By Brian Ives
Was anyone really surprised by Kanye West‘s faux rushing the stage at the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards when Beck won Album of the Year? Or when he said in an interview later that night that Beck “should give his award to Beyonce?”
Probably not: the producer/MC/hopeful fashion mogul has a history of acting the fool at award shows, dating all the way back to 2004, when country singer Gretchen Wilson won Best Breakthrough Artist at the American Music Awards over West. At the time, West told reporters, “I felt like I was definitely robbed. … I was the best new artist this year.”
But still, his behavior rankled a few of his fellow musicians, who—you guessed it—took to social media to express themselves.
Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson posted an open letter to ‘Ye on her Facebook page.
“Dear Kanye West: It is YOU who is so busy disrespecting artistry,” she wrote. “You disrespect your own remarkable talents and more importantly you disrespect the talent, hard work and tenacity of all artists when you go so rudely and savagely after such an accomplished and humble artist like BECK. You make yourself look small and petty and spoilt.
“In attempting to reduce the importance of one great talent over another, you make a mockery of all musicians and music from every genre, including your own. Grow up and stop throwing your toys around. You are making yourself look like a complete twat.
“Ps. I am pretty certain Beyonce doesn’t need you fighting any battles on her account. Seems like she’s got everything covered perfectly well on her own.”
KISS frontman Paul Stanley, like West, is pretty happy to express himself (as he did in his Radio.com interview where he discussed his feelings about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame): he took to his Facebook page to post a more succinct message: “Beck should’ve kicked #Kanye right in the nuts last night and said Get the f— off MY stage! The GRAMMYs #grammys”
