Publisher Attempts To Clear Up Confusion Regarding DIMEBAG Estate and MJS MUSIC PUBLICATIONS
May 4, 2007MJS Music Publications has issued the following press release:
Earlier in 2007 the Abbott estate made a global announcement stating "The family of the late 'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott has not authorized anyone in the past or present to author a book on his life." Since the announcement, many websites, blogs, forums, radio stations and print magazines have interpreted this announcement to reference the book published by MJS Music Publications, "A Vulgar Display of Power: Courage and Carnage at the Alrosa Villa" ("AVDOP"). AVDOP is the authorized biography of Jeffrey "Mayhem" Thompson, Nathan Bray, and Erin Halk. AVDOP in no way attempts to tell the life story of "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. Although the Abbott estate has not commented on AVDOP since its release, it is undisputed that the Abbott estate could not prevent the telling of the life stories of Thompson, Bray and Halk. These stories have been authorized and recounted by the families of each men. These men are heroes and their legacy lives on in AVDOP.
Mark Sternal, president of MJS Music Publications stated, "we have always had an open door with the Abbott estate, and I do not feel this announcement is about our title. In the early stages of writing AVDOP, the Abbotts' business manager, Jeff Rasco, provided audio interview content to be used as research for the book. Also, rock photographer Chad Lee contributed photos of guitarist 'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott with Vinnie Paul Abbott's blessing and approval. We provided Vinnie with early drafts and were told that he 'liked what he saw' but his family did not want to contribute any personal material because it was too soon to discuss the loss of his brother. We have always respected the Abbotts' interest, and still do. That is why we do not feel this announcement is about AVDOP."
Because AVDOP is not a book about, or a biography on "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, MJS Publications can only assume that the Abbott estate's announcement is meant to refer to a book currently being written by Zac Crain. Mr. Crain's book is about "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott's life and has not been authorized by the Abbott estate according to an email from J. Hoffman, the Abbott family estate's publicist, to MJS Music Publications on April 26, 2007.
For more information, visit www.mjspublications.com.
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