Both of
Saraya’
s Cd’s are now out of print, hence they are very rare and hard to find.
Keeping your
eyes open in those basement bins record shops may be the only way to get
them now.
SANDY SARAYA COMMENTS ON FIREFEST WITHDRAWAL:
In response to recent press from the Firefest team over the reasoning behind the Band Saraya pulling out of this year's FF7 show, singer Sandi Saraya asked that I publish a personal note from her. It reads:
"My sincerest apologies to Kieran, Tony Bruno, Chuck Bonfante and Barry Dunaway. But most of all to those who appreciated our small contribution to music..and those who wanted to see us play again. I know and understand why you all are disappointed in me, but would like the chance to clarify as to what the reasons were.
Yes, its true that I requested a certain amount of money to play Firefest...but all those involved knew it was because I needed to cover my expenses as far as airfare/passport/incidentals/hotel for my family to travel with me, which was my sole purpose in agreeing to play in the first place...so that my 5 children could experience some of my past...I have no other motivation for doing it. I am not seeking fame, publicity, I am not trying to revive a career, and I certainly was not in this for personal gain. If that was the case, I would have told Kieran that I needed my family's airfare paid for when he first presented us with the opportunity. I didn't ask for that.
I was first asked to play this in July of 2009. Back then I had the means to provide my family's tickets and travel expenses myself..but 3 months ago my husband had to undergo surgery..and then undergo physical therapy, and the final blow was the unforeseeable medical bills which exceeded $200k. In the meantime..I had heard little from the rest of the band..understandable as they all have busy lives as well. In the end it was choosing between what was best for my family for medical and financial reasons and having to go out of pocket to make it possible to perform at Firefest. I was truly looking forward to going and was hoping we'd be able to pull something out of the hat to make it happen..but communication between the parties was pretty hazy at best and things broke down pretty quickly via emails.
I appreciate what Kieran has done for bands of our genre and am deeply saddened that he and my former bandmates chose to omit my extenuating circumstances and instead are portraying me as someone I am not. I understand the frustration, but not the character assassination of myself, as I believed at one point we were friends. I have the utmost respect for my band members regardless of their stance..It hurts me, yes, that they have gone this route..but if that's what they need to do, so be it. I won't blame them. It is extremely disappointing to all involved, and especially the fans, and for that I am sorry. That being said..I hope you now can find it in your hearts to understand. Thank you - Sandi Saraya."
Firefest is extremely saddened that Sandi, despite making the commitment to perform at the show in December 2009 has chosen at relatively short notice to back track on her original decision. After a period of will she won't she, she finally asked for a totally inappropriate amount of money for herself personally to actually perform. Firefest had already went way beyond the original deal in an effort to make the Saraya show happen, offering much more financially than we had agreed. In fact the improved package we offered was over double what we had agreed from day 1 but apparently it was not enough. We have nothing but the highest regard and respect for Chuck Bonfante and Tony Bruno who went WAAAY above and beyond the call of duty in order to make this happen. The guys are extremely upset and annoyed that Sandi would choose to make this first time reunion about the almighty $, but sadly it appears this is the case. For the record Chuck, Tony and Barry at no stage asked for anything extra and were more than happy with the original agreement It is with great regret that we must inform you that Saraya will not be playing Firefest 2010 and a replacement act will be confirmed very shortly.