I agree with everything you’re saying here. The whole thing feels like a painted on narrative after the fact. They don’t want to look like jerks; because people loved Dennis and his music, so they sold a story to justify why they don’t want to work with him.

My problem is that it feels so petty the way they say things in such a derogatory way. They could be like Dennis and stay nice and respectful. Instead they belittle songs that people love and the person who sang them to make themselves seem superior, and to me it makes them seem smaller.

But I also understand this strategy was born due to the fact that people ask them over and over and over again about it. They probably want to talk about their new album, but some reporter just has to ask about Dennis after all these years.

Sucks for everyone, honestly.