While shuffling through the shelves at my favorite second hand book and music store, I found a CD that would from then on out be constantly on repeat and blossom a new love for a band. That CD was Southern Air by the band Yellowcard.

For those of you who have never heard of Yellowcard, they are a rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1997. Minus their two-year hiatus between 2008 – 2010, they have constantly been writing and touring. Throughout their career, the band has had many members. As of date, Ryan Key, Sean Mackin, Ryan Mendez and Josh Portman are the only members. On September 30, they released their tenth and final album. It is self titled, “Yellowcard.”

Along with a final album, means a final tour. On October 28, 2016, the band will set off on their farewell tour, accompanied by Like Torches and Dryjacket. This tour will cover the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, the Netherlands, Asia and Australia from October 2016 to March 2017.

On their website, they have written a note to their fans where they tell how hard it has been for them as a band to make the decision to go their separate ways, but for their families, health and future endeavors, going separate ways is the right step. While writing their final album, they knew it would be the last, so they made in their opinions “the strongest record of their career.” In the note, they say they hope the fans remember all the memories they have made together and will understand the hard decision they have had to make.

While I personally cannot attend any of the dates of the tour, I along with many people are upset about the end of the band we have grown to love. If you know me, then you know that music is a way for me to cope and this band is one that I always turn to when I need it. Even though it may be the end of them as a band, they will live on through their music for generations to come.

Thanks for the good times and the even better music, Yellowcard.

If you wish to read the letter the band has written, then click here.