If Chris, Oliver and Graham hadn't quit I probably would have. After years of sharing every single good, bad and ugly moment together, tensions became extremely high. There's a lot of truth in that cliché that being in a band is like being married to multiple people. There are a ton of ups and downs and we are all very sensitive, stubborn and opinionated individuals to begin with. And that made for some extremely cool music and shows but it also... lead to a lot of fighting. And for them and I it felt like this was the time for that fighting and tension to stop.
I am so, so, so grateful for them. They will always have a place in my heart and I am very proud of what we accomplished together.
Graham is a world-class musician, a loyal, compassionate friend and has one of the best and most patient and creative minds for making something that shouldn't work work. I grew up fucking idolizing him and it was a dream just to play with him for as long as I got to. I love you, like you love the Canucks and Al Green, Serlybird.
Chris is great at everything he tries. Music is no exception. The infectious, joyous energy he brings to everything is something I will always cherish. He always, always, always had my back on everything and was responsible for just absolutely iconic bass-lines. And he had a love and appreciation for music and the band that was truly something to behold night after night. Some of the biggest belly-laughs I have ever had were shared with this gentle giant that goes by a infitnite supply of nicknames. Chris, wherever your life goes next I am sure it will be a smash-hit.
Oliver, is a genius, an incredible musician /photographer/all-around artist and a sweet man. We live down the street from eachother, man, you know how much I love you.
So with all-due respect I wish them well.
Their departure left me in a pretty strange spot and after some soul-searching I decided to continue with a line-up of new and old friends but not under our old name, because our old name needed changing for a myriad of reasons. It was a band name that was confusing on a good day and offensive on a bad one. And I also wanna thank those who still liked us and rode for us despite our well-intended, complete misfire of a name.
I love you all, back to the music,
-Charlie, Hotel Mira
