Evidently,Russell had difficulty getting a VISA for the USO tour so he's being replaced by Marty Schwatrz. Looks like he's worked with Elliott before. check out his MySpace page: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fusea...iendid=32665646

:awwwman: Too bad for Russell though...he just seems to belong with Elliott

Marty filled in before for Russell at a water park gig in CA -- he posted on another site and was thrilled to get the gig. He seems like a good fit. I'm sorry about Russell -- I don't think he's a US citizen and that could have slowed down the process.

I'm sad for Russ but happy for Marty!!

Aww...that sucks for Russel. :s

That's great news for Marty. Makes me very sad for Russell, though. He just belongs with Elliott. I can't imagine him not being there.

So sad for Russell. Don't understand how all that works, but Russell was able to go to Malaysia. But great news for Marty, he seems to really love E as well. But then who wouldn't.

Okay, I'm confused here. Where does it say that Russell couldn't get a Visa and he's being replaced. All Marty's blog says is that he's playing with Elliott's band, says nothing about replacing Russell.

Maybe we shouldn't speculate about why of if Russell isn't going until we hear from the powers to be. JMO.

Marty posted it on a different site.

Well can someone post the link to that cite please.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hriDNBdW--I

Elliott, accompanied by Marty Schwartz on guitar, at the Wavehouse in San Diego, CA
August 8, 2007

awwwwwwwwwwwww! i hope russell is okay with this. i looooooooove that guy!!!

it depends on the country. Russell was red-flagged for some reason.

imo, maybe the link should be pm'd. Perhaps Russell doesn't want info posted on a public forum. I know he will be greatly missed :(

:( bummer. I'm happy for the other guy but awwww... Russell... :(

True and I agree. However, the information has already been posted, just not the link. I too hope Russell is okay with all of this.

I know Russell was totally exhausted from the tour.. maybe he will enjoy some more time to relax... the guy really travelled to every radio show along with Elliott . He did double time for sure.. :elliottcap:

I know what you;re saying Linda but it's sorta kinda too late since the info was already posted... I hope he's not sad...

Didn't Elliott himself mention the visa in the Atlanta interview?
HW, once and for all the word is 'site' unless you're referring to something or someone.

I just listened to the Atlanta interview and nothing was said about a Visa. But anyways, good luck to Marty.

We all obviously love you Russell!!! But I would like to cite =) that Marty does play a mean guitar, so he will be a great replacement.

very true, but I meant details, cause I certainly don't want to speculate on his visa. There could be a million and one reasons. Love ya, Russell!!

Totally agree. I mentioned in a post above, that maybe we shouldn't speculate until we hear from the powers at be.

This is Marty's comment on that youtube video page:
this was a magic night!!!! I had chills and I was playing, I honestly only remember the performance from watching this video!!!! I was on another plane!!!! a funky soul plane!!!!

Marty has admired Elliott's talent since he saw him on Idol (just like the rest of us). He'll do a great job. If you do a search on youtube for Marty Schwartz you will find quite a few videos where you can see him in action. He's a talented guy.

do you or anyone else remember if Marty was the one who played with Elliott at the flower market in Wilmington?

I'm pretty sure that was someone else, Linda.

Thanks :) I just looked it up on youtube...definitely appears to be someone different.

Marty is a member here, too! He goes by a different userID.

what's up y'all, marty schwartz here. I don't want to divulge in anything I'm not supposed to, but this gig was offered to me literally 3 days ago. Russell is still Elliott's guitarist 100% and I'm just filling in for this trip. I've talked to russell and he is the nicest guy ever, we are gonna jam the songs together before we leave etc. don't know the visa details but I've ran into this with other musicians before who couldn't get into a country. thanks for the support and just know there is no drama going on behind the scenes.

I first got to meet Elliott during the idol tour and gave him a cd of my guitar playing etc. we've stayed in contact ever since, and I have played with him before.

I come from the world of funk jazz and soul guitar playing, in fact I just rocked a gig last night in a san diego all star james brown tribute concert, so I'm sure you can all imagine how excited I am to rock a show with the ever soulful Elliott!!!! Talk to you all soon!!!

Thanks for posting, effin!

:awe: Marty actually has that youtube on his myspace page. According to his pics on his myspace, that's his wife standing beside Jodi swaying back and forth.

Nice to meet you, Marty, and congratulations and good luck on that gig. :)

WOW! Thanks for posting Marty and welcome. There you have it folks. words from the powers that be. :rocker:

ETA: BTW, Marty, love your screenname.

I'll miss Russell. But BEST of luck to you Marty. I'm diggin on your myspace music now. :). I'm a big fan of guitar music. Hoping we get to hear some of that tour. If anything, don't forget to tape it and put it up on your site.

Awwwwwww, I am sure Russell will be missed, but it seems Marty is a very nice fit with Elliott as well. GL to both of them!

xo

awwwwww, and hello Marty! I am so diggin' your playin';) How sweet of you to post, and what a wonderful opportunity for you! Best of luck to you, and safe travels. xo

:allaboard: Welcome Marty! So nice of you to post. Have a blast with Elliott!

yea i totally agree with u!!! he belongs with elliott!!

Nice to have you here ! Have a great time !

Thanks for posting Marty, you're welcome anytime - and enjoy the tour!

really cool of you to post!! Thanks!!! This must be very exciting! I wish you the very best and hope you have a wonderful time on the USO tour.

eta: James Brown tribute!! That must have been great!!!

Hey Marty, thanks for stopping by, your playing is fantastic, listened to some of the clips. Just the style of music I love So glad that you certainly appreciate Elliott as we all do here.. Sad for Russell that he can't make the trip, we have grown attached to him here after the two tours and meeting him and the rest of the guys.

Excited for you and Elliott on the USO tour, what a great experience.
and a James Brown tribute, WOW, I would have loved to be there!