Melissa Etheridge Responds to Guitarist Phil Keaggy: "I am So Sorry That the Quote in Rolling Stone Made it Sound Homophobic"

Rocker Melissa Etheridge has responded exclusively to the Huffington Post regarding comments attributed to her in Rolling Stone about guitar virtuoso Phil Keaggy. Etheridge had quoted Keaggy, one of the top guitarists in the world, who was once a mainstay in the Christian rock world as saying she had opened for Keaggy in the 80's and that he had discouraged her from entering the Christian music industry. Keaggy responded to Etheridge through this blog here.

Now Etheridge sets the record straight telling this blog:

"My experience with Phil Keaggy was a wonderful one. I do not believe he meant that Christian music would not have wanted me because I was gay, I believe he meant that I was too powerful for that genre. I am so sorry that the quote in Rolling Stone made it sound homophobic. I wish Phil and his family the best. He is an incredibly talented guitar player and I am honored to have shared the stage with him."

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Comments

[LoveHatePolitics]

Phil Keaggy is the reason I picked up the guitar in my mid thirties, a little over ten years ago. I'm totally in awe of the astounding range of styles he can play effortlessly, with a missing finger playing fingerstyle tunes as well. I'll never be that good with all ten fingers.

For those of us who have followed Mr. Keaggy's career for years, his friction with the heavy handed Christian music labels is notorious.

I find it hard to believe that he was doing anything other than warning Miss Etheridge away from the Christian music labels based on the sad way he was treated for many years.

Everybody has a different ear for what they like in music, and as a guitar player and a music fan, I have to respectfully disagree with RobinSeattle. "Good Player" doesn't even begin to describe Phil Keaggy's music and guitar abilities.

I've loved guitar music all of my life, but it took hearing Phil Keaggy to prompt me to go buy my first guitar at 33 and learn to play.

[ktano0]

I read that article, and never once thought that Keaggy had slighted her for her sexuality. Back in the day, Melissa was really intense as a performer, and most of the Christian demographic would have
wilted in her presence. But, it was nice that she cleared whatever misconception there might have been. What a great lady.

[RobinSeattle]

I'm very familiar with Phil Keaggy's music and calling him one of the best guitarists in the world is a ridiculous stretch. He's a good player, but probably not even in my top 500 list of great axemen.