Ricky Martin’s downsizing

Re “He’s Livin’ La Vida Nueva,” Jan. 26: I must cry foul and call for placing Agustin Gurza in the penalty box, or at least the corner, for his analysis of Ricky Martin’s current tour in midsize arenas. Or, as he put it, his “steep fall from selling out arenas in 2000.”

Now even if Martin may not be able to sell out arenas anymore, surely Gurza must have some realization that when a performer such as Martin plays the Pantages, it is not because he cannot sell out bigger venues but rather because he has chosen it specifically for its size. This is akin to when Springsteen chose to play there last year for his solo acoustic tour.

I’m not a Martin fan, but I could not let this sniping go without comment. Far be it from me to protect millionaire pop stars, but even they deserve the truth once in a while.

SAM FIBISH

West Hollywood