Alexisonfire - A Tribute
Our hearts sank the other day, as the legendary underdog Canadian band from St. Catherines, Alexisonfire, officially called it quits.
As a band, we are unbelievably lucky to be able to draw from a number of amazing Canadian influences, but not many bands have affected this band the way Alexisonfire has. Before we get into that, first a backstory:
When people ask us how long we’ve been a band for it is an extremely difficult question to answer. Myself and Ty started playing music back when we were 12 years old. We would get together every day at lunch and sit in our Junior high band room playing music, only to meet up at each others houses after school to play more music. Maybe this is why we are so socially undeveloped… ANYWAYS, this love of music is what first united us. This was right around the same time that Alexisonfire was starting to hit the media circuit, and I think its safe to say that during 50% of these writing sessions at least one of us was wearing an Alexisonfire shirt. One of the first tracks we ever wrote around that time (Tom Selleck Two Step) was almost entirely inspired by the guitar work of Wade and Dallas. I was fascinated by the melody in such heavy and destructive guitar chords, and was immediately addicted to that powerful style of music. As time went on, me and Ty went to literally every Alexisonfire tour we could together, and continued to look to them as our music idols.
For me, Alexisonfire was like my first love. There are a number of reasons I got involved with playing music, and even more reasons why I got involved in playing with bands. I’d be lying if I said I don’t owe almost everything I am as a musician today to bands like Sum 41, Ten Second Epic, Drive By Punch, and Alexisonfire. They kickstarted my love for musical creation, and helped me see the true community that music can be.
Soon after when we met Quinn, and later Tyson, it was clear that Alexisonfire would continue to be a primary influence for all of us. While we all grew musically and moved forward as a band, Alexisonfire remained there as a constant reminder of what true passionate music can do for a band with an intense DIY ethic. Alexisonfire gives hope to every band that passionately plays music apart from what Canadian society values as radio friendly. As cliche as it sounds, they truly paved the way.
While we never had the pleasure of working with or meeting the members of Alexisonfire like many of our counterparts have, we are unbelievably thankful to them for helping us become the band we are today. Both musically and otherwise, our common love for the DIY “from the ground-up” approach taken by Alexisonfire is everything we ever hope to be as a band. Their legacy is a uniting fabric of this band, and reminds us of the community we share through our own perseverance.
As they did 10 years ago, they will continue to help us shape and create the music that we love to make, and for that we thank them.
Sincerely,
Evan
RIP Alexisonfire 2001-2011