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Dave Carroll strikes again: “United needs to change in a big way”

March 3, 2010


He’s back!

United Breaks Guitars’ Dave Carroll late yesterday released the third in his trilogy of United-themed songs. It’s a nice little bluegrass tune. Here are details on the making of the song.

There’s been no comment from the airline yet, but when there is, I’ll post it.


Here’s the second video in his trilogy.

And here’s the first.

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17 comments

  • Michael Liebmann

    I honestly doubt you’ll hear anything from United. The company still refuses to admit that it did anything wrong by breaking Mr. Carroll’s guitar. And there are a lot more people who are complaining that Mr. Carroll may not know about. You might want to check out http://www.untied.com which has almost 15 years worth of complaints against United that the powers that be there refuse to handle, much less admit exist (except in about .1% of the cases).

  • http://n/a Charles L Ruffner

    HiltonHHonors offered a free room after 10 nights or 4 stays. Extra rooms on a stay counted as only one stay. But 10 nights on same stay was not excluded. UNTIL I booked 2 rooms for 5 nights during one stay. And only then did Hilton tell me I still needed 2 more stays or five more nights. Customer service was not helpful either.

  • Marc

    We get it. They broke your guitar. They didn’t apologize (or, they didn’t apologize to your satisfaction). Yes, there are other people who have gripes against United. Just like any other airline. Or any other company out there (check out Consumerist.com or ripoffreport.com). What’s the use of a third video besides trying to get yourself back in the news and cash in (again) on your 15 minutes of fame? The first video was good and made a good point. The second video was not-so-good and somewhat pouty. This third video? It’s just whining.

  • Roberto

    The first video was hilarious, and the song was catchy. I think it really struck a chord with people.

    Carroll should have quit while he was ahead.

  • http://none Sherry

    I think this latest tune hilarious, and what the heck 10 mins of fame and laughter beats the hell out of stayed anger…

  • Les

    If Mr. Carroll’s subsequent offerings fail to reach the entertainment value of his first he is nonetheless keeping up a bit of pressure on United – and reminding a few of the traveling public that this carrier is unwilling to bear responsibility for its abuses.

    If his efforts succeed in persuading just a few ticket buyers not to trust United with their valuable property he will be making a valuable contribution.

  • http://rjtalestold.blogspot.com/ Dick Jordan

    I have flown on United for over 40 years and have belonged to its frequent flier program for over a decade although I am not an “elite” member nor a “100K” flier. On average, I fly on United once or twice a year. I have found its service generally good, although not perfect. Air travel in general, no matter which airline you fly, is no longer much fun (unless you can fly in Business or First Class). Dealing with large corporations on any issue can be frustrating at times, especially it that large corporation fouls up your business or vacation trip. If this were not so, Chris Elliott would be out of a job.

    But I am not sure that Mr. Carroll’s broken guitar story is still “newsworthy.” Posting his latest video clip on YouTube is fine, but why it is covered on Elliott.org puzzles me when I am sure there are more important travel-gone-wrong stories to be “broken.”

  • http://www.angrymarks.com/ Kevin Fields

    Is Mr. Carroll profiteering from United’s blunders? Absolutely, and he has every right to do so. He took a very negative situation that left him bitter, frustrated and alienated and found a way to not only bring closure, but to turn it into something positive.

    I hadn’t watched any of the videos until today. Now that I have, I’ve become a fan. Not because he’s “sticking it to the man” or because I hate United, but because he’s a great performer. Somebody in Nashville needs to make him a mainstream star.

  • http://matstravelblog.wordpress.com Mat

    It kind of goes on a bit but I’m sure I’d be cranky if an airline broke my guitar, but three songs? He could have at least had trouble with a different service. Like P&O sunk my Guitar, or Greyhound ran over it? Just some thoughts…..

  • Carver

    Hilarious

  • Ames

    I think it is great – a catchy song, an artist introduced to a new audience – I had never heard Dave Carroll before, had you? Don’t get mad, get ahead and move on. Not vengeful, with the third video, he hopes United will change as they say they will…..

    Ever notice that switching just two letters UNITED becomes UNTIED ? Funny how easily it all falls apart.

  • Annette

    In Dave Carroll’s initial dealings with United, when they refused to admit any wrongdoings or accept any responsibility, when things came to an impasse and it became obvious that he’d have to take another route with his complaint he told United then that he would write 3 songs about it.

    He could have just let things go after the first one when United caved in to the pressure. Personally I think it’s great that he’s stuck to his word and did all 3.

  • Michael Liebmann

    What some of you don’t realize is, United broke a $3,500 guitar, Mr. Carroll saw it being broken, United refused to pay for the repair, Mr. Carroll did exactly what he said he’d do (write 3 songs about the experience).

    The songs are catchy. Maybe not your cup of tea, but he got his point across and he kept his word.

  • NancyP

    Besides, he has to earn money to replace his guitar somehow. Music is Mr. Carroll’s livelihood. As a fellow musician and guitar owner, I fully support Mr. Carroll’s efforts. I know how I would feel if an airline broke one of my guitars.

  • Sean

    It’s nothing to do with the money or the cost of the guitar. If you look on Youtube there is a video of a statement from Mr. Carroll that within 2 days of his first song, they offered him compensation, and he said it wasn’t about the money.
    He is talented and he’s just using this as a means to further his music career.

  • Ernest

    Mr Carroll said from the begining that he was going to 3 songs. Since Chris covered the first song and the original event leading up to the song, I think it falls in the ‘follow up’ catagory. Now, if he makes a habit of follow songs, I think it would cease to be newsworthy. He promised 3 songs, I would think less of him if he didn’t follow up as promised.

    Let him sing. I wish I had an avenue of complaint against my lost baggage that was as remarkable and hopefully, as effective as Mr Carroll’s songs.

  • http://www.clarkecomputer.com Charles Clarke

    Cute. Good marketing method for him. Also good complaint method against United. Keep companies accountable.

    I agree that they are getting repetitive, but he’s obviously put some effort into them and I’m sure he’s made back many times what creating them cost.

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