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Found a cool old bassist, need some help?

#401
It is sad to read those those that think this may be a scam. Sadly it reflects the state of the world today at least.

Anyway, I was reading up on the latest posts and read where the media wants to interview and such on the one brother in california and if I read right, neither want to make this into anything of that nature. BUT... seriously, their story, this thread, GEs efforts, of which none of this would have happened without his kindness, might be the ticket for the finances for Butch to get back on his feet!!! Has anyone thought of that? If the media is interested, if anyone is interested in a potential movie?? or book this could be what gets Butch back on his feet!!!! It might be something for the brothers to think about? Just tossing out a viewpoint here.

By the way, Im sad I could not contribute. I caught this thread too late or I possibly would have donated my Foundy 5er for the cause (though in my present situation giving away stuff is the last thing I need to be doing but still). Its just sitting here gathering dust needing a new paint job and strings/set up.
 
#402
silddx said:
Now, the hard bit. This was not a "random act of kindness". GE is almost certainly kind in all sorts of ways every day, I would think that kindness is natural to him. I find it deeply disrespectful to him to call this a "random act".
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I get what you're saying, but I only chose to refer to it as a random act in the sense that it was completely unrelated and unknowing to Andre or his newly found brother. I don't mean to say that it wasn't premeditated because it seems that GE definitely thought it out and cared about doing this, but it doesn't entail any disrespect from anyone saying it. It was still kind and just about everyone reading this is looking up to GE right now
 
#405
Again!! Gobsmacked!!

As to far reaching - I am South African people and my wife keeps asking me for updates lol... This story's got to go LARGE!!! Everyone in every corner of the world needs to feel what we all feeling..

Small baby steps!!

Imagine if everyone in the world did one kind act every...... um... I dunno.. Every Day.... week.... month... year - just think on that. Thats our future people..

NO MORE FESTERING HATE!!!! Well done talkbasser's!!

Just shows you eh?? How about that low end!!!

The wheel turns GE!! You gonna get whats coming to you dude!!
 
#407
This is the third time I've read this thread through and I'm still blessed by the whole thing. And hey, if Andre wants to keep his and Butch's story private then he has every right to. The main thing is that they're getting back together and they're going to be a family again. G.E. did his part, Andre did his part, Butch did his part, and we all read it all as it happened. Great read and stories like this need to be told all over the world because people in every country need to see hope and happiness, not doom and gloom.

Andre, glad you've finally found him and I'm glad TB was there to help. Again, showing the world that bass players make it happen!
 
#409
Here's a random link to details of a recording with a bass player named Butch Porter, but I don't know if it can be the same person in this thread, since this says the recording was released in 1969:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#411
Subculture13 said:
Although I do agree with your sentiments and for the same reasons, I must disagree with this one part. Not everyone wants their personal lives and stories to become that of media fodder, and in my opinion I don't feel that any parties here should be motivated to sensationalize this any further if the core family involved does not wish it so.

We're it me, I'd be hyping this all the way up the ladder to Oprah... but it's not my story, it's theirs.
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Well that goes without saying of course.. and either way the Porter brothers decide to handle this is entirely up to them... It is their story.. not mine.

Yerf Dog said:
Invalid Link Removed
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Why are you lauging? I thought The Soloist was a good film.. and I meant that only in terms of it being a true story and a heart wrenching one at that.. full of real life... In Pursuit of Hapiness also comes to mind..
 
#412
I'll just chime in here and say this is an amazing series of events. Kudos to you, G.E. As for the negativity, well... Welcome to the internet. On the subject of media attention... I think it's best to leave that up to the family. I don't know how many people remember the "Baby Jessica" ordeal from 1987, but the media attention was the root of one of the paramedics' suicide. Some people don't want the spotlight.
 
#414
Beginner Bass said:
This is no luck. This a miracle. Not just that, but an inspiring and heart-warming one. Publicity is your choice. But this is definitive proof that bass can empower people. If anything on this forum deserves to be archived it is, beyond the shadow of any doubt, reasonable or otherwise, this one.
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You know when you read an unusual word, like reticuli, and someone on the radio says that same word at the same time, and you cry out excitedly to your loved one "Crikey! That's dashed spooky, old egg! Do you know what just happened?!". Well this is the same thing, a wonderful coincidence and convergence of separate circumstances and events. It's not a "miracle", it's a perfectly natural phenomenon. It was kicked off by GE and we have him to thank for it. In the age of the www I'd be amazed if it didn't happen.

I'm not pouring cold water on it, it's truly wonderful, just saying it's not proof of the existence of a geezer in the sky. Give due credit to the originator of the kindness, not something else.

Sorry, you probably think I'm just some limey snugglemuffin. ;)
 
#416
You know, it's funny, I saw two or three posts on the old Grace And Her Bass thread today...seems like forever ago...

But this is a way cool, way positive thread, and you gotta admit, it's awesome that this happened. Who'da thunk it? A guy helps out someone, and the whole world catches wind of it, and he reunites a family to boot! Doesn't get much better than that! :)

Blessings to you and your family, GE, and the same to Andre, Maurice, and Art (Butch). May your bond grow strong!
 
#417
GeneralElectric said:
Hey guys, I'm not seeing Butch till tomorrow, and I just got a PM from Andre (who, surprise surprise, didn't know about the private message feature until after people started sending him PMs)

Its not a scam, I never asked anyone for money, and while I did get some donations I originally turned them away as I didn't want to collect people's money. And now that I bought him everything, and people still keep offering, I'm declining. I'd probably would have had enough to buy that Stingray I've been wanting, so there goes the idea of a scam. If anyone wants to see a screen shot, I had around 200 and change, and now I've got something like 1.67$ left in my paypal.

Before anyone says that Andre is over reacting, you have to realize that even though he's an older guy, he doesn't necessarily have the thick skin sometimes required on the internet, and people are failing to realize what a high stress, and highly emotional, thing this is for Andre, Butch, and their family. Last time I talked to Andre on the phone, he hadn't slept in a while due to all the excitement.

And thank you everyone for the kind words. I didn't do this for anything other than to help out a guy who I thought was really nice, and unfortunately really down on his luck, play bass again. I still think its crazy the turn the thread took when Andre posted (who wouldn't) but I'm happy great good came from it. I also think its crazy that this thread went up thousands of hits a day (before Andre posted I had maybe 2-3 hundred and as of right now its well above 50,000 views) but I personally have no desire to be in the media's eye. I'm just a guy struggling through college and work who doesn't really want attention or stress from anything I don't have to.

I will post pictures of Butch and me on Friday, but thats as far as I will go unless Andre or Butch deem that they want to give more updates. While it was originally my thread, its really Andre's and Butch's story, and if they want to share it to us, it is up to them.

:)
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To GE: I believe you are approaching this with sincere humility and consideration for the brothers.

To the masses: I am like many others here who feel this story could inspire and bring hope to so many others out there. It's already inspired so many people here on TB. There is enough negativity and fear inducing cr@pola in the media as it is. So far this has been a really POSITIVE story all the way around. With that said, we should all respect their privacy and understand that this must be a very wild ride they are on. I can't even imagine. Maybe in time when things settle down, they will agree to share this truely feel good story with more people.

I wish everyone involved all the best!

To the haters:
I feel sorry for you. Nothing more, nothing less.
 
#418
I'm floored. I stumbled upon this thread WAY too late. GE, has always struck me as a good hearted dude that sometimes makes dumb decisions (and trust me, I can relate to him about this), but there have been a couple of instances (based upon what I read) where I was struck by his generosity, despite himself sleeping on couches and such. I broke my foot awhile back and I was looking for a cane. GE offered me his cane that he carved himself, but said he wanted it back. I just couldn't take it from him knowing that it had sentimental value, and knowing that I'm generally a lazy mofo and it might take years for me to get him his cane back. But that's the kind of guy GE is, and this is what I surmise from never talking or meeting him. GE, hats off brother, you will always have my respect, a beer and a couch to crash on if you're ever out my way.

Andre. I'm so happy this happened. TB is a great place, but if you're a bass player at any level (even if it's just an instrument you identify with) this is your home on the internet. From one human being to another, don't sweat the naysayers. The love on this site is legit. Just look at my ridiculous post count. (I'm obviously not a proud man :scowl:) My skeptical ear perked up also, but I shrugged my shoulders and realized that I WANT to believe your story, so f it. I with you all the way. I know that I speak for many people here when I say that I sincerely hope that you stick around and keep us posted on this reunion, and perhaps one day we can get your brother on here too. I wish you and your family (especially those recently reunited) nothing but health and happiness.

This is why I love TB.

Cheers GE.

Oh and subscribed, and this doesn't just belong in the HOF it IS the Hall of Fame.

:)
 
#419
BassXgirl said:
To GE: I believe you are approaching this with sincere humility and consideration for the brothers.

To the masses: I am like many others here who feel this story could inspire and bring hope to so many others out there. It's already inspired so many people here on TB. There is enough negativity and fear inducing cr@pola in the media as it is. So far this has been a really POSITIVE story all the way around. With that said, we should all respect their privacy and understand that this must be a very wild ride they are on. I can't even imagine. Maybe in time when things settle down, they will agree to share this truely feel good story with more people.

I wish everyone involved all the best!

To the haters:
I feel sorry for you. Nothing more, nothing less.
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+1...as much as this whole series of events is, IMO, a very verrrry positive thing, it's not necessary for everyone...including the media...to be present for every aspect, every detail, of this reunion. GE has stated his intention to document (at least) some of his presenting the bass and related accessories to Art (with his permission, of course) and as this relates to this thread and this forum, should be more than enough. Regarding the reunion of the brothers, it's great that it began on this forum, but is a very private matter, and any desision to share all or part of it is theirs, and theirs, alone. When...and if...they decide to share any of the details, I'm sure they will keep their friends here posted.
 
#420
ManiRoads said:
P.S. I have since received information that suggests the Andre/Butch story, despite having all the very hallmarks of, may not be a hoax. So I humbly apologise to you all, particularly the man himself, his brother, and the original guy who wanted to buy him a bass.

Much love.
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Hi ManiRoads.

Thank you for showing everyone here that you're a man of good character. :)

Gary
 

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