The Agalloch breakup continues to unfold, which isn’t surprising given the initial announcement confirmed all band members were essentially kicked out by vocalist/guitarist/drummer, etc. Joahn Haughm. Haughm himself later suggested in a different statement that he may continue on with the band without the other members. Whether that happens or not, former guitarist/drummer/keyboardist Don Anderson has since commented on the situation, stating: “you won’t ever hear new music from Agalloch.”:
“Dear Everyone,
Usually statements like these open with expressions of gratitude for the fans, friends, colleagues, and people we’ve worked with. There is a sort of form to the break-up letter that long-running bands produce: “thanks everyone that has supported us over the years, bought our records, came to our shows,” and so forth. Then the apologies arrive from fans, friends, and family members: “we’re so sorry to hear this. We hope you are ok.” But, I can’t start like that—it seems too mechanical. I can’t start that way because it is I who should apologize to all of you.
I am sorry you won’t ever hear new music from Agalloch. I am sorry our fans in Latin America, China, Russia, Japan, Australia, will never see us play. I’m sorry I won’t personally meet many of you after a show and talk about music, movies, school, and share a shot of bourbon. I’m really, really sorry because I had every intention of continuing.
This was not my decision.
I did not want this.
I still maintain it was not necessary.
I’m sorry it had to be this way. I am personally devastated and have not felt this level of grief since my father passed away ten years ago. So, if you are sad, upset, pissed, or bitter—I share these feelings with you. I know Agalloch deeply touched a lot of people. And I honor that by grieving in solidarity with all of you. Agalloch was an incalculable part of my identity and I’ll be walking as half a man for some time now.
I want to thank many people. I am terrified of forgetting anyone as my mind isn’t all that clear today. So, for now, I really want to thank the fans from the bottom of my heart. My favorite activity was meeting all of you after a gig, or before a gig. The spiritual connection you and I shared during a show was the closest I, an atheist, have ever felt to God. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
You might think our music helped you through the dark times in your lives, but all along you were helping me avoid the darkness.
Sincerely,
Don Anderson
New York, May 14, 2016″
Things have also gotten a bit cloudier in the days since the first announcements, with the original breakup post, etc. being deleted from Agalloch‘s Facebook (and once again returning today, May 19th) while the following post cropped up on the band’s official website, Agalloch.org, yesterday, May 18th:
“In May 2016, founding member John Haughm parted ways with Don, Aesop and Jason and, after careful consideration, permanently put the band to rest.”
Perhaps Haughm should have changed the passwords to the band’s social media accounts before pulling the plug?
