Dear friends,

A few weeks ago, the first anniversary of the release of the long awaited Ross Ryan album, ‘One Person Queue’ was celebrated by Ryan fans across the globe. Initially most people, myself included, had more or less given up on this album ever seeing the light of day and the trials and tribulations that Coathanger, and possibly Ross, went through to bring this project to fruition have been well documented on these pages over many, many years.

Although my own musical tastes lean more towards the endurable classics and the Baroque operatic work of Monteverdi, several of you who have actually listened to Ross’s music have written in with effusive praise for not only the ‘1PQ’ album – but for the live appearances Ross has made over the last twelve months – even those with Mark Holden.

This of course is all very well.

The reason I say this is that just this morning I was briefed by Coathanger’s accounting team – and I admit I am disappointed. Not with the selfless effort and the work done by Coathanger management and some of our lower echelon employees - not even with Ross and the extended time-frames he seems to apply to almost everything he touches.

No. My disappointment – and yes even sorrow - is with you – the people who call yourselves Ross Ryan fans.

A case in point.

Monteverdi

You may recall that for the interminable years prior to the release of ‘One Person Queue’, we offered you all a free name credit on the album. Essentially an offer of 'immortality”. This was Ross’s way of saying “thank you” to the folks who have supported him throughout his career but more importantly, it was pretty much a shameless way of encouraging people who may not even like Ross’s music to own a CD with their name on it.

We even timed the album’s release to coincide with last year’s pre- Christmas buying frenzy and further encouraged you to send in the names of your families, friends and pets – thus solving all your Christmas shopping problems by offering you an impressive and unique Christmas gift.

Sure many of you responded in a positive fiscal way. Indeed there were those who purchased multiple copies of the ‘1PQ’ album and as a result enjoyed seeing the excited faces of their loved ones on Christmas morning - surely a touching, joyous and no doubt moving experience

But sadly, a lot of you didn’t.

But fortunately, it’s Christmas time again and Coathanger Merchandising is still in business!!!

I urge you to re-visit The Great List Of The Immortal and to be reminded that you may be missing out on a once-in-an-album opportunity to bring a glimpse of happiness to those who mean the most to you.

In closing, allow me to leave you with this sobering thought.

Over the last twelve months Ross has been diligently working on new material. As we speak, he is presently in his South Pacific studio, Fongafale Recorders, crafting tracks for a follow up to ‘1PQ’.

But we’re in the business of selling product and frankly, if Coathanger feels that there is no tangible market for Ross Ryan’s music then there’s no way any of these songs will ever see the light of day.

Essentially – we’ll cut our losses and just close down the guy’s career. Ross will disappear forever.

And it will be your fault.

God bless you all over this festive season.

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