Bye Bye Birdy - A Requiem for Reverie
2 Year drummer of Reverie, Brad Elliott, commonly referred to as 'Bird' by his closest of friends, left 'the nest' for good on Dec. 2 2009.... Ummmm.
I was going to write this like an obituary but the truth is nothing has died. Brad is alive, his playing is alive, our friendship is alive, and Model Stranger is alive.
Although Brad waited until this week to announce his departure, he had intentions of moving on from this project earlier this fall and stuck around to help Kevin and I out until we found an interim or replacement. This we are grateful for and appreciate. It was a stand up gesture.
The truth is that sharing music temporarily is kind of like a one night stand. Capabilities are attractive features that bring musicians together and eventually, as in relationships... these things go numb. After 2 years, 53 shows, and a whole lot of traveling together, we slowed down and regrouped to make a new record. This is when it was realized that we had different intentions for our futures.
Personal details aside it needs to be known that this doesn't mean that we love each other any less than we did before but to put it simply we realized that we 'want to see other people'. This was an amicable split and we wish Brad the best of luck with his future endeavors and career as a drummer. I personally started playing with Brad in a different project as early as high school and we have shared the stage more times than most. We have memories that can stack as high as a mountain together and I am glad we had an opportunity to work together on developing Reverie, touring, and contributing to the independent art and music scene. If you see that man out, slap his ass and buy him a shot of Jameson. And to my dearest -
"You can be a fuck up. You can be a Big Big star"
Walk as you vomit silly.
- Stephen Francis
Model Stranger
So what is in store for Model Stranger?
Model Stranger is alive and well. Kevin and Stephen have been joined by the very promising and talented drummer,Vincent Joseph, previously of Midnight Vendetta and Tonight the Prom.
Despite posting ads on nearly 20 sites, and sifting through about a dozen candidates, low and behold Model Stranger came to find the right fit for a replacement via...Facebook.
It wasn't until after the initial try out rehearsal that the band was informed of this ironic occurrence.
During a routine promotional push Kevin James requested that a new Facebook friend of his be a fan of 'Model Stranger'. This new friend turned to her boyfriend and exclaimed.... "Why does this band keep asking me to be a fan!?!"
Vincent Joseph sat down at the computer, Googled Model Stranger, and saw that there was a position open.
Vince then contacted Model Stranger, set up a tryout and since has been preparing for his debut as the new drummer of Model Stranger. His first performance will be on Dec.11th @ the Metro in Chicago.
Despite the annoying nature of promotion (on both ends) and incessant bass players that really want you to hear their band, friending your girlfriends on Facebook.... Social networking saves bands everyday and for musicians and music listeners worldwide.
For this we should be thankful.
Model Stranger
AND
Pre-sale tickets for Vincent Joseph's debut are available
HERE
Type the promotional code MODEL (use all caps) for a discounted $6 ticket.
