「サージからのコメント」

Hey everyone,

As you know, I'm leaving the band. At this point, I know you've heard about why and how, so I'm not going to spend anymore time on that. What I would like to do instead is thank the people who have really been important to me in these past five years.

Of course, the first person I want to thank is Kenny. One of the hardest things for me about leaving the band is not to be able to travel and to work together with him. He's one of the most down-to-earth, generous people I know, and I'm EXTREMELY grateful for the opportunities he has given me. Everyone knows that when you join someone's solo project, you're just the back up band. You show up, you plug your bass in, you play the songs that this person has written and then you leave. From what I've seen around me, that's how it usually works.

But not with Ken.

Kenny has made us feel like full members of the band because he has shared everything with us. Personally, he gave me the opportunity to express myself and trusted me to express his feelings through music and lyrics, to make jokes through artwork and t-shirts, to introduce myself through photos, and a million other things. I was constantly giving Kenny suggestions and comments, and he always listened and considered what I had to bring. Those who have been, or are, in bands know how rare those kinds of relationships and opportunities are, and to find them in a solo project ? unbelievable.

In addition to the band relationship, Ken has been like a brother to me since I've moved to Japan. He has been there for me through everything. I know I can always talk to him about anything and he will never judge or laugh at me. He's celebrated with me through the ups and supported me through the downs. I love him like family and I'm going to miss having as much time together.

Next, I would like to thank Gunn-chan for being such a good friend. He's an awesome drummer and the nicest person you'll ever meet. I'm gonna miss walking around some city we've never been to, in the middle of the night, looking for a yaki-niku shop that's still open.

I also want to thank Minami-chan for his new friendship. We've only been hanging out for several months, but I feel like I've know him for 10 years. He's such a cool and funny dude and I wish we had more years to tour together.

Ken Band -- I'm really, really going to miss being around you guys and our a cappella trips through bad 80's music and laughing like crazy at the studio.

I want to thank my wife, Emi-chan, for everything she's put up with and done for me. From helping me pack, to bringing me underwear that I've forgotten, to sending me medicine to some random hotel, to taking care of the bills and the house while I'm away, to watching the TV on mute for hours while I write some cheesy song. I couldn't be luckier to find someone like her. I've missed most of her birthdays because of tours and business trips, and she never complained. She's hotter than most girls and cooler than most dudes I know. I'm fucking lucky.

To the Ken Band and Pizza of Death staff - I am eternally grateful. Anyone who has ever done DIY touring knows what it's like not to have support like yours. I'm so thankful for your dedication and hard work and for putting up with my stupid ass bullshit. For every non-smoking, internet ready, room on a separate floor you booked, for every bass string you've changed, for every shirt you have made in XXL, for every show you made sound and look great ? I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

And, most importantly, I want to thank you all ? the fans! Without you, none of this would be worth a damn. Your love and support for the band means more to me than I can ever express. You guys have made all of my dreams come true and I hope we can meet again some day soon.

Ciao, baby!

-Serge

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