Bob Jackson's introduction & statement, followed by Marianne’s statement:

Ever since Tommy's death, I have always stayed in touch with Marianne, and so, having noticed a web posting about Pete, I drew her attention to it, curious to hear her opinion. She wrote back and was of the same mind as myself; the piece was designed to undermine Pete's character and cause pain and upset to his family. We agreed that this attack really was 'below the belt' and both felt that we had to say something. My comments are followed by Marianne's below...


Letter for Pete

I would like to say a few words about my former band mate, Peter Ham, who was one of the nicest guys you could wish to meet.

Pete was, at the same time, an exceptional musical talent, and more importantly, a very down-to-earth and genuine man, who treated his success with great humility.

In April of 1975, days before his death, he and Anne had invited me to stop and spend some time with them. I remember my stay with great affection. Pete and Anne (and Blair too) were great company and really made me feel at home. And despite all of the outside problems that were building, I remember that conversation came very easily. We talked about anything and everything; business, music - life in general. What was clear was that Pete was very happy 'in his nest'. He told me that he was really relishing his new role as a future father and family man (and what a great Dad he would have made!). He had finally found what he'd been looking for.

What a tragedy, then, that those outside pressures so quickly spiralled and overwhelmed him, to the point where he felt he would not be able to maintain that happiness. Pete would have been 61 this year, and I still think about him often. It shouldn't have happened. It's a bloody shame...

Recently, however, I read an isolated post that begged to differ. It painted Pete as weak and cowardly; a reluctant father whose happy family life was a sham. How hurtful must that idea be to Petera and her family? Does anyone really see anything positive in it?

Personally, I can't be having any of this. It's insensitive and flies in the face of my own experience. The day when the Badfinger community distances itself from the ethic of personal attack is the day that that it will stop declining and begin to grow strong again.

I know where I stand. Pete was a mate; a great bloke. Sensitive, but proud and generous of spirit. I aim to do whatever I can to cherish his music and memory. I hope you will too.

Pete's family, his friends and his reputation deserve better.

Bob Jackson



[Marianne's response to Bob; Please note that Marianne's native language is German]

Dear Bob,

This makes me really mad, people like this! What this woman wrote is disgusting! It's sick! Its terrible to do this to Petera. I mean a child who loses a father in that way and to write things about the father - Oh I dont want that child....How disgusting!?

That night Pete was at our house he was not on the phone with this woman. If he made that conversation I would remember. There is no phone upstairs where Tommy and Pete were. I was in the living room so if Pete was on the phone and made a conversation to her I would remember. I remember everything about that night. when they came downstairs I was with Tommy and Pete. When Tommy took Pete to the door to leave I was still up....I remember things from the past, who was there. I would remember if Pete would have said I don't want this child. I cant remember Pete ever saying he love Beverly its too late now. He didnt say that....no way!!

I dont remember this Sheryl. If she talked to Tom or me a lot I would remember her. I know people who called our house or who had been around or friend. She just wants to stir up things and is causing trouble. she had written to me a few months ago. I couldn't remember her, she said she lived in Golders Green. She said dont you remember Sheryl , she worked for bill... could be but I had no interest who worked for Bill. that was no interest to me. I couldnt remember her. I dont remember this woman , what is her game?