the UNMENTIONABLES played our farewell show Saturday night. Little did we realize over the last 9 years how many friends we had made. It was a capacity crowd at Billy Bombay's in Redding, California, people stood in the rain for up to 10 minutes waiting for someone to leave so they could get in.

At the soundcheck, I presented Jim (who is leaving to take a job in Greenville, S.C.), with a Wallacher Guitar hanger; we both got pretty emotional. From a musical (and friendship) perspective, Jim is that special someone who you might find once in your entire life. The moment we started playing together 9 years ago, it was like it was meant to be. We covered eachother so intuitively, both instrumentally and vocally. And for the last 2 years, PAS has just made us all appreciate eachother even more. You know how it feels, when you're standing inside a perfect harmonic blend of sound, and you know it sounds just as good to everyone else in the room. And then, you slowly realize it's coming from you!

The crowd was just insane! After 4 sets, and 3 encores, we were totally spent! It was a great way to finish what was a great ride.

4 different people offered to pay Jim's airfare for a Summer party, and another guy offered to put him up in his bed and breakfast.
So, who knows, a reunion show may be just around the corner.

Jim is already heading cross country. His axes and PAS are certainly packed snugly in the trunk. And the memories of a glorious farewell party are still fresh in his head. Here's to the best friend and bandmate a guy could ever wish for! Vaya con Dios, my friend!

- holliwil, April 4, 2006 -

full thread here