It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I am stepping down as band manager of Against 72. This has not been an easy decision to make, but one that I feel is necessary.
Let me make a couple of things clear to begin with. There is no animosity or bad feelings between myself and any member of Against 72. We still feel like we're part of a family and that we're like brothers. The decision to step down was mine.
As some of you are aware, I recently began working a new job at Cameron University, which requires more time outside of regular-work hours than my previous position as tech in the library.
Since starting that job, it became increasingly clear to me that I was just not going to be able to perform as effective a job as band manager for the guys, as I had during 2005 and 2006. The calendar was filling up quickly, and if I deluded myself into thinking that I could do it effectively, it would hurt the band, time with my family, and ultimately, myself.
So, thinking in the best interests of the band, I decided to step down as manager.
I began working with the guys in January 2005, and since that time it has been an amazing journey of ups and downs. We had some great successes and times; and the guys stood by my side during some of the most difficult periods of my life.
Since working with Against 72, the band has developed leaps and bounds beyond where they were at when I first joined. The biggest set-back we experienced was the departure of vocalist Josh Cranston and bassist Caleb Marlin. But from the ashes of that particular event came a new vocalist, Pablo, and a new bassist, Micah - both of whom helped push Against 72 into a more aggressive, angry machine; refining the band to the point where it feels like they are forging their own musical identity.
During my period as manager, we saw some great accomplishments. The group's MySpace.com page went from a small band page with approximately 50 friends, to a clean, unique designed page with well over 14,000 friends. We participated in the Bodog Battle of the Bands. Drummer Ryan Joyce became endorsed by Noble and Cooley Drum Company. We began selling band merchandise online.
But more importantly, the band stuck together with solidarity during that whole time. It's very easy for any band to lose it, crash, burn, and break up. Not for Against 72 - these guys have an element of determination that is comparable to many non-compromising professional acts out there.
Having spent so much time with the band, one just cannot walk away from such an amazing thing without heartbreak. I still believe in the band and the music as much as I did the day I walked in (probably even more so), and will continue to support Against 72 in any ventures they take on in the future.
To my friends in the band, Mike, Ryan, Josh, Kyle, and Pablo; I wish you all the best. I cannot help myself but thank you for letting me be a part of what is most definitely one of the most memorable experiences in my life. But most of all, thank you for your support, encouragement, and for pwning me at Halo 2 at our LAN parties.
I wish I could have stayed with you at the front line - but I will support you as best I can from where I am now.
