity won’t destroy itself while we’re alive. I believe in people and in love… people need to stop hating people, it’s a big task but hopefully it can be done. We love you guys.”
Oberst’s comments marked the highlight of a touching and engaging set, which avoided the controversy of his recent Glastonbury appearance.
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