I can’t be the only one thoroughly disappointed by the fact that Tony Thaxton, the drummer for Motion City Soundtrack, has left the band. They’ve been a band that I’ve listened to since I started to like cool music, and I even talked to them at Warped Tour. I’ve seen them live and no matter what, their music is timeless. That’s why I was stunned and saddened when after over ten years, a member just up and left.
The band wrote a statement, and within it, Tony comments on the decision as well. Here’s the whole thing:
“Dear Friends,
“ Our beloved drummer Tony Thaxton has decided to leave the band. We really hate to see him go, but we fully support him in his choice and wish him the absolute best in the future. Tony’s contribution to the band over the last 11+ years was immeasurable, both on the stage and off. We’re really glad to have been able to share some truly amazing times with such a great drummer and friend. He will be missed.
“Here are a few words from Tony:
“I’m afraid the time has come for me to move on from Motion City Soundtrack. This was an extremely, extremely hard decision to make, but one that I felt was very necessary for me. As you get older, life can lead you different ways, and some things that were once easy become harder. Being on the road so much was really starting to take its toll on me. It just feels like it is time for me to move on. I am beyond grateful for all of the things I have been able to experience in the last 11 years with the band. I got to play shows in 19 countries. I got to be in magazines. I got to play on tv. I got to discuss Shiatsu massage with M. Night Shyamalan (seriously). I got to meet and be thankful for so many great fans. It was definitely an amazing run that I never dreamed I would be able to experience.
“I am not 100% sure what exactly the future holds for me, but it does not involve MCS. MCS will continue on without me, and I wish everyone the best. I thank Justin, Josh, Jesse, and Matt for being understanding of my decision. And most of all, I thank you all for your incredible support. We never could have done anything without you all. I’ll never forget these past 11 years. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
“ As Tony said, we will be moving on. We’re currently writing new songs and rehearsing. We will be playing all upcoming shows with our good friend Claudio Rivera, who played with us in 2009 when Tony broke his arm.
“We’d like to take this moment to thank each and every one of you for your support of our band, and for sticking with us through thick and thin. You’re the reason we are able to do what we do. We’ll see you at the Warped Tour this summer!
“heart,
“MCS”
I am unsure what the real reason for the departure was, but I’m sure it has to do with the fact that they’re all grown men now. As sad as it is, we all realize that bands are never what they used to be once they hit a certain age- I mean c’mon Green Day- and though letting go is unfortunate, their music will always be around.
Luckily, the band isn’t breaking up. MCS has temporarily replaced Thaxton with Claudio Rivera from Saves The Day. Also, they’re on Warped Tour this year, which is going to be great. Though I dislike the change because no one will ever do for the band’s music what Thaxton did, I have faith that MCS will keep their quirky and phenomenal music going.
Best of luck to Tony Thaxton, and Motion City Soundtrack. Sometimes paths diverge. However, the path you were on together was one of the greatest and most memorable of my childhood- we’re all growing up.