[gfmcdowell@getatlas.com]

Hi all,

It seems to me that all the recent debate over Pete and his place in 
the band boils down to this:

1.  Many people have been drawn in by Peter's voice (or "antics"), 
since it was something very distinct from other singers.  But most 
have *stayed* because of the fantastic music and lyrics.  I know I'm 
quite fond of their integrity, as well.  Probably not alone.

2.  Peter seems to have been a focus of stress within the band 
because of his ego, intense demands on his time, or egos of the other 
band members.  I'm willing to give them *all* the benefit of the 
doubt.  There's at least five sides to this story.

3.  Pete probably didn't write *every* word he sang, and maybe very 
little of the music, either.  Personally, I think the singer doesn't 
have to write *all* the lyrics to make it work for me.  Or know how 
to write complex music for instruments he/she doesn't play.  If there 
are any issues with the songwriting credits, I'd say that's probably 
an internal band matter.  But these guys all seem pretty reputable to 
me, so I doubt there's anything too fishy going on.

4.  There may be some residual resentment (both from fans and band 
members) about Peter's departure and/or the amount of focus on this 
event as THE END OF MIDNIGHT OIL.  I can understand that.  These 
other guys have put in a helluva lot of brilliant work and would 
probably like it if their contributions weren't so casually 
disregarded (by the media, etc.).

5.  We all hope that the other four highly talented members of the 
band will continue to make music together.  I'm pretty sure about 
that...

slainte,
Gerry McDowell