Have I ever been broken up with? Yes, the list gets longer every year.
Music plays a large role in my life. For some it's just a hobby, for others it is everything. Music is an escape; it understands, can make you happy, can let you get out anger. So when the maker(s) of that music breaks up, it can really hurt.
To my favorite bands that have broken up:
I'm not mad. The thing is I understand what it's like to have your heart not be in something you absolutely love after a while. It's not your fault and it would be far worse for you to pretend to enjoy playing and making music just to make all your fans happy. You have to put yourself first sometimes, and honestly, I thank you for that reminder alone.
I want to be sad because it's over, but mostly I want you to know that I feel honored to have experienced it while it was happening. I can't ever repay you or find the words to thank you for all that you have done for me and many others. You did more than just make music, you introduced me to new people and places, you were there for me when no one else was, you gave something to look forward to, and you showed me what it looks like to have a dream and to follow it. It was never about the money, hell if it was about the money most of you would not have even started a band in the first place. You might be tempted to downplay why you did this but I know it is because you cared, that you'll always care.
I hope you think that every crappy hotel you stayed in, every time your beat up van broke down, every show you played to 10 kids, every show you played feeling sick, every holiday you missed with your family; I hope you think it was all worth it but I hope now you enjoy every well deserved moment you have wherever you are now. You were apart of something so much bigger than yourselves, you will never fully be able to grasp the everlasting impact you have had. There are kids with your lyrics on their skin, kids who started a band because they saw what you did and knew they wanted to do the same. You made more than music, you made dreamers, you made a community, you made a home.
Thank you, for everything. I respect you for being able to walk away and even though it hurts, I know that the pain will subside and all that will be left is love. Never for a second doubt why you did this, you did it because you had to because not playing and making music with your best friends would have been a disservice to the world and to yourself. John Green once said, “What is the point of being alive if you don't, at least, try to do something remarkable?” and I want to thank you for trying, but reassure you that you did do something remarkable. Thank you.
