DMB Fans Demand Apology

One artist left off the list of names rolled during the Grammy Awards video obituary tribute Feb. 8 was Dave Matthews Band saxophonist LeRoi Moore – and DMB fans want the Recording Academy to say it’s sorry.

DMB founding member Moore, 46, died Aug. 19 after complications from injuries he suffered in an all-terrain vehicle accident on his farm in Virginia. Although he wasn’t included in the video tribute, his name was listed in the program book along with those of other artists who passed away in 2008.

But that’s not good enough for hardcore DMB fans who are demanding an apology from The Recording Academdy through a Facebook group and an online petition, according to the BBC News.

The Recording Academy released a statement, explaining that there wasn’t enough time to mention every artist in the video tribute. Moore won a Grammy with the band in 1996 for best rock performance by a duo or group with vocal for “So Much To Say,” which Grammy President Neil Portnow acknowledged in a statement issued after Moore’s death.

Portnow reiterated the August statement and added, “Nearly 250 members of our music community have passed in the last year, and all of them have been listed in the program book for the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards, including LeRoi Moore,” Grammy president Neil Portnow said in a statement.

“For the ‘Encore’ segment of our annual GRAMMY Awards telecast, unfortunately we are unable to include all of the talented and wonderful people within the allotted timeframe. The Academy recognizes Moore’s contributions to music and music education, and we are deeply saddened by his premature passing.”

BBC News noted that DMB frontman Dave Matthews supposedly commented on his Twitter account in regards to the Grammy snub.

Matthews wrote:

“we know what a great man mr. Moore was. We remember him”

“the Grammies [sic] are not my cup of tea. I won’t go unless I have to.”