It has been a hard couple of months for Dave Matthews Band fans, since the loss of saxophonist LeRoi Moore — and last night’s Grammy festivities didn’t make things easier. Moore, who died in August from complications stemming from an ATV accident, was left out of the Grammys’ "In Memoriam" segment (as was Stooges’ guitarist Ron Asheton).
Fans have been letting their grievances be known via various DMB message boards, including antsmarching.org. The band’s bassist, Stefan Lessard, wasn’t shy about his frustration with Moore’s omission, either. Last night, Lessard twittered, "It just goes to show you how full of s— the Grammys have become," and he responded to fans’ disappointment with, "You all make me proud…. Roi knew that, he loved you all."
Sure, the Grammys had time restrictions, and there were many names to be mentioned. But it does seem like a glaring omission: Moore was Grammy winner and a founding member of one of the most successful touring bands in the country. So the lack of recognition certainly doesn’t sit well. Being a huge DMB fan myself (39 shows and counting), I couldn’t help but get a little upset by not seeing LeRoi Moore get his due. What about you fellow DaveHeads? Did Roi’s omission hit a nerve? Should the Grammys apologize?
UPDATE: In a statement dated Feb. 10, Recording Academy president Neil Portnow said, "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. 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."
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I am so glad because while the mem. were rolling the only ones i rec. were levi, and eartha, ( hey im only 17) but was surprised when they ended and there was no leroi. I remember when i went to the Mile high fest. and they said he was sick… such a glaring omission from such a prominent musician is unacceptable and grammies such apologize. PS Brad renfro better get his due at the the oscars come feb 27th!
Absolutely they should apologize. If not for the fans, but for his family, his bandmates and his friends. WTF??
That was inexcusable. They even had a section devoted to saxophonists. But it’s like Stefan said, “It just goes to show you how full of s— the Grammys have become.”
I am not even really a huge fan of DMB, but the second the Memoriam tribute ended the first thing that came to mind was LeRoi’s omission. The Grammys DO owe an apology to the memory of the 10 times nominated,Grammy winner.
While I understand that these montages are put together by people, and people make mistakes, it is pretty inexcusable that LeRoi was left out. I think the Grammys should apologize.
I couldn’t believe the Grammys would overlook one of their own! A formal apology should have been already issued by the Grammys, but almost 24 hours later no word from them over this incident. Absolutely inexcusable.
LeRoi should have definitely been included in the Memoriam. Just because he wasn’t the lead singer doesn’t mean that fans did not appreciate his awesome musical talents! DMB shows won’t be the same without him!!
I think the author of this article has a very bright future ahead of her…So proud of you!
I completely agree, Aly. DMB has spoken to a generation…and apparently the Grammys aren’t too concerned with that.
The omission of LeRoi Moore from the Grammys’ memorium section – or anywhere on the show disrespects his talents,legacy, family and fans. An apology is definitely due – but not sure it would erase this hurt.
This was an unfortunate omission. Whether it was music industry politics or a simple mistake, the important thing is that his fans have rallied behind his memory. I wouldn’t expect this archaic institution to show much remorse.
It’s total B.S. he WAS a founding member of one of the most popular touring bands,grammy winner & 12 time nominee…apologize…ASAP….grammys suck nowaday’s anyway!
Leaving LeRoi Moore out was an out and out disgrace. Shame on you, Grammys!!
It actually makes me quite sick and adds to the list of reasons why the Grammys mean absolutely nothing to the fans or music anymore. LeRoi Moore was not only loved and appreciated by his founding members of the Dave Matthews Band but by thousands upon thousands of fans who felt as though they lost a family member this past August 19, 2008. We all will continue to love and appreciate the amazing music, times, and friends he has given us for the rest of our lives and that is all that REALLY matters.
God Bless Roi, the DMB, and their spring tour coming up!
Thanks for remembering. Good to see somebody was on top of it.