(no subject)

[ericcoleman]

This is hard to write. Let me get right to the point, then some details. I am no longer a member of Toyboat. I have spent much of this year trying to get my drum chops back together after the surgery and my left hand just can't cut it. I can do rudiments, shuffles (for a little while) but if I try to play as needed in a band like Toyboat my left hand hurts, and it hurts a lot.

The Carpal Tunnel surgery did all that it should, I don't lose feeling in my fingers anymore. The Trigger Thumb surgery is the problem. It weakened my left hand. I don't want to damage myself any more than I have already. I don't want to find myself, in a couple of years, losing all of my ability to play music.

There are going to be some things said, I want to nip them in the bud right away.

This is not because of Cheshire Moon, this is not because of Lizzie. Cheshire Moon is the most satisfying thing I have ever done musically, but it does not match the sheer visceral insanity that is a Toyboat show (or rehearsal for that matter).

There is at least one person who has expressed anger at my playing shows with Cheshire Moon and "ignoring" Toyboat. In the time that I have been hurt, Mike broke his wrist. There wouldn't have been any shows anyway. Almost half the band was on the disabled list.

The more important thing about my playing shows with Cheshire Moon, it doesn't hurt. In fact my surgeons advice was, as soon as the bandages were off, to start playing stringed instruments as my therapy. Fretting with my left hand doesn't have the impact that hitting a snare drum does.

I will miss the drums, I will miss them so badly. I had just gotten started backing up other musicians with my little piccolo snare and a couple of cymbals. I have a full set of drums in my basement now. My kids will use them. I will want to and I won't be able to.

This is really hard. This band means so much to me. It started as a silly idea that I had and went further than I ever imagined. I will miss the rehearsals, the shows, the jokes, the twisted things we did to songs. I will miss being a part of that gang, because that is what a good band is.

Toyboat will continue. I want the second album. The newer songs are amazing. Keep tearing audiences up. I'll be in that audience when I can.

Comments

[lemmozine.livejournal.com]

Please understand, I don't mean this literally, but I can't resist the bad pun.

Toyboat will be sunk without you.

[ericcoleman]

I think they will come out better for it. Especially if they come up with a drummer who can play in more than 4/4

[peteralway.livejournal.com]

Well that sucks. On the other had, I'm glad that Cheshire Moon doesn't hurt your hand. Because that's cool music too. Keep having painless fun!

[cw smith (from livejournal.com)]

So sorry to hear of your decision, but I definitely understand. The important thing is that you're continuing to make music, and in a way that isn't painful or harmful.

There really isn't any reason for anyone to pit Toyboat and Cheshire Moon against one another: they're totally different bands, with different sounds, and different audiences. And each is a great experience in its own right. Give the remaining members of Toyboat my best, and I too will do my best to catch them next time I'm able. And cheers to Cheshire Moon: may you continue to make great music together.

[ntrlstgrl.livejournal.com]

Sometimes making the best, most sensible, healthy decisions seriously sucks. I'm disappointed for you to not be able to continue with Toyboat, because I know how much you enjoyed it. I'm delighted to know you and Lizzie will be able to continue to perform together.

[johnny9fingers.livejournal.com]

Aw man, that sucks.

May your other endeavours be easier on the body: and may they be as rewarding.

[hms42]

I agree with the comments... Its a disappointment that you will no longer be in Toyboat, but your health has to come first.

I hope you stay involved with them as an extra performer on occasion with instruments you can play.

[catalana.livejournal.com]

Being a responsible adult sucks sometimes (says the woman who just had to replace her AC and furnace.) *hug* I have to admit that I so associate your growly voice with Toyboat style music that it'll be a little weird not having you in there. But I definitely understand having to make good choices for your health. Take care of yourself. *hug*

[ericcoleman]

I only sing two of the songs.

[judifilksign.livejournal.com]

I remember being terrified I would lose my thumb when I had surgery for the cyst. It was weeks before I could use my hand again. I worried that I could never play guitar or banjo again, or ever sign with both hands.

In addition, signers get Carpal Tunnel quite easily, and have to ease back on output, or they can re-injure themselves. Some interpreters must quit entirely, and do something else. I have had a couple of bouts of CT myself, and have had to wear braces and take time away from signing. So, I have a great deal of empathy for your situation. May you continue to heal up.

I'm glad you can continue to do things musically, and look forward to hearing you and Lizzie with Cheshire Moon. I'm sorry people are yapping about things they don't know anything about, and are hurting the two of you. May they get it straight quickly.

[ericcoleman]

Let me make it clear, there was one instance. The rest is setting things straight beforehand.

[code-indigo.livejournal.com]

ok. so I need to move to Chicago and learn to play drums? I've got the non-4/4 metres covered in spades at this point.

[autographedcat.livejournal.com]

While I'm obviously sorry to hear this, I'm glad you're able to take care of yourself and that you still have a musical outlet.

Rock on, my friend. Rock on.

[batyatoon]

I read this and said "Oh, no!" out loud.

Damn. I'm sorry, man. That sucks so much. :(

I'm glad you still have ways to make music.

[ericcoleman]

I think you are going to like Cheshire Moon. And I would like to state now if you are in circle with us feel free to join in 'cause I think you and Lizzie would sing wonderfully together!

[batyatoon]

Oh, believe me, I fully intend to. :D