and tips us off to http://www.biginjapan.net/, where frontman Zac has written a long diatribe discussing the band's future:
"I always had issues with the fact that I lived in Reno, NV and the rest of the band lived in Los Angeles, CA… after much deliberation I decided to make what I believe to be a much needed change. I called up Joey, Todd and Corky and told them… I no longer wanted to be in a band that doesn't exist and function like (in my opinion) a real band. The end result was that I had to find new members. Big in Japan is now a three-piece Reno, Nevada band."
To read the full statement, click on READ MORE. I think a Big In Japan/The Stereo tour would be perfect right about now…
Hello Kids. I'm sure you've all been wondering what the hell happened to Big in Japan. Well, things just kinda slowed way down there for a little while and then the band went through some major changes. I always had issues with the fact that I lived in Reno, NV and the rest of the band lived in Los Angeles, CA. I'm sure most people would think that to be a weird situation for such a young, wet-behind-the-ears band. I certainly felt that way about it.
Anyway, after much deliberation I decided to make what I believe to be a much needed change. I called up Joey, Todd and Corky and told them how I felt about things. In no uncertain terms I let them know that they are my good friends and I absolutely love being in a band with them but I no longer wanted to be in a band that doesn't exist and function like (in my opinion) a real band. I brought up the option of the three of them moving to Reno but nobody was interested and I completely expected and understood thier response. The end result was that I had to find new members.
Big in Japan is now a three-piece Reno, Nevada band. Check out the pics of the new boys. Asa Dakin is playing bass and Matt Mayhall (glasses) is playing the drums. For those of you thinking that Joey, Todd and Corky can't be replaced, you're right. I'm not trying to replace or reinact the old lineup. That would be impossible. Asa and Matt are not replacements. They're just new and different, and I'm positive that once we play your town again you'll warm up to the new guys instantly.
As far as I know, there is no incredibley large amount of animosity between Joey, Todd, Corky and myself. I assume and hope we will remain friends despite my decision and I look forward to playing shows and hanging out with them in their new band. I'm not sure of the name yet, but be sure to keep an eye out for them in the coming months. I plan on posting any info about them on this site.
Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I can mention some more uplifting information. BIJ is playing its first show with the new lineup on Wednesday, July 10th with Poster Children and the Atomiks at Club Voodoo (21+) in Reno, Nevada. Our first all ages show will be a few days later on Saturday, July 13th at Ark-a-ik, also in Reno. We are planning on doing some west coast dates later this summer in Utah, Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington and possibly Idaho. Keep checking this site in the coming weeks to get more detailed and definite information on all of our upcoming shows.
In other news, BIJ is planning on recording a new album in the fall and then doing some more extensive touring in the winter and spring.
Along with this long-winded essay, this site has also been updated. Nothing major, just some changes to the merch page and mailing address, etc. Check it out. Thanks. -Zac