. So freakin what that Khan released the statement and the group found out about it. He wasn't exactly coming back any time soon. Yes he could have handled it better, but the group did know he was leaving before. This is not shocking news.
The First Church of Khan steps up to the plate!
I'm not going to debate the merits of Khan's contribution to the success of Kamelot. I agree the band went to another level during his tenure. I don't think anyone disagrees. I don't think anyone but the band can truly comment with merit on the individual songwriting contributions. Perhaps we will have a clearer picture after the next disc is released.
Personally, I think Khan's image is what inspired the flock just as much as his musical contributions. He had the look to go along with the velvet voice (well, before he lost it a few years ago..hello studio magic!) Image can be replaced...
The main thing that Khananites are letting slide is what happened with the North American tour. He pulled out days before, not weeks before it started. He cost a lot of people a lot of money....a *LOT* of money. The booking agent, the band, the crew, the promoters & clubs, the label...the list goes on and on.
Khanboys were distraught with worry over his medical condition during that time. They were disgusted with the band for even thinking about soldiering on without their master. Feeding their families and paying the bills? How dare they!! Khan is Kamelot baby!
Regardless, the band essentially kept quiet to give Roy time to sort things out even though they got fucked. They could have told it like it was, but they didn't. Why kill an album that was just released? Why piss off the new label? I'm sure they were also hoping for a change of mind as well.
In the meantime, they have no choice but to tour now to salvage anything from this album cycle...and perhaps even pay a few bills! Now, if you are going out on tour with a temporary vocalist, would you not still want the support of the fans of Khan? I mean you want to play in front of large crowds and maintain any sort of momentum you can muster despite the circumstances. After the tour is over, then you can make some hard decisions if necessary and communicate with the fans in a way to ease everyone's concern. Why cut the cord now and suffer potential backlash that wasn't your fault in the first damn place?
Didn't happen...
If Roy knew he wasn't coming back, then why didn't he communicate this to the public months ago instead of letting the faithful believe he had a brain tumor and every sort of cancer imaginable? Instead, he waited till after the tour not only started, but got glowing reviews AND sold-out shows.
If you waited seven months, why not wait another few weeks and plot a nice exit strategy with the band that supported you through thick and thin? They were your friends and you want them to do well during this difficult time right?
Nah...you catch everyone by surprise and force them to scramble with a statement to save face when their focus is on the tour.
Roy was a nice guy every time I met him. I think he is a fantastic talent and deserved every bit of success that came his way. That said, the way he handled himself during this situation was terrible to say the least.