No Standing Ovation for Negative Reviews

Robert Hilburn’s latest no-name, who-cares, front-page, multipage article (“The Return of Rock’s High Priestess,” Calendar, July 24) with pictures on a rock performer--Patti Smith--is another such no-importance attempt by him to be something he is not--30 years younger--but that’s the subject of a letter still to come, as the space it was given was ludicrous and the performer certainly not of such stature.

This letter is about two recent hatchet job critiques which were completely out of line. Mike Boehm’s review of the Wayne Newton show at the Celebrity Theatre (“Wayne Newton Offers 2-Hour Monolith of Blandness,” July 18) and Holly Gleason’s review of Lee Greenwood at the Crazy Horse (“Greenwood Oozes Smarm in Santa Ana,” June 29) are prime examples of how negative and slanted the Calendar staff has become in its articles.

We all should be supporting those who are trying to bring name performers to Orange County instead of undermining their efforts. For Boehm to imply that his opinion, obviously based on rock mentality, should be accepted over that of the 7audience--which he sarcastically felt was wrong--is nothing short of warped fantasy.

For Gleason to attack Greenwood’s love for his country with her “draped in the flag” comments is ridiculous, especially when considering his two U.S.O. tours. Lee’s integrity in this regard can not be questioned. . . . May I suggest she be reassigned when Greenwood comes back in December “by popular demand,” as it might be a little embarrassing for her to be booed out of the club.

If it’s not about no-name rock or it’s not slanted, slanderous and insulting, it is not worthwhile. . . . Why?

WILLIAM C. ALEXANDER

Costa Mesa