I was supposed to be writing this blog about something completely different than what I am about to tell you. We were supposed to talk about our new video, how we filmed it, came up with the idea and so on. But sometimes life takes its turns and you just need to go with it. So we had a very mixed week, good rehearsals and preparations for this weeks two concerts. And we even filmed our new video for the song “Everybody dies”. It is looking really cool and we will be sharing it with you very shortly. The whole band was really looking forward to our next concert.
But then the bad news came in. Some of you know already that Qras (Tomek, our bass player) back has not been the best lately, he ended up in hospital about three weeks ago. He was finally starting to get his mobility back, but on Monday the pain returned with what I can only imagine is over whelming intensity. So since then we have had a soldier down, actually literally on the floor, as it is the only place he can get any relief. This brought up some urgent issues for the band, first of all we have four concerts booked for the next month, which two is this week... As a full time musician for a long time, I do know what the consequence of canceling a concert on last minute are. Even though people can be understanding, they still will have a memory at the back of their heads of you canceling on them for years to come. But at the same time, what can we do? Well we could just do an acoustic set just me and Sebastian, but we would be jumping in to the deep end of the pool, as we don't have an acoustic set rehearsed. The other option is to get some one to temporarily to step in for Qra. Even the thought of not having him on the other side of the stage is devastating, but at the same time, show must go on. It is better for the whole band including Qra that we get some one in for him for these few gigs, and when he is better at least we are still welcomed to play there in future. These are hard decisions for any band, only last week Bon Jovi announced that Richie Sambora is in rehab, but the tour will go on. It is one thing to cancel a concert when you're only starting up with your first school band, but if you are trying to make a profession out of playing music, you need to act professionally and take responsibility. When you book a concert you are promising to deliver, and that's what you should do. Sometimes life just deals these cards, and all you can do is make the best of the bad situation. I have seen lots of bands crumble in these situations, and proper communication is very important here. It was as much Qras decision as ours to find a replacement. We talked the pros and cons over, and this seemed to be the only sensible option. So we had to call on a friend of Sebastians, a bass player, who very kindly promised to help us. No one wants the job of learning six songs on the day of the concert, but thats what musicians sometimes need to do. But still as I write this, the day before, I hope for a miracle, I hope for Qra on my side on the stage and I know Sebastian very much feels the same.
So now I have small favor to ask you. If you could pop over to our facebook page www.facebook.com/jpkalliomusic, and leave Qra get well messages, I don't think nothing else would cheer him up more than to know that people, who follow our bands progress are thinking of him.
I know this is not the most cheerful blog in the world. From the beginning of our journey I promised to share with you the good and the bad, and to be honest with you, in the past few days I haven't really thought much else. Working as much together as we have in the past... eight months? Wow! Time just seem to slip through my fingers. Yeah, you become like family, so it is devastating when one of your brothers is down. But hey, he is still young. We'll send him in to the garage, fit a new head gasket, change the oils, clean the filters and he'll be good as new:-)
So tonights and tomorrows concerts In the Pint and in the Courtyard hotel in Leixlip will go ahead as planned, so come along to support us especially now we will need it.
I think still I'd like to finish on some bit better news. As I mentioned in the beginning about the video, it will be out very shortly. We are maybe thinking of a midnight Sunday/Monday morning, but We will keep you posted on our website, facebook, twitter and myspace of the exact time. Stock up on popcorn;-)
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