Dear Ryan, Sean, Josh and Ryan,

It is with a broken, yet oddly full heart that we soon must bid adieu to one of the greatest pop-punk bands this generation of music fanatics has come to know, Yellowcard.

What a wild ride it has been - for all of you, and myself included. I was only a few years old when you guys broke out into the scene, but even as a young girl, I could never forget all those times I heard your songs blasting, and absolutely adoring what I was jamming to. Without even knowing it, I fell in love with your band, and there are no words to express how utterly grateful I am to have had those moments listening to your songs.

It wasn't until 2012 that I got to see you live for the first time. After seeing your name on the Warped Tour roster containing 70+ other bands, I knew there was no way I could miss your set. You guys were the first band I saw at my first ever Warped Tour, and that day will always hold a special place in my heart. You guys were also set to release your next record Southern Air, which has become one of my all time favorite albums. To this day, I find myself listening to it top to bottom. There's no need to skip a single track because you simply crushed the entire record. It sends you through a wave of emotions. You've got happy tracks like Here I Am Alive, and more meaningful and sentimental songs such as Ten, and Telescope.

Fast forward to January of 2013, and there I am, waiting outside of The Paramount to meet you for the first time. I remember feeling incredibly anxious, yet was beaming with excitement because I was finally getting the chance to meet you guys! I had so much to say but had absolutely no idea how to say anything. You came walking around the bar, and each time I got to hug you, I was at a loss for words. You were all so sweet, and made the lack of speech a bit less embarrassing. This particular show was being recorded for an AXS TV concert special, and I was so excited to be up front for all of the shenanigans that were going to ensue once the concert finally began. You performed the way I remembered back at Warped; you played with so much conviction, and your contagious energy roared through the entire crowd the whole night. At the end I even got one of your setlists!

Again, fast forwarding now to the summer of 2014 -- Yellowcard blessed Warped once again, and the attendees with it's presence. This summer in particular was the summer in which I'd be celebrating my 16th birthday. Rather than having a party, I decided what better way to go about this than attending a second date of the tour! The closest date besides Jones Beach was Holdmel, NJ. July 6th rolled around, and an exhausted soon-to-be 16 year old was in the car prepping for her 3rd year of the festival. You didn't play until later in the evening, but I was fortunate enough to have been able to meet you all again! This time I was able to mutter more than a few jumbled words, and was spared the embarrassment. I was greeted with high-fives and enthusiasm as I walked across the table to each of you.

When your tour with Memphis May Fire came, I was absolutely ecstatic! I could not wait to be seeing and meeting you again, as well as hearing the songs from Lift a Sail! This time was a little different; while meeting you, I had Sean write out lyrics to Here I Am Alive, which I plan on having tattooed this summer (unfortunately after Warped which I'll be seeing you at again, I wish I could show you the finished piece there)! Luckily I managed to get front row and was dead center! What better way to enjoy one of your favorite bands than to be right up front where all the action is! What a truly amazing night that was.

Here we are now - you guys just released the statement about your final record and departure come the end of your World Tour. I think it’s safe to say that buying my VIP ticket for your show in Huntington was probably one of the worst things I could possibly do. Well, sort of - I can't wait to see you there, but the fact that it will be the last time hurts. I can't begin to express the sadness I feel about your adventure coming to a close, but at the same time, the amount of gratitude I have for you all is unfathomable. I’m so grateful to have been able to create and experience so many wonderful memories with all of you. The m&g’s, the shows, and everything in between were some of the best times of my life. I can't wait to see you July 9th and November 11th.

Thanks for all the memories, the hugs, the laughs, the smiles, the tears, and for allowing me to connect with you through music. I wish you guys nothing but the best of luck in your future endeavors. Yellowcard may be breaking up physically, but the mark you left on this scene and in your fans’ hearts, mine included, shall never die.

Love always,

Maddy Hirshon