America’s Most Wanted is working on a website for John and they’ve asked for video. I’ve given what I have but mine’s mostly old. I had planned on videotaping John when he was supposed to come visit me in Phoenix last February and we had plans for him to play with a local band here. Unfortunately John never came and I flew out to Chicago the same day he was to have arrived in Phoenix so I could start searching. Needless to say, I didn’t get my video. Soooo, if anyone has any they’d like to share please email spirawebsite@johnspira.com. Back in May we asked the manager (who told me John was his best friend) of the band John founded, the Rabblerousers, Rick Reminger, but here’s what he had to say??????
“From: rabble@rabblerousersband.com [mailto:rabble@rabblerousersband.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2007 6:32 PM
To: Rachelfind
Cc: smcneil1@cox.net
Subject: RE: Missing Person John Spira
You are not authorized to use the bands name, music or images without the written consent of our legal representatives. This includes the use of unauthorized videos and photos as well as audio, web links, etc. If you continue to pursue this course of action we will seek a legal remedy and damages pursuant to all applicable laws. Please respect our request and the privacy of our family’s in this matter. Thank you.”
YES, HE THREATENED TO SUE US!!!!??? We’ve also asked, no begged, the band photographer for photos of John and here’s what he had to say…..
“I am the sole owner of the photos that appear on my website, www.pbase.com/soulfulimpressions. I am a friend of the band and want to see the band going forward without the distraction of this terrible turn of events. I feel the family should have plenty of photos of John. Therefore I see no reason to contribute my photos. Please do not confuse this with my not wanting to have his family find an outcome. I consider John a friend and I am sure he would want the band, that he helped build go forward. My simple band photos will not have the impact that those photos that the family has. Therefore as of < ?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />May 17th, 2007, I withdraw my permission for the use of my copyrighted images of The Rabble Rousers Band found on the above website www.pbase.com/soulfulimpressions.
< ?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> “. Kurt Swanson
Unfortunately we don’t have alot of recent photos of John, nor do we have any of the professional quality taken by the photographer and don’t understand why sharing video/pictures of John would adversely affect these guys. We’ve even offered to pay. We can’t figure it out either, but since they won’t help us, is there anyone else who might be able to? Thanks