The foundation of its faith in musical awards shows shaken by Kanye West’s publicity stunt impassioned pro-Beyoncé protest at the Grammys on Sunday, a desperate nation turns to its musical elders for guidance. “But what about ’90s alt-rock band Garbage and its frontwoman Shirley Manson?,” it cries. “What does the singer of ‘Stupid Girl’ have to say about all of this?”
In short, she says he’s a “twat.”
Manson posted a response to West’s hijacking of Beck’s acceptance speech for Album Of The Year on Facebook, saying,
“Dear Kanye West
It is YOU who is so busy disrespecting artistry.
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.”
In what could actually be taken as an object lesson in what letting someone finish looks like, about an hour later KISS frontman Paul Stanley also posted on Facebook about Sunday’s events, saying, “Beck should’ve kicked #Kanye right in the nuts last night and said Get the fuck off MY stage!”
Sinead O’Connor’s take on the incident is presumably forthcoming.