Via gracepotter.com
We want to apologize for the unfortunate cancellation of the trio of shows scheduled for the end of March (Revolution Hall, 8×10, and Mr. Small’s). GPN and bassist Bryan Dondero have recently parted ways. Bryan is an important part of the band’s growth over these last five years, and he will be missed and not easily replaced. We thank everyone for understanding and look forward to playing for you this summer.
T.S. Eliot – The Love Song Of J Alfred Prufrock
I had not recalled this poem in quite sometime until a friend mentioned the title. A powerful story about life’s choices, indecision, the potential for regret and the fear of pursuing dreams and so much more. It’s difficult to pick a single part to highlight, but here goes anyway.
And would it have been worth it, after all,
After the cups, the marmalade, the tea,
Among the porcelain, among some talk of you and me,
Would it have been worth while,
To have bitten off the matter with a smile,
To have squeezed the universe into a ball
To roll it toward some overwhelming question,
To say: “I am Lazarus, come from the dead,
Come back to tell you all, I shall tell you all”—
If one, settling a pillow by her head,
Should say: “That is not what I meant at all.
That is not it, at all.”
Gathering thoughts on something like this is quite difficult isn’t it? Still.
- I thought the Theramin was cheesy, until I actually heard it. Then I thought it added a very interesting texture to the guitar/keyboard mix and brought something special to the sound.
- I will forever remember the yodeling pickle.
- Facilitating Bryan’s meeting with Brendan Canty, Fugazi drummer and one of Bryan’s formative bands – was great. Better to give than receive.
- I’ve been struck recently by what a great writer Bryan is. I don’t know why I’m surprised.
- Over a year and a half of “knowing” Bryan – virtually in the beginning and then in the real world I was always struck by how decent he was. A decent person. That word isn’t used so often any more and has somewhat lost its meaning over time but I think that Bryan epitomizes what the word decent was supposed to mean.
Good luck Bryan, you will be missed.
“Funny how some things that start spontaneously end that way. Eat a peach”
- Neil Young to Stephen Stills on dropping out on the 1976 tour
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
Bryan! You rule and will be missed in GPN, but I’m sure you’ll be around.
This is unfortunate news for me. I am really bummed at the moment. I was looking forward to next weeks show at Rev Hall. Is Blues and Lasers still performing that night?
I do want to wish you all luck on your roads! You Rock.
Matte – no, unfortunately the B&L shows in Troy, Baltimore and Pittsburgh are also cancelled. We’re sorry for any inconvenience. Thank you for your support. We hope to see you soon.
Find myself feeling both sad and happy – conflicting emotions, but there you are.
good luck Bryan – wherever you are headed it’s bound to be interesting – you always had the best toys!
I was listening to “Live From Skowhegan” the other day, over and over again (so good), I love the way the introduction of “Mr. Pickle” is in the fade out on Ragged Company. That damn pickle still makes me smile.
Good luck friend and we will see you around Burlington.
Wandered off to digest this and ended up on your blog listening to “Losing Sight” again . . . several times.
Bryan, your talent, and your humor, will be greatly missed at GPN shows . . Halloween will never be the same for one thing ! But there is so much promise of things to come in your writing and your music that it is making this loss of one facet of your talent a little easier to accept . . a happy/sad time.
Be well, and please continue sharing your talents with us. May your next adventure be all that you want it to be and more.
I miss him already.
No fair, my two favorite bands (Barenaked Ladies and GPN) lose a member within weeks of each other.
Bryan good luck . See you in Burlington .
More Cowbell !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My best friend’s mother died this week, and I went to the calling hours last night; so my thoughts today are with the living who are left behind. Grace, Matt, and Scott: though it’s not as great a loss, I’m sorry for yours as well. Bryan has already had my good wishes – today all good wishes are for the three of you.
sniff…sniff…sniff
where are the kleenex? I need about 10 boxes of em.
All the best to you Brian!!
” A powerful story about life’s choices, indecision, the potential for regret and the fear of pursuing dreams and so much more.” Well said Mojo.
Horrible and sad news. For me the journey has always been about the four of them. I feel like I just lost a family member.
Sorry to hear the news, but thankful I was able to catch a few GPN shows and even a B&L show with Bryan. Wishing him well on all his future endeavors and will continue to follow his work.
Bryan will be missed, and please, do not mis-interpret this following part -
in the entire scheme of things, this is not the end of GPN, just another part
of life. everything changes, nothing remains the same, and even though we cannot control events that happen in our lives, we do completely control one aspect -how we react to those events. be supportive, be respectful, be kind -
this is what matters most.
Bryan, your presence will be missed on the GPN stage and environment, and we wish you the best.
peace to you all -
Joe and Teri
Prufrock rocks, thanks mojo. Keep in touch Bryan, you will be missed!
Glad I’m not Irish…St Patrick’s day would be ruined.
Bryan- we await great things, good luck to a new beginning. Thank you for finally coming to the front of the stage….
Grace, Matt and Scott- take your time and make the right choice!
I’m happy for Bryan…..I hope he’s happy too. Sad for the Band and the Posse…..but you know what they say…. “He closes one door but usually opens another…….” I think we will find that the next open door leads to positive things…
And where can I get one of those pickles????????????????
Wally C.
Say it ain’t so….
Bryan, best of luck to you… I picked up on GPN only a few years ago and have been hooked ever since (here in Delaware). I have caught most every show in this area and was excited for the 8×10 show in Baltimore, as I just found out I have to do some long term commuting next month.
That Thursday show was to be my “mental floss” for the week. Luckily I have my archive.org sets on my ipod…
Fair winds and following seas…
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