Phil Kelly at Shadowmania - a personal reflection

[fullerton62strat]

Like most people I was shocked about the announcement by Phil that he was NOT playing at this years Shadowmania.

However, he has NOT stated that he is standing down this year. If you read the statement again and read between the lines I think you will find a very courteous statement under the circumstances. If this was not his intention then who decided the outcome? If he had not posted it, attendees at this year’s Shadowmania would not have known. We all go to Shadowmania to see the groups, but in most cases, the LEAD GUITARISTS. Phil has done Bruce, and the audience, proud over the last twelve years and he must be absolutely gutted at missing the very last one. It will NOT be the same this year. If my understanding is wrong Phil, then please let me know and that will be the end of it with apologies all round.

Phil’s statement again:

In relation to the thread posted some 2 weeks ago stating Shadowmania 2012 sadly is to be the last one , i wish to make it known that i will not be playing lead guitar at this years convention, this was also decided 2 weeks ago ,but until now there has been no mention of it ,so this can set the record straight.
Some of you that know me are aware my health has not been the best the last few months, and for those of you good enough to contact me with well wishes and support i am very grateful for that and thankyou all, it is very appreciated, at times like this you certainly find out who your friends are.
Here is a statement of facts that were established 2 weeks ago and also a synopsis of some past history.

I am not terribly ill as rumours may state, i do need and will recieve an operation later on this year, the sad fact is through the medication i am indeed considerably much better and feel sure sept 15th would not have been a problem to me, being still 4 weeks to go.
Phil has pointed out that he is NOT terribly ill and medication is keeping him stable, but will need an operation later in the year. He also states that Shadowmania would NOT be a problem to him performing.

Thank you for all the support throughout the years, its been a ball and it will not be the same not being there with you all, especially as its the final one.
Phil Kelly.

There you have it. It’s the final Shadowmania and Phil has intimated that he would have been OK for the 15th. If he had stepped down then he certainly wouldn’t have made the statement ''sept 15th would not have been a problem to me'' ? Surely Bruce could have made contingency plans to help Phil perform at this last event by lining up a last minute stand-in IF it was required – Phil at least deserves some loyalty and every assistance to be part of this last Shadowmania.

I may be wrong, but something is not all it seems.

John

[AlanMcKillop]

I don't think this should be persued at this stage and speculation will achieve nothing. There is a reason which may or may not become available in the future, let's just wish him well and a speedy recovery to health.

[Derek Misselbrook]

John Skelton..........You are 100% correct in what you say, Phil is gutted beyound belief about this.............And so are the Guitar players that go to Shadowmania just to see Phil...........Well time will tell if this turns out to be the correct thing to have done !!

Thank to Phil for letting us all know, and to John also for your view on it :D