A band break-up doesn’t have to be like a funeral — sometimes it’s a celebration.
The four bandmates of Lifestory: Monologue are currently on their farewell tour after nine years.
But guitarist Jason Gormley said there’s no “fuck you’s” to be said to one another.
“It’s not us at each other’s throats, it’s just putting the band to rest at the appropriate time.” Gormley said the reason for the split came six months ago when lead singer Jay Reid had an announcement for his band mates.
“Back in June, he told us that he was getting married this upcoming June and that once he got married, he was going to be moving on from the touring lifestyle to spend more time with his fiancée.”
While this may be the end of Lifestory: Monologue, Gormley said he hopes to continue on in the music industry. But not before putting this band to rest properly.
The band has been friends since high school, so Gormley said there’s no way there could be bad blood between them about splitting up.
“We started this group in grade nine or 10, so I’ve kind of spent my formative years with these guys. We’re all good friends and totally understanding,” he said.
“It’s not only about starting new friendships, but about having the means to do that.”
The 23-date tour is the perfect way to put the group to bed for Gormley.
“We would rather do it this way and see it out properly than just burn out and let it fade away,” he said.
Gormley said some of his best memories from being on the road with Lifestory: Monologue have been the times outside the tour bus.
“There’s gems of people you come across. In Trenton, Nova Scotia, for example, and if I hadn’t been doing this, I would have had no business being in that town and meeting those people,” he said.
On the tour, the band will play a lot of songs from their most recent album, but will also hit all the old favourites.
“It’s a love letter to the fans and for us as well. A year ago we were pushing this new album on tour, but with this one, we get a chance to bring all the old songs out of the vault.”
Lifestory: Monologue plays the Artel tonight at 9 p.m.
Tags
farewell tour, Guelph, Interview, Lifestory: Monologue
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