Supremes at 60: Mary Wilson Says Reunion "Up to Diana Ross"

[reese]

Does any one remember on the LP where Mary is doing some of her quick remarks and Diana says ...............""""OHHH shut up.""""" ? When I heard this for the first time I knew something was going on at that one of several final shows. Diana telling Mary to shut up meant she was being obnoxious.

I think that was just patter to set up their performance of AQUARIUS/LET THE SUNSHINE IN. If Deke thought that was a dig, he would have cut it out. And if I remember correctly, Diana said something like "Everyone today is following the stars. Ah, shut up!" The "Ah, shut up!" in reference to herself.

[Ollie9]

I think that was just patter to set up their performance of AQUARIUS/LET THE SUNSHINE IN. If Deke thought that was a dig, he would have cut it out.

Exactly reece. It’s called stage banter.

[TheMotownManiac]

Exactly reece. It’s called stage banter.

Deke told me the same thing about the farewell album, that Mary was out of control and made so many rude, snotty and/or bitchy remarks, It made editing a usable performance a total nightmare for him. He said Berry was livid, and Cindy told that there was a lot of animosity on stage in the last shows. She didn’t blame Mary per se, but she did say, rather coyly, that Mary had been drinking champagne all night and left it at that. She also talked about the party afterwords, and how awkward it was, except for Barry who was absolutely the happiest man in the world. She said she was worried about how the group would fare after Diana left, and that night at the party, Also began to feel sorry for Diana because she was moving into uncharted territory. She said that she knew Diana was liked by their audiences but didn’t know if that was going to work as a solo, and if it didn’t work out, would she come back to the group? That thought brought up a lot of concerns for her, so, while everyone else was celebrating, she began to have doubts that made her uncomfortable, Mary had been hostile to Diana on stage, and was completely ignoring her at the party while they were doing press and posing for pictures. She said Mary left kind of early without really saying she was leaving the party for good. She said Diana was acting like she was enjoying the party, but “was off.” She was looking forward to having a happy group dynamic again, not knowing that it would be that was again. I hope her book comes out sometime.

[Ollie9]

Deke told me the same thing about the farewell album, that Mary was out of control and made so many rude, snotty and/or bitchy remarks, It made editing a usable performance a total nightmare for him. He said Berry was livid, and Cindy told that there was a lot of animosity on stage in the last shows. She didn’t blame Mary per se, but she did say, rather coyly, that Mary had been drinking champagne all night and left it at that. She also talked about the party afterwords, and how awkward it was, except for Barry who was absolutely the happiest man in the world. She said she was worried about how the group would fare after Diana left, and that night at the party, Also began to feel sorry for Diana because she was moving into uncharted territory. She said that she knew Diana was liked by their audiences but didn’t know if that was going to work as a solo, and if it didn’t work out, would she come back to the group? That thought brought up a lot of concerns for her, so, while everyone else was celebrating, she began to have doubts that made her uncomfortable, Mary had been hostile to Diana on stage, and was completely ignoring her at the party while they were doing press and posing for pictures. She said Mary left kind of early without really saying she was leaving the party for good. She said Diana was acting like she was enjoying the party, but “was off.” She was looking forward to having a happy group dynamic again, not knowing that it would be that was again. I hope her book comes out sometime.

If Mary was indeed acting that way there had to be a good reason. Both women were under a lot of pressure at the time. Diana caught up with her impending solo career and Mary anxious over the future of the Supremes.
As she has occasionally demonstrated, Diana is perhaps not always the best at considering or understanding other people’s feelings. Conflict can often be avoided by just a little empathy being shown. Did Cindy ever complete a book?
At this point in time, I can’t for the life of me imagine Diana giving two hoots about a reunion. Life is sweet for her right now. Why on earth would she want such complications?.

[Bluebrock]

If Mary was indeed acting that way there had to be a good reason. Both women were under a lot of pressure at the time. Diana caught up with her impending solo career and Mary anxious over the future of the Supremes.
As she has occasionally demonstrated, Diana is perhaps not always the best at considering or understanding other people’s feelings. Conflict can often be avoided by just a little empathy being shown. Did Cindy ever complete a book?
At this point in time, I can’t for the life of me imagine Diana giving two hoots about a reunion. Life is sweet for her right now. Why on earth would she want such complications?.

Spot on Ollie. There is no way Ms Ross will ever share a stage with Mary again. Why on earth would she put herself through all that again? She claims to be the happiest she has ever been in her whole life, and i for one believe her.
As you quite rightly say she has not always been the most thoughtful or considerate person. It's a trait she has frequently displayed in varying measures. She can be damned difficult to please, and she is capable of digging those stilletto heals in very deeply when the spirit moves her. All this of course does not excuse Mary's bad behaviour on numerous occasions. There have been major faults on both sides over the years, and there is no way Miss Ross wishes to revisit those situations.
On a personal note i wanted the reunion 21 years ago, but now the very prospect fills me with dread.

[RanRan79]

At this point in time, I can’t for the life of me imagine Diana giving two hoots about a reunion. Life is sweet for her right now. Why on earth would she want such complications?.

That's the thing though, Ollie. If done right, there wouldn't need to be complications. A tour is out of the question at this point. Maybe a do over might have worked around 2005-2007, but I really don't see there ever being the lucrative possibilities of a tour that existed when RTL was put together. In my mind the only options are:

1) A one night show, maybe Detroit, for charity purposes.

2) A Grammy performance, or other high profile award show.

3) A Supremes documentary with a reunion performance, maybe in Hitsville, to conclude the film.

4) Recording a new song for a Supremes compilation.

When RTL took place, both women were in their mid 50s, far too old to be stuck on nonsense, yet there they were. One would hope that was the last hurrah for their immaturity, that in their late 70s they both would be so far above the bullshit that any of the options I outlined above would go off without any ridiculous hitches.

I stopped holding my breath and crossing my fingers about a reunion years ago. But I'd be lying if I didn't say that I do not want the story of the original Supremes to end with that RTL bullshit. After everything the Supremes accomplished, and what they've meant to people, the legacy of their music and impact on the world, the story deserves a better ending than each lady in her corner. Perhaps at some point both ladies will see it the same way I do and decide that the Supremes deserve a proper conclusion. Only time will tell and the possibility will never be completely out of the question until the moment the last breath leaves one of their bodies, hopefully not for many more years.

[Ollie9]

That's the thing though, Ollie. If done right, there wouldn't need to be complications. A tour is out of the question at this point. Maybe a do over might have worked around 2005-2007, but I really don't see there ever being the lucrative possibilities of a tour that existed when RTL was put together. In my mind the only options are:

1) A one night show, maybe Detroit, for charity purposes.

2) A Grammy performance, or other high profile award show.

3) A Supremes documentary with a reunion performance, maybe in Hitsville, to conclude the film.

4) Recording a new song for a Supremes compilation.

When RTL took place, both women were in their mid 50s, far too old to be stuck on nonsense, yet there they were. One would hope that was the last hurrah for their immaturity, that in their late 70s they both would be so far above the bullshit that any of the options I outlined above would go off without any ridiculous hitches.

I stopped holding my breath and crossing my fingers about a reunion years ago. But I'd be lying if I didn't say that I do not want the story of the original Supremes to end with that RTL bullshit. After everything the Supremes accomplished, and what they've meant to people, the legacy of their music and impact on the world, the story deserves a better ending than each lady in her corner. Perhaps at some point both ladies will see it the same way I do and decide that the Supremes deserve a proper conclusion. Only time will tell and the possibility will never be completely out of the question until the moment the last breath leaves one of their bodies, hopefully not for many more years.

All I can say is, i wouldn’t hold my breath for to long Ran. It just might lead to a permanent condition.
Unlike Mary, Diana is not really the sentimental type. I’m sure she only sings Supremes songs in her show to keep the fans happy. I’m guessing that particular legacy is not as important to her as it is the fans.
If by some miracle there happened to be one last Supreme performance, you can forget about “Baby Love”. I feel certain she would insist on “I Will Survive” and nothing less lol.

[lucky2012]

In my mind the only options are:

1) A one night show, maybe Detroit, for charity purposes.

2) A Grammy performance, or other high profile award show.

3) A Supremes documentary with a reunion performance, maybe in Hitsville, to conclude the film.

4) Recording a new song for a Supremes compilation.

I stopped holding my breath and crossing my fingers about a reunion years ago. But I'd be lying if I didn't say that I do not want the story of the original Supremes to end with that RTL bullshit. After everything the Supremes accomplished, and what they've meant to people, the legacy of their music and impact on the world, the story deserves a better ending than each lady in her corner. Perhaps at some point both ladies will see it the same way I do and decide that the Supremes deserve a proper conclusion. Only time will tell and the possibility will never be completely out of the question until the moment the last breath leaves one of their bodies, hopefully not for many more years.

Good ideas listed above, RanRan. I understand why a Diana/Mary reunion most probably won't happen. I will be perfectly happy with just another photo like the Diana/Berry/Mary reunion at the Temptations Broadway event.

Bluebrock:

There is no way Ms Ross will ever share a stage with Mary again. Why on earth would she put herself through all that again? She claims to be the happiest she has ever been in her whole life, and i for one believe her.

Agreed!

floyjoy:

I remember back then Diana was bringing up on talk shows a couple of times that Flo was in the original Supremes and not Cindy and I think she was trying to make that a point that it was never going to be a true reunion.

Agreed!!

MotownManiac:

She’s holed up in SoCal and spent the holidays in Malibu with Rhonda, I think she doesn’t care. I’m told she’s quite committed to avoiding COVID and, having just been released from 7 weeks in the hospital with it, I’m glad she’s so dedicated because IF you get sick from it, it sucks.

I'm glad you have survived COVID!! On a lighter note, I'm glad Diana is sheltering with her loved ones. I get some bit of comfort she's just a few miles up the coast from me!

[TheMotownManiac]

That's the thing though, Ollie. If done right, there wouldn't need to be complications. A tour is out of the question at this point. Maybe a do over might have worked around 2005-2007, but I really don't see there ever being the lucrative possibilities of a tour that existed when RTL was put together. In my mind the only options are:

1) A one night show, maybe Detroit, for charity purposes.

2) A Grammy performance, or other high profile award show.

3) A Supremes documentary with a reunion performance, maybe in Hitsville, to conclude the film.

4) Recording a new song for a Supremes compilation.

When RTL took place, both women were in their mid 50s, far too old to be stuck on nonsense, yet there they were. One would hope that was the last hurrah for their immaturity, that in their late 70s they both would be so far above the bullshit that any of the options I outlined above would go off without any ridiculous hitches.

I stopped holding my breath and crossing my fingers about a reunion years ago. But I'd be lying if I didn't say that I do not want the story of the original Supremes to end with that RTL bullshit. After everything the Supremes accomplished, and what they've meant to people, the legacy of their music and impact on the world, the story deserves a better ending than each lady in her corner. Perhaps at some point both ladies will see it the same way I do and decide that the Supremes deserve a proper conclusion. Only time will tell and the possibility will never be completely out of the question until the moment the last breath leaves one of their bodies, hopefully not for many more years.

I think that your scenarios number two and number three are the most likely should anything ever happened. And I agree with you I would like the biography of the Supremes to end on a better note. And I have learned to never say never, because when my late friend Oscar called me to tell me that Cindy was was losing weight and preparing for a supreme’s reunion the following summer, I absolutely did not believe it at all. Then when I found out from the horses mouth, you could’ve knocked me over with a feather. So since then I never say never.

thank you for your Covid comments, I feel I could write a book about what it’s like to spend seven weeks in the Covid ward, but there would have been no Trump supporters if everyone knew what was going on. I was very very very lucky and I’m very grateful to have Escaped without experiencing the worst of what that virus has to offer. All I can ever say about it is wear your mask wear your mask wear your mask!

[Bluebrock]

I think that your scenarios number two and number three are the most likely should anything ever happened. And I agree with you I would like the biography of the Supremes to end on a better note. And I have learned to never say never, because when my late friend Oscar called me to tell me that Cindy was was losing weight and preparing for a supreme’s reunion the following summer, I absolutely did not believe it at all. Then when I found out from the horses mouth, you could’ve knocked me over with a feather. So since then I never say never.

thank you for your Covid comments, I feel I could write a book about what it’s like to spend seven weeks in the Covid ward, but there would have been no Trump supporters if everyone knew what was going on. I was very very very lucky and I’m very grateful to have Escaped without experiencing the worst of what that virus has to offer. All I can ever say about it is wear your mask wear your mask wear your mask!

Hi. I tried to send you a private message, but your inbox is full.
I do hope you continue to make a good recovery. I know exactly what you have been going through. I had my own battle with covid last year and was very poorly for several months. Even all these months later i am still not fully recovered. I lost 3 stone in weight and i have still not managed to get back to my former fitness.
As Diana once sang Everyday is a new day, and with each new day comes new hope and new possibilities. Hang on in there.
Sending my best wishes to you for 2021 and thereafter.

[TheMotownManiac]

If Mary was indeed acting that way there had to be a good reason. Both women were under a lot of pressure at the time. Diana caught up with her impending solo career and Mary anxious over the future of the Supremes.
As she has occasionally demonstrated, Diana is perhaps not always the best at considering or understanding other people’s feelings. Conflict can often be avoided by just a little empathy being shown. Did Cindy ever complete a book?
At this point in time, I can’t for the life of me imagine Diana giving two hoots about a reunion. Life is sweet for her right now. Why on earth would she want such complications?.

I guess , in that case, anytime anybody ever acts up on stage far from the parameters of their direction, or offstage for that matter, that there’s a good reason for it. Personally, I don’t think getting suckered on substance is a good reason for mary to behave that way at farewell or Motown 25, and we have no idea what her degree of empathy was. I do know that Mary tried valiantly from the day Cindy joined the Supremes to get Cindy on “her side “

I agree but I cannot imagine Diana wanting to do a reunion, certainly not a concert, maybe at some point they would sing a song together but without Flo, for for that matter even without Cindy, IMHO there’s no point in it at all. I would think the motivation to do it would be a burning desire to work together again, and I don’t believe either one of them has that burning desire although I could be wrong. And I would think that Mary’s motivation would be more financial, or for the press, more than the yearning in her heart to work with the person She spent two decades bashing.

It’s a very interesting topic nonetheless and I love reading everybody’s views!

[Ollie9]

I guess , in that case, anytime anybody ever acts up on stage far from the parameters of their direction, or offstage for that matter, that there’s a good reason for it. Personally, I don’t think getting suckered on substance is a good reason for mary to behave that way at farewell or Motown 25, and we have no idea what her degree of empathy was. I do know that Mary tried valiantly from the day Cindy joined the Supremes to get Cindy on “her side “

I agree but I cannot imagine Diana wanting to do a reunion, certainly not a concert, maybe at some point they would sing a song together but without Flo, for for that matter even without Cindy, IMHO there’s no point in it at all. I would think the motivation to do it would be a burning desire to work together again, and I don’t believe either one of them has that burning desire although I could be wrong. And I would think that Mary’s motivation would be more financial, or for the press, more than the yearning in her heart to work with the person She spent two decades bashing.

It’s a very interesting topic nonetheless and I love reading everybody’s views!

I think if a person has been marginalised over a period of time then they might well act up a little for a final performance. I think I might. I certainly understand that behaviour a little more then say driving down the freeway under the influence of alcohol or kicking sound monitors off a stage because it’s not quite to your liking.
Regarding Motown 25, i feel both women were at fault. Much the same with RTL.
Are you suggesting that Diana’s motivation for a reunion would be something other then financial. hmmm. I certainly doubt that very much.
We all have our own perspective on pass events that might conflict with others. I just don’t consider it fair or accurate to place the blame solely at Mary’s feet.

[jobeterob]

I think if a person has been marginalised over a period of time then they might well act up a little for a final performance. I think I might. I certainly understand that behaviour a little more then say driving down the freeway under the influence of alcohol or kicking sound monitors off a stage because it’s not quite to your liking.
Regarding Motown 25, i feel both women were at fault. Much the same with RTL.
Are you suggesting that Diana’s motivation for a reunion would be something other then financial. hmmm. I certainly doubt that very much.
We all have our own perspective on pass events that might conflict with others. I just don’t consider it fair or accurate to place the blame solely at Mary’s feet.

I agree with this too. When you haven't mattered much and you were there from the very first days of not having any success, it is easy to feel marginalized and to act up.

I think Diana would have had a little hope at rekindling the old days as well. I doubt she needed the money but finances would have mattered. I think the big incentive was another "success" or "SUCCESS".

But after two kicks at the can, M25 and RTL, and after covid, and with age kicking in, it's not worth it anymore.