Here's the official statement:
It is with a heavy
heart that we at Pitchshifter HQ bring you this announcement.
The upcoming Pitchshifter UK tour in March will the band’s
last. Officially labelled an ‘indefinite hiatus’,
Pitchshifter have confirmed that this will be their last run,
citing “the natural course of Pitchshifter being run and
positive growth of our collective other projects” as their
reasoning.
When questioned, here’s what Mark Clayden, co-founder of
the band had to say: “Pitchshifter has always been a
beautiful, crazy experiment. We knew that some day it would
naturally run it’s course and we always said we would call
it a day at the right time. We never expected to have such a
long run at this. So many people don’t even get the chance
to do half the things we've done. We’ve been lucky to be
able to make our own music, our own way for 13 years. It’s
been an awesome ride. I would like to thank my family for
standing by me and all the fans for treating us with so much
respect over the years.”
In response to those that might jump to the conclusion that
there could be any negative reason behind the decision, Mark
added: “There is no falling out or clash of egos, that
would be ridiculous. Pitchshifter isn’t one of those kind
of bands. We’ve all been friends for years and will surely
continue to be. We’ve simply all grown as musicians and
also in our personal lives and it’s just time for us all
collectively to move onto our new projects. Pitchshifter has run
it’s natural course. We achieved so much more than we ever
thought we would and I know I can speak for all of us when I say
that I’m grateful and proud I was a part of Pitchshifter.”
When asked about the new live record and current situation here’s
what J.S. had to say: “People constantly tell us they love
the energy of the band live and always ask us if we’re ever
going to release a live record. I am proud to say we’re
finally doing it. We will be releasing a live album on our own
label ‘PSI Records’ to coincide with the final March
UK tour. Both the tour and the record are a ‘thank you’
to our fans. We didn’t think it would be fair to call it a
day without one last blast around home turf and a rocking live
record. So we booked a 16 date tour and recorded a live album. I
can’t think of any better way to celebrate the music of
Pitchshifter. We’ve always been happiest on stage and a
final record that captures that energy, along with one last
tour, is a perfect goodbye salute to an amazing set of fans.
Pitchshifter has been my life for 13 years. I have travelled the
world and had my brother at my side for that whole time. I feel
very lucky to have made that journey. It has been a incredible
ride. I won’t lie, I can’t promise that I will be able
keep a dry eye at the last show at the Astoria, but I know it’s
gonna be a great tour and this is the right time for us to move
onward and upward. I hope as many fans as possible can share the
last tour and live record with us and wish us well in our new
projects. I count myself lucky to have had such an awesome
family behind me, a loyal group of band mates and an amazing set
of fans for this whole time. Thanks so much to you all.”
Long time guitarist Jim Davies will sadly not be able to make
the tour due to commitments with his current project. Both the
band and Jim are sad about this, but all felt that it was the
right thing to continue with the tour. Here’s what Jim had
to say: “I’ve had a fantastic 5 years in the band and
feel proud that I’ve played a part in three very cool
albums. We all have new projects now, but sadly mine is the only
schedule that clashes with the upcoming ‘Shifter dates. The
guys have been totally supportive and understanding about me not
being able to make it and we’re all still very close
friends. I am fully behind the upcoming shifter live album,
which features me on lead guitar and am very excited about it’s
release. I’m proud to have been part of such an important
band and will always remain a fan of Pitchshifter. I can’t
imagine anyone better to take over on lead guitar for the tour
than Dan Rayner. I actually introduced Dan to the band on rhythm
guitar and it’s fitting that I pass over the mantle to him
on lead.”
In conclusion here’s what the guys to say: “We really
want this tour to be a positive send off. As ever, we’re
going to put our heart and soul into every last one of these
shows. This band has been a long and eventful journey for all of
us and we hope that this last tour can be a celebration of
everything we experienced and achieved in our 13 years as
Pitchshifter. We’re just a bunch of punks from a run down
housing estate who decided to try and do something new in music,
who'd have thought it would turn into such a voyage?! This final
record and tour are for our fans. You’ve been so loyal and
stood by us all this time. You have truly been the best fans any
band could wish for and and we would like to personally thank
each one of you for all your support and love over the years. No
band could ask for more. You have been truly awesome. We hope to
see as many of your faces as possible at these upcoming shows.
Peace – Pitchshifter.” |
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And here's Jim Davies' statement:
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i've been out of the country for a
week or 2 and missed all the announcements and thought i
should post and explain abit more why i'm not doing the tour
and to thank you all and say bye.
basically we all thought the tour in september of last year
was going to be the last, for me it was, the tour was great
and as ever the astoria show was amazing.
when the guys said they were going to do another tour in
march it was impossible for me to change my schedule and do
the tour.I managed to juggle my schedule before to do the
september tour but for this one i couldn't. of course i feel i
should be doing the bands last send off as its been my life
for along time but unfortunately its just not possible,
in answer to the statement that i'm fucking off the band and
fans and that the prodigy has gone to my head i would have to
say that seeing as i toured with them for a year playing
massive gigs in 95 and 96 it has taken along time for it to go
to my head!!!
anyway, the live album is gonna be amazing and i'm sure the
tour will be too, dan and tim are my essexboy buddies and im
sure they will do a great job, i hope you all go to every gig
possible on this tour.
i remain a shifter eye tattooed fan of the band as i was
before i joined the band, thank you all for your love and
support..(well, maybe not ALL of you!!) and i'll see ya down
the front at the next london blueprint gig!!
much love and respect.
jim |
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