Preparing emotionally for Old Flings' last show at THE FEST tomorrow has been a ongoing process as of late. Despite the fact that we haven't played together since May 27th, in a different country at that, I still don't think I'm fully emotionally prepared for it. I haven't gone without being in a touring band since 2007; nine consecutive years, the last six with Old Flings. And that's not including the three years prior I had been hitting the road with my friends' bands. Relative to many others before me, I'm sure it doesn't seem like much, but the impact it has made on my life and who I am is truly vast and will affect me forever.
This moment has been hard to come to terms with, quite honestly. I have loved being in this band. I have loved being in a band with Matt Evans,Springs Wade, and Travis Hollifield. I have loved being crammed in a van/car with friends like Grant, Chris, Wesley, my wife Samantha (who has hit the road with us multiple times), Ally, and Hayden. I have enjoyed becoming friends with the great people we've toured or shared the road with, like Family Cat, Burners/Bodyfather, Springtime, Brief Lives, Sundale, Hold Tight!, The New Lows, and the countless other bands who've played shows with us. I am supremely thankful for the opportunities to travel the country and the world this band has given me. I have loved meeting countless wonderful people through this band and through this community. I will miss these aspects of it so much.
We thought last year would be my final Fest show and that I would end my time in the band in Europe. While I am sad that this band will no longer go on writing awesome, fun music without me, I am thankful to have one last opportunity to share the stage with Matt and Travis, ending the band as we began. I didn't mean to write this long of a status update, but if you know me at all, you're probably not surprised. Anyway, lets get this over with.
I hope I get to see so many of you, my friends from all over the world, tomorrow in Gainesville. Long live the broken heart.
- Jordan
