I am a die hard fan since the 90s.
I know maybe some more "metal" fans on here might not be that into them, but they had a huge impact on me as a young music fan and guitarist.
I know Stephen Carpenter isn't known for being a "chops" guitarist but his riffs and writing had a huge impact on me.
I bought tickets to see them two years ago right before the pandemic hit. (In total I think i've seen them probably 6 or 7 times)
The gig was pushed back 2 times until 2022 due to covid.
In march it was announced that their bassist was leaving, due to some disagreement in the contract, where he wasn't being compensated as a "official member" even after playing with
them for 12 years and being on 4 studio albums.
The band never addressed these claims and made no statement at all.
Obviously this dosen't show them in the best light.
Regardless, I tried to stay positive. I wasn't thrilled about seeing my favorite band with a "fill in" bassist, but was going to try to enjoy myself none the less.
ONE day before the gig, Stephen Carpenter announced he ALSO would't be playing any of the gigs outside the united states.
The show I was going to was their FIRST canadian date, and the first date without Stephen. My guitar hero wasn't gonna be there. They told me ONE day before.
It breaks my heart into pieces.
I love these guys so so much but I'm not sure what's going on with them behind the scenes.
Thanks for listening to my rant.
I don't really have anywhere else I can say this.
It's just hard being let down by people you admire.
I know maybe some more "metal" fans on here might not be that into them, but they had a huge impact on me as a young music fan and guitarist.
I know Stephen Carpenter isn't known for being a "chops" guitarist but his riffs and writing had a huge impact on me.
I bought tickets to see them two years ago right before the pandemic hit. (In total I think i've seen them probably 6 or 7 times)
The gig was pushed back 2 times until 2022 due to covid.
In march it was announced that their bassist was leaving, due to some disagreement in the contract, where he wasn't being compensated as a "official member" even after playing with
them for 12 years and being on 4 studio albums.
The band never addressed these claims and made no statement at all.
Obviously this dosen't show them in the best light.
Regardless, I tried to stay positive. I wasn't thrilled about seeing my favorite band with a "fill in" bassist, but was going to try to enjoy myself none the less.
ONE day before the gig, Stephen Carpenter announced he ALSO would't be playing any of the gigs outside the united states.
The show I was going to was their FIRST canadian date, and the first date without Stephen. My guitar hero wasn't gonna be there. They told me ONE day before.
It breaks my heart into pieces.
I love these guys so so much but I'm not sure what's going on with them behind the scenes.
Thanks for listening to my rant.
I don't really have anywhere else I can say this.
It's just hard being let down by people you admire.