FANSOL letter to Chad Taylor, our thoughts and the mail compilation Options

[Merica]

I read it as TDTH when when things started getting a bit off, but it was just cause the label decided on the album for them. Then they turned a quick pressure free experiment into an accountable and unfairly fucked up album in V. Around and after that I imagine the guys were disheartened and didn't care as much, so it was easy for those strong bonds to crumble away.

This post has been edited by Merica: Jul 20 2010, 11:11 am

[TheBeacon]

So.... if Ralio wasent a fucking meth head would he have stuck with the band for BOP? I never knew about his drug problems. I always thought that it was just a musical change in direction back to the classic LIVE sound from the 90's. hmmm... and when he came back, I always thought that was a one time thing for old times sake. It looks as if he didnt fall off the wagonhe would have stayed with the band now. This is great stuff, I cant wait fo the book!

[Merica]

Can't believe the label didn't let them have Change, Don't Wait, New City and Still Aroused on TDTH. I wonder what "singer songwriter" tracks they would be in place of. Dance With You, The Distance... Walk In The Dream?

It's funny to think of it really. If the label hadn't have interferred then we'd have had a much more rocky TDTH, and V wouldn't have really been an album, just an explosion of untamed creativity (which is crazy cause, listening to it, I always thought it was that. Not a real album as such.) So REALLY.... you could argue that Ed and the band never truly tried but failed to make a good album...

... cause TDTH is amazing anyway, but label fucked the rocky part of it over a bit. Then the label made V a proper album... sounds like none of them wanted it to be. Then by the time BOP rolled around the troubles and shit were all there and nobody cared any more. Ed didn't care to write, then eventually pulled some together to make a record. That'll do, kinda fashion.

Huh? Ya think? Seems like, to me, Ed didn't naturally just "lose" it like we thought he did. The label fucked things over and made the band look a fool with V, and then nobody cared to try much after that cause they'd fallen out, so BOPs sessions were crap by circumstance. That's kinda cool to think of it like that... in terms of Ed not being as bad, at least.

This post has been edited by Merica: Jul 20 2010, 11:47 am

[Infrequent Poster]

I feel sorry for all the guys now. The record companies took a great band and shattered it. It's just disgusting how people who seem to have no musical sense (Throwing Copper had no songs, seriously!?) make these enormous decisions that change the shape and sound of a band. Fucking bastards. It's no wonder Ed became such a dick and Chad became so apathetic. To feel like you have no control over what you create must be horrible. And then, to make matters worse, when a CD gets released that didn't sound like what you wanted it to be, didn't have the songs that you worked hard to get on there, to have the fans then hate it must be beyond miserable. The band takes all the flak for that too, which sucks when the execs and other suited douchebags deserve the blame (and a good beatdown).

Thank you Chad for writing this. I'm both very sad and very angry at what happened, but I feel like I understand, at least somewhat better, what happened to my favorite band. Your honesty and openness has once again proven why we the fans think so highly of you.

And thank you +Ed+ and Merica. You both deserve all kinds of credit for putting this together. As much as I'd love to hear any of the unreleased tracks this letter might be an even better gift then the songs. You two are tops of what is an amazing fan community.

[swami]

Yes, definitely a huge thanks to +Ed+ and Merica. You guys put the letter together and because of you two we have a lot of information that none of us had before. Round o' beers for +Ed+ and Merica

[icewaterike]

I am absolutely stunned by all of this. I've been following the band for a long time, and this by far is the most energizing thing I've had a chance to read concerning the band... ever.

Huge thanks to +Ed+ and Merica. You guys really got the ball rolling on this and the whole community benefits. To Chad: Wow... you really know how to treat your fans. Thank you sir.

There is so much there to digest.. I need some time!

[+Ed+]

It's funny...back around 2002 or so I was strongly considering writing a book about Live, contacting the guys and management, checking for correctness, finding a publisher and a distributor, etc. I figured I could write at least a good 300 pages or so about the band. But, after reading Chad's letter, I clearly would have written an incomplete book. I'm glad Chad's on the project instead of me. Maybe I can do the cover art

Guess what. In 2004 when I became the admin for WFT (quite a crowdy board at those times) I made a huge cathegory on that board entitled Book About Live and I wished to simply make a book with pics and the story of the band with all the interviews, year by year. It all vanished in a year or so when eople stopped following Live and visiting the board. Guess how I wanted to title it First there was the word, and this word was LIVE.

So... wise men think alike? Or is it an enormous vibe and bond between the StageLEftGuotar and the fans?? Gheghe

As some of you older posters may be aware I spent several years a sportswriter at a newspaper and for a few years now I've been collecting stories about our favorite band for a book. The book is not a history of the band by no means, but just a collection of anecdotes from the fans point of view. Of course this is all still in it's infantile stages.

That is a very nice thought. Maybe you are willing to share it with everyone...heeeeeeey, hold it... I've got an idea!!!

I really like how he said he went to the salvation army to get beat up old couches... Good stuff.

I can't wait to buy this book and I don't think I am mad at Ed anymore.

This is a wonderful post simply stating the feelings. True one, thanks bud.

So.... if Ralio wasent a fucking meth head would he have stuck with the band for BOP? I never knew about his drug problems. I always thought that it was just a musical change in direction back to the classic LIVE sound from the 90's. hmmm...

I think the thoughts about drugs spread enormously by word of mouth back then so Ed simply stated that they were going back to the roots without the keys for it to sound in a more accurate way. But yes. Those rumours started circulating in 2003 as I remember.

Can't believe the label didn't let them have Change, Don't Wait, New City and Still Aroused on TDTH. I wonder what "singer songwriter" tracks they would be in place of. Dance With You, The Distance... Walk In The Dream?

You know, bro... all the shit around millenium changed the perception of music much.

I think that 99 was the last great year from the musical point of view. I was 16 back then and I do remember that most music that I am still hoocked on today I discovered in 1999. And I remember thinking that no more Soundgardens, Depeche Modes, Pearl Jams and other cool old-school stuff was going to appear. I had a feeling that the true music was coming to its end with more polished and radio friendly sound.... I tell ya. And there you go with the record companies fucking up great albums

But if.... if... if... fucking if... Chad says that the first version of SS was BETTER than the studio.... and TDTH should have been even ROCKIER

Than, my friends, we are still following the best band in the history of music......

Damn, how I love this band. and damn, never thought I would say this.... after 7 years of spending time at FANSOL.... fuck, how I love this board......

Wam, pass the wine, Ray, pass the beer, E, pass me anything and the Dutchies... light a pot

We all are in it together.

[icewaterike]

If the board would let me + everyone's rep on this project any more than I have, I would. You guys rule.

[icewaterike]

Dan: is there a way to broadcast a message about this to all the members of this board via email?

I know a lot of the guys/gals from the old days (who are totally not into the band anymore and never come here) would love to read this.

This post has been edited by icewaterike: Jul 20 2010, 1:08 pm

[Merica]

Wam, pass the wine, Ray, pass the beer, E, pass me anything and the Dutchies... light a pot.

Right on, sir - we're all here for the good times. Postivity and wholesome thought.

[sh4rpz]

Dan: is there a way to broadcast a message about this to all the members of this board via email?

I know a lot of the guys/gals from the old days (who are totally not into the band anymore and never come here) would love to read this.

There used to be a FANSOL email not too many years back...maybe it can be salvaged and such things are possible!

Dan?

[+Ed+]

Dan: is there a way to broadcast a message about this to all the members of this board via email?

I know a lot of the guys/gals from the old days (who are totally not into the band anymore and never come here) would love to read this.

Ike, this was discussed previously in this thread. Kevin Martin, Adam Kowalczyk and Chad himself are the members of this board. Maybe some bald guys are as well... Do we really want them all to receive this letter too?

[icewaterike]

Ike, this was discussed previously in this thread. Kevin Martin, Adam Kowalczyk and Chad himself are the members of this board. Maybe some bald guys are as well... Do we really want them all to receive this letter too?

I suppose it would all be about how you framed it in the message to members (ie "letter from Chad Taylor detailing a lot of history about +Live+ you might find interesting")... Chad posted the letter publicly on his blog -- so I'm assuming that means he doesn't mind if the others see it since anyone with an internet connection can see that blog.

[Merica]

I don't think it would harm anyone if we shot the message out now. Something like "come on over and see what Chad Taylor had to tell us..." - something light and impartial etc. It's not like we're doing anything wrong by informing the message board's user directory that Chad Taylor answered our letter, is it?

We didn't want them to know beforehand cause we wanted to get things ready, and that was cool. But now, I say we let the good folks know. Chad poured a lot of emotion into his reply and I think it deserves to be read by as many people. Not to mention the average Live fan will learn so much from it.

Hell, we'd be selfish to keep it to ourselves, surely?

[+Ed+]

Awright, I have nothing against