KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran guitarist Jo Branko (Abdul Zamin Abdul Kadir) of the rock group Barbarik has ticked off his former bandmate from Wings, Datuk Awie for likening Barbarik's decision not to appear in the coming Rock Warrior Music Festival (RWMF) as a "rejection of friendship".
Jo said at a press conference in The Starhill Shopping Centre, Jalan Bukit Bintang today that his group's decision not to accept the payment offered by RWMF organiser Rumah Produksi Merah (RPM), which is co-owned by Awie and Datuk Eddy Amir Salim, as a "purely professional" move.
The press conference was to announce his appointment as the Malaysian ambassador for Music Bliss and Gibson Guitar Avenue.
He said: "Every artiste, whether group or solo act, has a right to accept or reject the payment for appearing in a concert. This applies to my group Barbarik as well.
"Not accepting the payment offered does not mean I do not want to reconcile with Awie and Wings as individuals."
Jo said that reconciling with his former bandmates was something that could be done without having a concert.
"If Awie and Wings want to mend ties with me, they can meet me privately. What is important is the intent of the individual or individuals who want reconciliation."
Jo added that his "rift" with Wings which led to his leaving the band in 2016 was an "old story" and he was always willing to "let bygones be bygones".
"I strongly believe that we must forgive and forget, and move on. I have always wished my former bandmates well, and always believe that we can and will reconcile when the time is right."
It was reported yesterday that Awie invited Barbarik to participate in RWMF at KL Base, Sungai Besi on Nov 23 and 24.
However, the deal did not materialise after Jo allegedly set a high price.
Awie claimed that by rejecting the price which RWMF offered, Jo was refusing to reconcile with Wings.
Jo left Wings after a crisis with Awie in 2016.
It was alleged that Jo caused the band to cancel Konsert 30 Tahun Wings that was supposed to take place in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on Dec 24 that year.
After exiting Wings, Jo founded Prime Domestic, which did not last long, and later Barbarik which also comprises Muss, Rozaimie and Ainol.
RWMF will kick off with Wings, Search (Kid & Din) and XPDC on Nov 23.
Nov 24 will see May, Spider, Pop Shuvit and ACAB in action.