with LOVE and respect, A new message from Chad Taylor Options

[Merica]

Good morning. I'm proud of the +LIVE+ family for being able to have a healthy debate without cutting each other down. I can feel your passion and encourage you to continue in healthy dialog with an ear towards listening generously and inclusion. There is no right or wrong, so we need not take a position that results in more pain or sorrow, there is already too much of this. Some fans may choose to leave +LIVE+ based on many parameters. Some will stay but this has always been the case as I've seen millions of you come and go. Regardless, when we need our +LIVE+, it is there for us in recorded format, preserved just as it was. There will also be many of you (like me) that want to hear +LIVE+ music in concert. I agree once again that trying to replace a soulmate like Ed is impossible but it is possible to replicate the intention of the music and lyric and hold high its value.

The fact is that we, the band, haven't mentioned who will be singing (read the original post). Many of you have jumped to conclusions. The power of your language and the thoughts you choose to share will have a deep impact, so we must choose wisely. I for one, do not need your defense, nor does Ed, Chad or Patrick. We are well aware of our intimate relationship to +LIVE+ and our contributions. I agree 100% that Ed is a pillar of +LIVE+. This band and its music are forever indebted to his creativity and devotion to making +LIVE+ music. The fact again is that +LIVE+ music will outlast and outlive the original band. There will come a day when we have all passed but "Lightning Crashes" or "Peace Is Now" will continue to have new listeners. Many artists world wide perform and record +LIVE+ songs and they too are an extension of our lives work. Many players/musicians have contributed to our lineage of music. Woody Jackson for example was part of the band in high school followed by Christopher Thorn, Adam Kowalczyk, Michael Railo, Lloyd Maines, Jerry Harrison and even the New York Philharmonic. I haven't begun to list the many managers, agents, lawyers, publicists, video directors, art directors, touring crew and label workers who collaborated with the band to deliver the music as +LIVE+. Even when +LIVE+ was learning to play our instruments in the garage on Newberry Street, we had Rodney "Butch" Seifert, Matt Gracey, Bernard Rudolph and Robbie Landis working in the shadows. It was always bigger than Chad, Patrick, Ed or myself. We cannot afford to act or think in a precious manner when it comes to this music.


+LIVE+ to me and many others is so much more than a rock band. We worked without regard to typical rock band dynamics to help set the human race free; to negate racism and to negate nationalism and the religious boundaries that have only served to divide mankind. +LIVE+ remains an instrument of the people. Ed Kowalczyk's contribution to +LIVE+ cannot end - he brought to light many of the very ideals and concepts that fueled a global community of music lovers who wanted more that "we got it on" lyrics within your average pop tune. This cannot be overshadowed and there will be no attempt to dishonor Ed or any member of +LIVE+ past or present. Ed is welcome to contribute to +LIVE+ as many other have in the past and will in the future. There will be no exclusion under my leadership. All voices do matter to me and this is why I have asked for your many incredible thoughts. I am overjoyed to see that many of you can see the value in continuing this musical spirit!

Chad, Patrick and myself have announced our intention to make +LIVE+ music once again. This was not an easy decision and one we wrestle with every day. We care very much for our history and care very much for our relationship with you. After all, a band is nothing but relationships. As I have written previously; Ed, Chad, Patrick and myself are working hard to mend any issues that may have come between us. Our greatest collective accomplishment has been +LIVE+ and it may be the very reason we continue to work towards a healthy relationship with each other but once again, those dynamics are not for public consumption (I clearly made that error previously and have learned a valuable lesson). These are private matters between brothers.

+LIVE+ on the other hand is for the people. Regardless of wether you choose to remain a fan of the band is your choice but as long as +LIVE+ remains in my care, we are ambitiously moving forward. With any luck, you'll hear the intensity I heard last week when we began to dust off the old material. It sounded so amazing right out of the box. +LIVE+ music has a feel all of its own and I can't wait to perform it for as long as I possibly can; even if its for a room a one, its well worth the effort.

Please do not abuse each other over the politics and propaganda of those who would will division or fear. Please try and value each members thoughts regardless of your position. This is our community and I am very proud to have an association with members who are drawn to higher principles of the world - oh yeah, and really loud rock n' roll.

with LOVE and respect,


Chad Taylor

Loving the frequency of communication lately.