Spencer Out of Rustic?

[Darek]

Uuumm, so generally I'd wait to talk to someone face to face about this before letting it rip on the internets, but since I'm out of the loop at the moment I'm hoping someone else can get some more details from the guys or Spence himself.

Here's the blurb that was in the Phoenix Sibilance Blog:

"Big news out of the Rustic Overtones camp: keyboardist/vocalist SPENCER ALBEE has left the band, replaced by SEAN MORIN, whom one would think was already pretty busy with his work in the Cambiata, Daro, and Dominic and the Lucid. According to Albee, the break is amicable, and “I need a change of pace, as well as clarity and perspective. Since 1995, I’ve been on tour and making records constantly, and now I find myself seeking respite.” Okay, so that was a prepared statement."

I actually tracked this down because of a post in the cbox on rustic-overtones.com, so good work on setting that up Jeff. I had a hell of a time tracking down the actual blog post in the Phoenix for confirmation since the two Google links just sent me to the Phoenix home page and the search function on the Phoenix site just uses Google. Plus there doesn't appear to be ANY mention of this anywhere else yet.

So yeah, chew on that for a bit until somebody can (hopefully) get us the inside scoop.

[mpb]

I heard this from a few people at the clash earlier this week and wondered if/when an announcement would come. Unfortunately, it seems like it's true.

[Jeff]

I know absolutely nothing about Sean or his work, but always enjoyed Spencer's performances and antics, and all the chatter during shows as well.

[4khiker]

If true this is absolutely horrible news.
I am very sad.

[font]

Did anybody go to the Naukabout festival this weekend? That would be a pretty good indicator.

You know, I always figured that we were on borrowed time anyways. I said when Rustic came back that I would have given almost anything just to hear them once together on stage. It's been a great year. Hopefully the rest of the group remains intact and continues to pump out quality music. If they don't, we were lucky regardless.

[kevbag]

I get the feeling this greatly diminishes the possibility of them ever touring at all.

I was under the impression they were going to go out on tour this summer. Not the tour of Boston and Vermont, mind you... but a real tour... Now, I have a feeling the window of opportuinity to finally see them live again has juuuuuust about closed. Enjoy it Northeasterners... The rest of us are left out to dry.

[Darek]

Aug 18, 2008 8:41:53 GMT -5 font said:

Did anybody go to the Naukabout festival this weekend? That would be a pretty good indicator.

I wasn't there but I saw some pics on Facebook and the guy playing keys (I assume Sean) definitely wasn't Spence. A bummer for sure.

[zach]

Aug 18, 2008 10:18:34 GMT -5 Darek said:

Aug 18, 2008 8:41:53 GMT -5 font said:

Did anybody go to the Naukabout festival this weekend? That would be a pretty good indicator.

I wasn't there but I saw some pics on Facebook and the guy playing keys (I assume Sean) definitely wasn't Spence. A bummer for sure.

I thought the same thing as you. But a few of the pictures actually show the keyboardist pretty well, and it is definitely spencer. You can tell by the face and the lightbulb tattoo on his left arm.

[zach]

Aug 18, 2008 11:07:55 GMT -5 zach said:

Aug 18, 2008 10:18:34 GMT -5 Darek said:

I wasn't there but I saw some pics on Facebook and the guy playing keys (I assume Sean) definitely wasn't Spence. A bummer for sure.

I thought the same thing as you. But a few of the pictures actually show the keyboardist pretty well, and it is definitely spencer. You can tell by the face and the lightbulb tattoo on his left arm.

CORRECTION

All of the pictures were jumbled together and i was looking at a different show, the guy in the pictures definitely isn't Spencer.

My bad, sorry.

[extracake]

What a freaking bummer. I always felt that there was tension there though. Most of the time I felt Spencers antics were quite funny, but often noticed the majority of the band were not laughing. Many of the live recordings back this as well. Often Dave moves forward into song or has to cut spence off and get back to business. Maybe a new dynamic or possibly better unity as band will lead to more music and shows. Please more music and shows. Thanks for the memories spence if all this is true.

[jeff]

Well, that stinks. But hey, like a few other people have already said, I really never expected them to come back after "the final show". Then, when they came out with the album last year, I didn't expect them to tour past the end of the summer. After all the years of great music they've given us, everything from here on out is just icing on the cake. If it has to be Spencer-free icing, I'll still take it.

Look on the bright side. Other bands have carried on long after lineup changes. Sometimes their music goes in a direction that it couldn't go previously. Sometimes, they even get *better*. That's not a knock on the person who left the band, either - it's just a different perspective, or a fresh batch of ideas.

Regardless, best of luck to Spencer and the rest of the guys. And welcome aboard Sean Morin! Captain Beautiful has set sail.

[mpb]

Yeah I'll really miss Spencer's showmanship, but it's more important to me that the band carries on, which hopefully is the case.

If Gavin didn't have so much going on I'd say he would be the PERFECT replacement.

[kevbag]

Aug 18, 2008 21:00:11 GMT -5 mpb said:

Yeah I'll really miss Spencer's showmanship, but it's more important to me that the band carries on, which hopefully is the case.

If Gavin didn't have so much going on I'd say he would be the PERFECT replacement.

musically, maybe. but goofball wise, no way would he fit - and i really mean that in the best possible way for all parties involved. i'm sure gavin could kill all the parts right, but i think he's a bit more cerebral about his approach to music (particularly live) and may not be the best fit. i'd go see the show, but there's no way it will ever come to pass. I know nothing of this new dude, though - maybe he's the "PERFECT replacement."

?

[excitableone311]

i won't mention any names here but when rustic orginially planned to get back together i guess everyone in the band was contemplating weather to include spencer in the reunion or not. i guess he was the last to be contacted. as much as the other guys can't stand him they felt it wouldnt be right not to ask him to join them.

anyways, this was bound to evenutally happen. i hear spencer can be quite the dick and isn't that liked in the portland music scene.

[donna]

Well, damn.

If this is true, it's indeed sad. Spencer is one talented dude. But the rest of them are as well, and I do hope that it isn't the end of Rustic...man that would SUCK. This band, this sound, cannot end....(((

[mpb]

Aug 18, 2008 22:51:51 GMT -5 kevbag said:

Aug 18, 2008 21:00:11 GMT -5 mpb said:

Yeah I'll really miss Spencer's showmanship, but it's more important to me that the band carries on, which hopefully is the case.

If Gavin didn't have so much going on I'd say he would be the PERFECT replacement.

musically, maybe. but goofball wise, no way would he fit - and i really mean that in the best possible way for all parties involved. i'm sure gavin could kill all the parts right, but i think he's a bit more cerebral about his approach to music (particularly live) and may not be the best fit. i'd go see the show, but there's no way it will ever come to pass. I know nothing of this new dude, though - maybe he's the "PERFECT replacement."

?

You're right, Gavin is definitely more subdued (maybe that's what they want?), but what I meant was he's known and been friends with the guys for awhile. I think he fit well on stage with PSC and would do the same for Rustic. After Spencer, I don't think there's anyone else I'd rather see.

[4khiker]

I think Spenc and Dave's relationship was better than some make it out to be. Why else would he jam with PSC so often? Even when AFA wasn't on the bill he occasionally would show up for a song or two.
But i'm sure they're are those on this board that know much more about these things than me.
I also think not being the front man per say, has got to grow on someone that has the capability to be "that guy" and is as talented a songwriter/performer as Spenc. IMO.

[araungzeb]

Yeah, I talked to its definitely true. It's too bad, we'll have to see how they sound sans Spencer.

[Darek]

Not sure who updated the Rustic Wikipedia entry, but seeing Spencer listed under "former members" is pretty rough.

[ericc]

I was at Naukabout and talked to Dave and Tony. Tony said that Spence will always be a brother to him but he's excited about the new keyboardist ability to write. They said that it was mostly Spence's decision. Back when Dave told me that Rustic was getting back together and I asked if that involved Spence, the roll of Dave's eyes could have told anyone that the clash of conflicting personalities was not going to last forever.

[Darek]

Thanks for the info ericc.

[jeff]

What's with Gavin Castleton's post on the Rustic MySpace page (dated August 21st)?

[Darek]

Aug 31, 2008 10:32:54 GMT -5 @jeff said:

What's with Gavin Castleton's post on the Rustic MySpace page (dated August 21st)?

He made the same post on the PSC page when he was playing with them. He may be filling in along with Sean from time to time. They're both pretty busy dudes so I'd imagine they'd need multiple back up plans depending on when gigs are booked.

[Rachel]

Damn, this is what happens when I stop reading the boards for a month?

I love Spence, he's incredibly talented, in spite of his somewhat intense reputation for being a jackass. On one hand, I can definitely see where it might come from. On the other, ouch. My heart, it breaks. RO just won't be the same without him, for me.

Did anyone ever end up hearing anything else about this?

[choppinbroccoli]

I find it strange how Spence has been the only one targeted as a jerk. At least when Spence was doing shows he was actually quite personable, always up for a chat before or after the show. He was also quite entertaining during the show itself. Then there is Gutter. I think he is actually the one who is a jerk. Sure he sings well and smiles on stage with the occasional agreement to play a request already on the set list, but off stage hes not so kind. The last time I saw him I simply tried to give him a compliment on the performance, quick chat type of thing, and not long after my first sentence he was moving along. I mean come on, get over yourself. Months ago you were my local meat b*tch. The rest of the band is great always smiling and open arms, even the new guy, Nigel, who I greatly approve of.

I love Rustic, obviously, I just wish Dave would be more respectful to his fan base. We are the ones who help promote the band, and support the band financially via concert tickets and cds. Maybe its because I'm from Maine and don't understand the motives behind rushed and rude people, but its hard to cheer someone on who snubs you minutes later.

I loves Nigel.
But part of me greatly misses Spen

[jeff]

Hmmm... I've never found Dave to be particularly talkative, but he's always been friendly. Spencer was always friendly too, and was happy to have a decent conversation with you. Jon, now that guy can talk!

[moose]

i think you guys should say hello to jason. he's usually very kind. makes good eye contact too.

[onlycrayons]

I hope we're not judging someone based on one encounter. The few times I've spoken with members of the band, they've been very friendly. But imagine before and after every show being approached by countless strangers who probably want to have some version of the same conversation that the previous one hundred people have had. Maybe you're naturally shy, having a bad day, not feeling well, or temporarily spaced and forgot your manners.

I'd have to say I'd probably want to snub someone who called me their meat bitch.

[Nuphus]

I'm sure this will get me in trouble, but some of you here know I do this from time to time.

There seems to be more and more people in this world that never look at both sides of a situation. They seem to be out for themselves and only care about their enjoyment. The world is their stage.
Read the Post about the last Asylum show for pointers. Most people had a great time for the music, but the crowd seemed to be the ones that were off.
Take it from me. I live in a College town. For some reason from Sept. through Dec. shows around here seem slightly off. Maybe these cats come from really great places, but leave their manners in their hometowns. I'm tired of people that think the world revolves around them. Anyway, I'll get off my soap box now.

choppinbroccoli,
Are you sure you're not Spencer? Or are you the one that put up the collection of Rustic Overtones we heard so much about a month ago?
All I have to say is "get over yourself; it's only music".

[font]

I agree with Nuphus. You can't judge people you don't know personally. It's not fair. I mean I know we all feel like we know the members of the band, but we don't. Let's just all leave it at great musicians who play great music, and enjoy the fact that we are VERY LUCKY to even have Rustic in our lives. Remember, A year and a half ago at this time we were all listening to the "Final Show," hoping that it would some day not be the final show.