I caught The Wrens most recent show here in Austin not too long ago, and posted my, as usual, casual journalistic opinion on what was a great show, and what was believed by me to be the last show that they were going to play together as a band. How I came to this conclusion is a bit…unclear at this point. I know that singer/bassist Kevin Whelan mentioned several things that led me to believe this, one being that they had decided to end it all here in Austin because they loved the city so much, and he went on about how much they had been touring and the fact that they were all getting a little older and had other responsibilities outside of the band and touring that were making it harder, amongst other things that contributed to my conclusion that the band was calling it quits. On top of all of that, the performance was stellar, much like one a band might put on when doing so for the last time. With that being said, here is an e-mail that I received recently from band member Charles Bissell.

Hey Michael,

This is the sad sign of how far behind on email I am but just wanted to say thanks for the really nice write-up on Sonic Itch for our show there. We had a truly momentous time (as we always have the last few
years) there in Austin.

Just to clarify though, I think maybe our website thingie or our glorious bassist/Ciceroan orator was less than clear – that wasn’t our last show and we’re not calling it quits just yet. For better or worse, it was just the last show of what we’ve stretched out to be a four-year weekends-only tour for the meadowlands record and the last show for a few months as we finish setting up the studio and start on the next recording.

Sorry for the confusion. It was strangely like reading ones’ own obituary or attending ones own funeral (which I’ll probably be just as late for).

When we finish some new muzak, i’ll be sure to get you a copy on us – the least we can do…

thanks again,
charles

Sorry guys. Does it help if I say that I’m really, really, really glad that you aren’t breaking up? Probably not, but thanks to the guys for being understanding, and for having a sense of humor about the misunderstanding.

And if any one of you reading this doesn’t know who The Wrens are, or haven’t seen these guys live, then shame on you!! You are missing one of the best live bands that are still around, and you’ll soon have a documentary for proof.

Mp3>>Happy

This one makes the What the F***! category for sure.

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 23rd, 2007 at 4:19 pm and is filed under what the f***.