Just a few days after accusing former Joy Division/New Order member Peter Hook of ‘living off Ian Curtis’ blood money’ in the aftermath of their project Freebass ending acrimoniously, Primal Scream’s Mani has now apologised for the actions which he claims were ‘completely out of character’.
In his apology, Mani spoke of his frustrations with the music industry, feelings which were compounded by the apparent messy demise of Freebass. “I wish to apologise unreservedly to Peter Hook and his family regarding comments made on a social networking site which was totally out of character for me,” he said.
“It was a venomous, spiteful reaction to a lot of things that are going on in my life right now and I chose to vent my frustrations and anger at one of my true friends in this filthy business, and ventured into territory which was none of my concern.
The Freebass thing has tipped me over the edge and became the focus of my bilious rants. Twenty-two years of being tripped up, face down in the mud and being kicked in the face with an iron boot will do that to the most stable of men. I hope I haven’t blown a great friendship forever. Sorry Pete.”
Mani has also now distanced himself from his earlier remarks which criticised Freebass’ forthcoming album, and has now urged fans to give the new record a chance. “In a funny way my outburst might make want people want to check the record out,” he explained.
“I’m proud of what we achieved really. It’s not often bass players get to step out of the shadows and create something from scratch, and between us we’ve managed it. A bumpy ride but we got there, give it a listen.
I hope I’m not turning into a bitter and twisted old rocker, that’s not what I’m about as anybody who knows the real me will be happy to confirm.”
In response, Peter Hook appears to have accepted the apology, saying he will always have respect for the former Stone Roses bass player. “Mani is a great friend of mine and he always will be,” he commented. “I have the utmost respect for him as a person and musician. Have none of you ever fallen out with somebody you love?”
The Freebass album, ‘It’s a Beautiful Life‘, is due out on September 20th.