Statement to the Chet Atkins Society and its forum from DP

[BlueGuitar]

I want to thank you all for your kind words, and advice. Its been an indescribably hard time for me. I'm now just starting to play again after all this time away, and sincerely hope that the guitar will be a calming and therapeutic tool to deal w/ stress, and my personal loss. I trully believe that God and Music can be the greatest inspiration to go forward in life.

Thank you for the invitation to come to C.A.A.S. I would love to come, and meet you all in person, and maybe we finally put an end to any animosity, and become your guitar friend. It would be an honor if you all would play for me, and share your stories. I'm sure you all would have some great stories to tell, and guitar licks to share.

Statement to the Chet Atkins Society and its forum from DP
I want to extend my personal apology to each and every anyone of you who has been angered and offended by things surrounding me w/ the guitar. It would be a great honor for me to be a part of this board someday, and to share what little talent I have with you as your friend. Chet will always be the best, and nobody will ever take his place or be that good. In so many ways Chet was the creator and genius, and were are all part of him when we play. I can remember people would come up to me after my shows and say,,I really like some of your originals you played or you have a nice sound on your signature model guitar, and I would say "Thank you so much, but its not as good as Chet!" There was an image that developed from different peoples quotes,and of course from some very bad council on my behalf which I sincerly regret. With all of my great losses I've have ...I have turned to God for comfont and solace.There's a song I recorded a few years ago w/ a full orchestra that reminds me of everything thats happen here and personally. I wish Chet would have recorded this song, but I think he was sick, He would have done a much better job on it than I did, but maybe someday you'll let me share it with you and post it for you. I hope to be able to talk to you all of you, and wish you all the best......Best Personal Regards..DP

[Roger Pratt]

Well said David! To err is human, to forgive is divine!

[PhilHunt]

Now those are heartfelt words there. I think everyone needs to bury the hatchet and let David play at CAAS. We are all there to pay tribute to Chet and what he did for the world of Finger-style guitar. I know I've expressed my opinion about certain things of which I apologize for. Sometimes I can be blunt, honest and the country redneck comes out real quick. We all tend to get our feathers ruffled at sometime or another. Finding peace and contentment in God and Guitar always manages to heal the soul.

[BillB]

David,
After reading the post by Stan yesterday, I was really saddened by the tragedy that you've had to endure. This morning I added you to my prayer list. As I was doing that, it struck me that I should have done that a long time ago when all the other stuff was going on. I'll admit that I was not on your side through all of that, and in the same situation, I'm pretty sure that I would still be on the same side. But hopefully, I would be a better Christian the next time and would be praying for you on a regular basis. I'm so very sorry for your loss, and just know that I am praying for you now.

Bill Bailey

[RandeDager]

David, I've been a big fan of your expertise ever since I first heard of you a few years ago. It would be nice to meet you and watch you play in person. Thanks for opening up your heart and I'm so sorry for you personal loss.

take care,

[RonBloor]

Hi David.. Just another voice in the chorus here, but I too feel your pain. Sorry for your loss.. I too hope that you can attend CAAS in the future. And yes the guitar and music in general can be a great solace.

[RonBloor]

I've had some dialog with David over the past day or so and I know he is hurting right now, so if any of you feel so inclined it would be very helpful to give him your support... in any way you see fit.
I never felt right about what went on in the past when everyone seemed to be chasing David away from this forum. I now feel guilty that I never had the guts to say something about it back when all this was happening. I understand to some degree why it happened... or I think I do... It sure looked like he was "using" Chet to further his career. His videos and shows can certainly give you that impression... However, I now believe that he was and is in awe of Chet. Perhaps his manager had other motives, but I don't think David was ever trying to "use" Chet to further his career.
Regardless of motives and intent in the past, right now he needs support..

[Norm]

It would probably be best if we don't be poking around in what happened in the past. Poke something with a stick often enough and it will bite you.
People's memories tend to get selective as time goes on. I have an idea what happened. I got quite a few emails from certain people whle it was all going on and I can remember a lot of the hurt and the bitter fighing back and forth and have no desire to revisit it or see it start up again.

I, personally, have nothing to forgive. I don't have a dog in this fight so long as my friends, here and gone, are not disparaged.

Life is way too short and the truth is, good manners don't cost a dime.

[MitchC]

I guess I'll consider myself fortunate that I know nothing of the history. Just now becoming aware of D.P. and by the youtube vids I saw, I see a monster player ! Had I known the past, I'm a big believer in forgivness anyway.

Really sorry to hear of your tremendous pain and loss David ! My prayers for you and loved ones for comfort and healing !

Looking forward to discovering and hearing / watching all the music you have recorded and will record in the future !

[David Elliott]

I've had some dialog with David over the past day or so and I know he is hurting right now, so if any of you feel so inclined it would be very helpful to give him your support... in any way you see fit.
I never felt right about what went on in the past when everyone seemed to be chasing David away from this forum. I now feel guilty that I never had the guts to say something about it back when all this was happening. I understand to some degree why it happened... or I think I do...

Hi Ron,
I feel much the same way as you, and also agree with much of what Norm has said. That is why I never joined in, in the criticism and hostility directed at Mr. Paul. To be perfectly honest, I felt "someone's" approach to promoting his talents was all wrong, in that it indeed would sometimes come across as a little arrogant, and even pompous, referring to him as "one of the greatest fingerstyle guitarists in the world", etc. as generally speaking, most persons with a great deal of talent don't need to promote their talents in this manner, as it will be recognized (eventually) because of it's own merit. And yes, I am completely familiar with all the so called reasons for this "attitude" towards David, and had discussed the matter many times with other ChetBoarders, off the Board.

I have always felt that David was (is) one of the best guitarists I have ever heard, bar none, and to have excluded him from this forum, and to have referred to him as simply a "good guitar player", "not bad", etc. was not only ridiculous, it was insulting to the memory and standards of the man this ChetBoard is all about. I happen to know that there are a number of people who used to participate in this forum, who no longer do so for these very reasons, and because they became tired of having to "walk on eggs" on subject matter, being required and admonished to not even mention David's name, and generally being treated like they did not have the ability to decide for themselves, what constitutes talent on the guitar.

Regardless of whoever is responsible for David's "promotion" in the guitar world, whether it is/was himself personally, or a manager, agent, or whatever, I don't believe that was ever a legitimate reason to ostracize him from the ChetBoard. Hoopla and "hype" is part and parcel of show business in general, so why should he be any different? Humility is a wonderful characteristic as it was practiced by "Mister Guitar" Chet Atkins, but it is NOT common in the entertainment industry, and that was one of the things that was so unusual about Chet! When all is said and done, I'd bet if Chet were alive today, he'd be one of the biggest promoters of "David's" music and talent!

David Elliott