John is absolutely within his rights to moderate anything that appears on this board. However. . . .As a journalist - if only for a broadsheet paper - I would make a distinction.
Bryan Ferry having a glass of wine too many and falling down in a restaurant is not a story for a newspaper and should not be a subject of debate in this splendid forum.
However, Ferry's marriage failing would merit a mention (about a page probably) in any serious biography of the man. The question is whether it affects his music? Bob Dylan's divorce from Sara, his "Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands", produced "Blood on the Tracks" perhaps his last truly great album.
The failure of Ferry's first marriage produced quite a lot of touring and private shows - he frequently joked that he had a hefty settlement to fund.
Whether this episode will produce an inspired album or more shows, I don't know, although I am sure everyone with even a passing interest in his music will wish him well.

As someone who is vexed by my failure to always apply this rule in the past, my view on this is that if we to stick to the same standards that we observe in normal social interactions then we can't go far wrong.

For example, when a couple get married it is entirely expected that we extend our congratulations and good wishes safe in the knowledge that we are causing no offence or unnecessary upset. Conversely, when a marriage breaks up we all know that this can't be without trauma - so we maintain a respectful silence.

I see it as a sharing of information.Nothing more,nothing less. If nobody is allowed to mention anything slightly sensitive then none of us would be aware of Otis and Merlin's brush with the law, Bryan and Lucy's divorce,Katie Turner , the M&S contract, Phil and Paul's divorce, Andy's wife's death, Mark Smith, Allan Spenner, Mick Green, David Williams,etc,etc

Blimey, I don't know about half of the things on your list, Ian.....tell me more !

Crikey, Ian; I had no idea that Phil was ever married to Paul, never mind that they'd divorced!

They appear to still be on good terms, so best we leave it there...

Haha ! Didn't realise what I said there !