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Dear Friends,You're a wonderful bunch of rumormongers, aren't you? You're reading all sorts of meanings into one little fact. The fact is, I am not going on tour with my husband as part of his "Driving Rain" world tour. We were planning on keeping the information low-key, silly us. We didn't think there was any reason to talk about it… but obviously we were wrong. So, we talked amongst ourselves, and decided that I had better make a statement. In other words, here's why I'm not joining Paul's backup band: The biggest issue that caused our separation back in 1991 was artistic freedom. Although I had been happy to be a part of Wings, I still ached to make my own style of music— which is why I rejoined the Honeybears in 1982. Paul didn't think much of the idea at the time, and spent the entire decade trying to get me back out. (He naturally sees it differently, and if he feels like it, I'm sure he'll rewrite history over on his own website.) Finally, I had had enough, and walked out after the 1989/90 world tour. I walked out of his band, and I walked out of his life. (Or so I thought.) But times change, people change, and I decided that I would be better off with him than without him. We agreed that we would in the future ask the other to participate in projects, not require. And we wouldn't get upset if the other said 'no.' I was happy to play on Driving Rain, especially doing the one number with my son, J.P. The whole family had a blast making the album. (Hey, I'm old, I'm allowed to say 'album' instead of 'disc.') But with 9/11, though… Paul threw together a band to play the benefit, and didn't even ask me to participate. (I understood why, though— he, like most of the world, spent most of the fall thinking on adrenaline.) Rory and Sandy, though, came up with a song and benefit of their own, and getting together with the other girls for it reminded me yet again how fun it is to be a Honeybear. We all started jamming on ideas for songs, and poof! We had an album, a tour, and several videos planned. When I told Paul about our plans, he gave me his most charming smile and that puppy dog look of his and said, "Are you sure you wouldn't rather come with me instead?" He told me the barebones of his touring plans. Then I told him of ours. Then he asked, "Could I come with you then?" See, he's going on the road for months on end. We’re going on the road for a week or two at a time, then a couple weeks off, then another week or two on, then a couple more weeks off. Who's got the more sensible plan? (Okay, sure, our tour will go on longer, technically, but we'll be much more relaxed about it all.) Both Paul and I are happy with this arrangement. I'm sure that I'll join him on his tour at least some of the weeks I have off from the Honeybears tour. I might even come on stage several times. But it's all going to be spur-of-the-moment, so…. If you can only afford once concert this year, come to the Honeybears' show, where you will be guaranteed to see me. (Note to Paul: oh, come on, Sheepy! You know I love you and I'm only yanking your chain.) Anyway, you have it from me. Paul and I are not splitting again, we're just pursuing our favorite musical projects. Love to you all, and I'll see you on the road! Jamie Ludlow McCartney |
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