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POOP! I hate it when I post something and a few days later I get a message like this one from my friend Helen;
Rich just posted this today on both his blog & 1234's on myspace.
1234 has decided to call it a day. :(
Helen
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Friday, January 25, 2008
Adios Amigos
Good evening, folks - Rich Evans from 1234 here. It is with a heavy
heart that I write these words I'd hoped to not have to write for many
years:
Bassist Greg Thomsen and drummer Donny Paycheck have left 1234 for
personal reasons. After much discussion between guitarist Dan Helland
and myself, we've decided to lay the whole thing to rest. In other
words, 1234 is no more.
The split is amicable, and would not have even occured had there not
been near simultaneous events in Greg's and Donny's lives that
preclude any hope of their continuing with the band for the forseeable
future.
There was brief talk between Dan and I of regrouping with different
members, but the fact is that it would take something just this side
of a miracle to find another rhythm section as powerful as Greg and
Donny. As the thought of actually trying to find new players that
could fit the bill seemed as pleasant as a root canal, we chose to
pack it in.
All sides have left open the possibility of playing together again
someday in the future. For now you can see Donny play with Zeke, Goat
Throne, Bob Wayne and the Outlaw carnies, and Sammy Barrett. Greg is
taking a sabbatical from live performance, but is working on an album
of his songs that is sure to kick some serious ass. Dan is looking for
a bassist for his solo project, Daniel E Helland and the Nouns.
As for me, I'm working on two original projects - one rock, one
acoustic. One of them will likely be called Dicky Moe. The other?
Well, I'm open to suggestions. I'm also playing bass with The
Metal-Roke All Stars. Lately I've also been branching out into studio
work, so if you need vocals, guitar, or bass for a project, (maybe
even as a producer?)give me a holler.
I'd like to thank original drummer Hoagie Gero for his years of
service, and pinch hitter Ken Hahn for filling in on short notice.
Thanks also to Mark Hanschen, Jonathan Bartlett, Marci Smith, Chris
Zellner, Adrian Garver, and anyone else who helped us out behind the
scenes. Thanks also to another Jonathan, who's last name escapes me,
for making our Gabba Gabba Hey sign.
Thanks also to Rhonda Thomsen, Jana Paycheck, Patty Rice, Helen
Halloran, The Mecca Cafe, The Five Point Cafe, Stanwood Hotel, Bobby
Gundstrom, Lori Durbrow, Trish Becker, John Voge (Exotic Underground),
Jenny Bendel, Kwab, Michael, John, and all the rest at Sunset Tavern,
Joey Piss Drunk for giving us our first gig, Shakey Steve, Bobby
Trash, Ben Rew, Tiffany Shimmers, Dawn Black, Lareina, Sarah, Brett
Irvine, Fred Zamora, Attila Meszaros, Justin Parks, Don Slack, Dana
Sims (El Corazon), Rick Wyatt (Fenix), and a host of others I can't
even think of right now. Thanks also to the handful of writers (Hannah
Levin, Michaelangelo Matos, etc) that actually gave a tribute band a
little love!
I'd also like to thank all of the bands we've been fortunate enough to
share the stage with. We've been really fortunate to have played with
so many awesome bands through the years, both local and national. But
I'd like to give special thanks to Lou Molitch (Murdock / Neon
Nights), Dick Whiskey and Spike Hell (Go Like Hell / Los Bastardos,
Doc Hellvis (Dead Vampires), Maiden Seattle (!), The Spits, Space
Cretins, Living Colour, Zeke, Faster Pussycat, Tad Doyle, Los
Peligrosos, and innumerable others.
But there are four groups of people who have been there with us pretty
much from start to finish. First is DragStrip Riot, particularly
Knuck. Dude - through all the highs and lows we've both been through
these past few years, you've always been a straight shooter, and
that's worth more to me than all the tea in China. Thanks. Now get
that killer fucking album out already!
The All American Playboys: Eesh, where do I even start? You guys have
been so much fun to watch and play with over the years...words can't
describe. What I wouldn't give for one more show with 1234, All
American Playboys, and DSR. You guys rule!
The wonderful folks at The Funhouse, especially Brian Foss: I don't
even know what to say except thank you from the bottom of my heart for
the years of great shows, positive vibes and support, mind crushing
cocktails, and friendship. We always felt like The Funhouse was our
home base. More than anywhere else, we always looked forward to
Funhouse shows because we not only knew they would rock, but that we'd
have a great time just hanging out with you, Cody, Lee, and the rest
of the gang. Again, thank you for making our little band feel ten feet
tall.
Last but most certainly not least I'd like to thank all of our fans
for their unwavering support. You made a bunch of middle aged guys in
wigs feel like rock stars every time we took the stage. Your energy
made us always want to play harder, faster, and better than we ever
did before.
For those I may have missed in this little missive, please understand
that in trying to sum up over 4 years of friends, shows, and mayhem
while being bummed out as all fuck my mind isn't exactly running on
all cylinders. 1234 was a huge part of my life these last few years,
and it's suddenly non-existent. Though I'm admittedly sad about how
this all shook out in the end, I'm eternally grateful to all of you
for the wonderful memories you've given me which I'm certain will last
me my entire life.
I've been in a lot of bands over the last 20 odd years, some good,
some bad, some downright dreadful. I can say without hesitation that I
never had so much fun playing music with any other band as I did with
1234. And for that, I thank Greg, Dan, Hoagie, Donny, and all of you.
See you out there soon...
Rich Evans
