Thanks for your opinion KM; its a point very well taken. I've often tried to make it clear that we are aware here that being a fan of Alvin Lee does not and should not mean you can't also be a fan of TYAN, and that all fans of Alvin's are welcome. But its difficult in that we also, from a sort of "official" point of view, do not support the new band or wish to promote them in any way. Here's the problem - this is not an amicable thing between them and Alvin, as it could have been if they'd use a different name. Alvin is unhappy with their use of the name, use of his material, the fact that many of his fans have been misled (intentionally or not), and the things Ric and Leo have said publicly in interviews about him and the history of TYA. So why we would foster disussion or support them on Alvin's site? To hurt him? My personal opinion is that TYAN have nothing whatsoever to do with Alvin Lee, except that three of them once played in a band with him (and that band is often and enthusiastically discussed).

However, that certainly doesn't mean that anytime someone says something about them we should all get hostile, and I often wonder if there is any way to soften the "abrasive comments" or at least their interpretation. Much of our banter is actually directed against a person we find distasteful and often it is direct reaction to something underhanded from that person; yet I understand that unless the casual observer knew that or knew what was said or done, it's us that comes off as hostile. I'm not sure how to change that - as in any situation where some people have more knowledge of circumstances than others, its going to come off lopsided. I wish I had an answer, and I'm open to any and all suggestions. I would be delighted to have more of you participate in conversations about Alvin and his music.

By the way, as to wondering whether TYAN have anything to do with the increased numbers here, I do doubt it. Aside from a strong following in Germany, I don't think they've attracted that many new fans, and Alvin confirms there have been no increases in sales in the TYA catalog. I actually think Alvin's manager hit on the real reason for the increase - he told me that the longer Alvin goes without touring the more offers he receives. I think this is the same phenomenon - the longer Alvin doesn't tour, the more people want to find out what he's doing. Absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder.

As always, very well said Toni. I think of Ten Years After, and TYAN as two completely different bands. Even though "only" the front man has changed, it was that "front man" who (as we all know) sang all the songs, played the guitar (the instrument TYA was known for), and wrote the bulk of the bands material, including their two most well known tunes "I'm Going Home", and "I'd Love To Change The World", both of wich the new line up still perform. And I disagree that they have brought new fans to Alvin Lee. They MAY have got old fans of the group who have'nt kept up to date wondering "where's Alvin"?, but I think that's the extent of it.

I'm also not so sure we're offending casual viewers who just happen by. I've looked over other message boards at different artists sites, and just because I did'nt post did'nt mean I was offended by anyone. If I disagreed with a post, I just skipped it. As a matter of fact, I VERY RARELY posted anywhere until I came across this board while doing a search on Alvin. The search had nothing to do with TYAN, whom truthfully I never heard of until I came here. But while checking out the message board, I found everyone funny, interesting, and mostly FRIENDLY. Opinionated...yes, but definitely friendly. Since then, I've been a regular poster(probably posting when sometimes I should keep my opinions to myself). In that process, even though I've never actually MET anyone here,and may never get the chance, I consider people like Toni, 601 Blues, Alan, Cramer, Paul, Pieter, Jane (I'm sure I'm leaving someone out) and the like friends. We don't always agree with each other, we might even argue over something at some point, but I've NEVER not felt welcome here. Because in the end, we're all fans of Alvin. That's what brought us here(just like KM ), and that's what keeps us here.

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Thanks Rob - great post and the I hope you know the feeling is mutual. It's amazing how we manage to become a little cyber-family, isn't it? If we could get Alvin over here to the Staes, maybe we'll all figure out a way to meet and rock together at a show. After all these years, there is still only one Alvin Lee - and he's awesome.

And at the risk of offending anyone, TYA and TYAN are entirely different bands - and one of them shouldn't copy Alvin's licks.

LIKE WISE ROB, IT,S NOT HARD TO TELL THAT YOU,RE A GOOD GUY BUD, YOU,RE HONEST AND CONSISTANT IN YOU,RE VIEWS NO MATTER WHAT THE SUBJECT IS AND YOU SPEAK FROM THE HEART, AND IN MY OPINION ROB THERES KNOW NEED TO STAY SILENT WHEN YOU HAVE AN OPINION. MY OPINIONS ARE NOT ALWAYS POPULAR BUT YOU ARE RESPECTFUL WHEN YOU RESPONDED TO ME LIKE IT OR NOT WHAT I HAVE TO SAY, AND YOU,RE NOT LIKE SOME WHO SEE IT AS CHANCE TO ATTACK ME AND BELITTLE MY VOICE KEEP TALKIN ROB WE HEAR YA BUD PEACE PAUL

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