Message from Neil 9 August 2011

Hi Everyone

I know a lot of you are upset about the posting regarding the Bob Marley Charity Record. Can I just explain to you all, that this is actually something our record company world-wide is supporting and Alfie and I wanted to give our support to them, with this cause. Timing was not great, as we had been asked if we would support it a week or so back, before the dreadful events of the last few days unfolded – Having said that, I have to tell you, nothing is more prominent on both Alfie and my minds, than the destruction, the devastation, the violence and the looting going on, on our streets across London, Croydon, Birmingham, Liverpool, Nottingham and Bristol – the fear its causing, the loss of homes and property, is simply appalling. To those of you affected, our thoughts are with you.

Neil x

19 Comments to “Message from Neil 9 August 2011”

• On August 9, 2011 at 2:45 pm Zoe said:

  Thanks Neil. I’m from Liverpool and it’s a bit scary wondering what will happen tonight. However, my heart goes out to those worst affected in London, can’t begin to imagine what it’s been like down there x
• On August 9, 2011 at 2:57 pm Sammi said:

  It was actually me that wrote a comment over on facebook saying I thought that perhaps we need to sort our own problems out first. Whilst I am not saying we shouldn’t support these causes I just think, as you’ve stated, timing is perhaps a bit of an issue. I wish there were more charities set up to look after those who are struggling with the devastation of the riots, and generally to help those people in the UK that need it. We have enough homeless people here, and people who really need help. It’s almost a charity starts at home post, which may sound selfish but I think it’s like saying you can’t help other people until you’ve sorted yourself out. I hope this makes sense written down as it does in my head. I will reiterate that I’m not saying it’s not a worthy cause, because it really is and people should support it, but people should remember there are people here who also need help and just because it isn’t publicised like this one has been that doesn’t make it less important.
• On August 9, 2011 at 3:10 pm Mayleen said:

  Neil:
  Alfie does not need to apologize for doing what he thinks is right. But, I appreciate the updates anyway. Thanks X
• On August 9, 2011 at 3:29 pm Phosa said:

  Thanks Neil, I live in Croydon and we are all very worried about what will happen tonight. I hope everyone will be able to keep safe and that this will end soon.
• On August 9, 2011 at 3:31 pm Marilyn C. Hinson said:

  Hi All, Don’t you just wonder what our world is coming to? I live in the States & our economy is going through a great upheaval & we’re all wondering where it’s going to end. There is SO MUCH unrest in our world today and we all need to pray that God will bring us through it.

  I think it’s wonderful that Alfie is participating in a Charity Record. Living here in the States, I’m not familiar with the Charity you refer to, Neil, but if Alfie & the Management Team feel led to be a part of it, I’m sure it’s worthwhile.

  I personally have depended on Alfie’s music to sooth my spirit & comfort me in recent days. After not sleeping last night, stressing over some very worrisome financial issues here, this AM I put “You’ll Never Walk Alone…The Collection” in the CD player & played “ABIDE With ME” & “AMAZING GRACE” over & over again until I felt comforted & less stressful. Thank You Alfie…Marilyn H.
• On August 9, 2011 at 4:40 pm San said:

  Prayers from across the pond…I remember living 20 miles from the Los Angeles riots, in a ‘safe’ neighborhood, and seeing the glow from the flames. It changes your thinking to be that afraid, every night. I hope this all stops soon for you.

  Charity is about love and respect…why apologize? It’s what we do on our best days…
• On August 9, 2011 at 5:24 pm Barbara Hughes said:

  Having lived in England for 20 years and with several friends still in the Ealing Broadway/West Ealing/Chiswick area, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is having to endure this nightmare. I Skyped a couple of friends today and they will not venture out after dark. And this from my own, lovely London? Hardly bears thinking about.
  After 7/7/05, I bought a tee shirt that said “We Are Not Afraid”, proceeds of which went to the victims’ fund. I’ll be wearing it again today to honor all of you.
  Stay strong.
• On August 9, 2011 at 5:53 pm Ruth said:

  What is going on here is terrible. It need not & should not happen. But what we need to remember here is that in some places this happens so frequently it is almost the norm; also the effects are long-term. We often don’t get to hear about serious troubles in other places. Now, this is bad; normally, we’re lucky. We should remember that. other places don’t have the infrastructure to help – if we don’t, no one will. Go figure.
• On August 9, 2011 at 6:20 pm Glorytorre said:

  Events are so un-English! Our thoughts are very much with you. Things will work out the way they are meant to work out – for the best.
• On August 9, 2011 at 6:24 pm Rhonda Brimley Greenwood said:

  God bless all who are affected by the riots and looting in Britain. Frightening. And, I certainly support efforts across the globe that try to do good and raise others up from their circumstances. Kudos to Alfie for trying to make a difference where he can, even though the timing was off. You just can’t control these things.
• On August 9, 2011 at 7:35 pm Bonnie Rimmer said:

  Neil, thanks for the comment although I really don’t think that either you or Alfie need to explain your actions. If either of you think it is a good cause, we know it will be. I am so sorry that about all of the destruction that is going on all over England at the moment and pray that order is soon restored. There are so many angry people in the world at the moment. Keep doing what you’re doing; you do make a difference.
• On August 9, 2011 at 9:00 pm theresa schlarb said:

  my thoughts & prayers are with all affected by the riots. i lived thru the LA watts riots & the later LA riots after rodney king. the fear is unbearable & one can only prayer for strength & calm. please be safe.
• On August 10, 2011 at 2:54 am Marybeth Heatherly said:

  Ditto, Rhonda..nicely said!…yes, we hear you, Sammi…and we need some ideas..fast..! I was in the middle of the ’60′s riots in Wash. D.C…I never lost that smell off smoke…..We are following it closely here across the pond, and I think we are a bit ..stunned…You are ALL in our prayers..! Be careful…BethOX.
• On August 10, 2011 at 2:56 am 24601jvj said:

  To Alfie, Neil and your families, also to all of you who follow as I do on this page….our prayers and best wishes for your safety are being sent across the Atlantic. I love the UK and my heart is breaking for you all.
• On August 10, 2011 at 3:49 am Kate DiRaimo said:

  My thoughts are with all the people affected by the riots…..this world just keeps getting crazier….major unrest with our economy here in the states, then the loss of the Navy Seals in Afghanistan, and now this in London. Glad Alfie is safe, and thanks Neil for keeping all of his fans so well informed. God Bless.
• On August 10, 2011 at 4:33 am San said:

  At some point, normalcy will need to be suspended. It’s not worth the risk to the production staff (cast and crew) or the patrons who will have to travel through affected areas to get to the show. We saw productions shut down in Los Angeles; entire film studios shut down and suspended taping through the end of that week.

  Just be safe…performances can be rescheduled. Frustrating or not, the world has gone on a nutty.
• On August 10, 2011 at 10:56 am Sempai_greg said:

  My heart goes out to anyone affected by the riots but I refuse to have my charitable activities controlled by the acts of the criminal minority. I will therefore be buying a copy of Bob Marley; and two fingers up to the rioters!
• On August 17, 2011 at 3:00 pm Barbie said:

  my prayers are with all of you “over there” just watch Capt America a few days…and it reminded me of all the times our two lands joined together to stop insanity. As the greatest generation is leaving us everyday, perhaps it is our turn to “stand together.” Always loved the song “let there be peace on earth.” Before peace comes to earth it must begin in our hearts; it takes a bunch of no bodies to truly make the difference. God speed.
• On August 18, 2011 at 1:03 am Deborah said:

  I was lucky enough to see Les Mis in London on August 9th–I was inspired to travel all the way from San Diego, CA after seeing Alphie in the Anniversary Concert on PBS. Seeing him (and the entire cast) perform live was a tremendous privilege. Worth every penny! And I was so touched that Alphie posed for a picture with me and signed my program after the show. He and Matt Lucas stayed and took their time with each fan–they were so gracious!! On a night filled with sirens and riots and tension, Alphie and Matt didn’t rush to get home safely. Instead, they provided an incredibly calm, unhurried atmosphere filled with joy. Alphie, if you read this I want you to know that I took pictures of the Swiss Alps, Italian art, a gondola ride in Venice, and the Tower Bridge at dusk. Yet the picture I cherish most from my travels is definitely the one I have with you! Thank you SO much for your kindness, and thank you for inspiring my first international trip and first trip to Europe! You mentioned you will be coming to San Diego–can’t wait for the date to be announced so I can mark my calendar! May God continue to bless you and your work.