us that Shai Hulud has issued a press release to clear up all the rumors about the band's future. Click below for all the details. In short, vocalist Geert is leaving the band. The other members of the band plan to forge ahead with their current recording plans, only under a new name. There is a chance that next year original vocalist Chad Gilbert may join Shai Hulud for a final tour, although nothing has been decided.
Information straight from the horse's mouth. Hey, you calling me a horse?! Come on now. Stay serious for just a moment, if you please…
Fact: Shai Hulud and Geert have indeed parted ways.
This has been a long time coming, and it was necessary for even longer than it was thought of as an option. Can't give you any more details there. That would be ungentlemanly. Last I thing I want to do is look through your hamper to find your skid-marked undergarments. We would all do well to keep our dirty laundry to ourselves. All involved parties could feasibly sh!t-talk you into the next millennium if they were inclined to do so. We won't bother with any of that here. Just the facts ma'am. Just like in Dragnet.
Below is a brief Q and A. We hope this answers your immediate questions. More details will be posted soon. How soon? Not exactly sure yet. Soon enough though. Promise. Without further adieu…
Q: Is Shai Hulud breaking up?
A: We don't know how to answer that. It depends on how you define breaking up. Some considered Shai Hulud broken up in 1999 when the band had its most drastic line-up changes. Ask us a different question.
Q: Ok, first, stop being difficult. Now, are you guys going to continue writing music, and playing shows under the name "Shai Hulud?"
A: Better question for sure. Good work.
Matt's Fletcher and Fox, on their quest to be destitute for the rest of their lives because of their passion for the fusion of Heavy Metal and Hardcore, are pushing on (Did you really think otherwise? You know us better than that) with the material they wrote for the next Shai Hulud album, although the Matts agree a change of the band's name is in order. The music, lyrics, and concepts that were to make up the next Shai Hulud album will see the light of day next year, just under a different name. You will not be disappointed. Information on the new name and material is on its way. When? We have no idea just yet. Hang tight, lovies.
Regarding shows: As far as we know right now, our Japanese excursion is booked for January 2004 and is still going through. Last time we (Matt x 3, Tony, Geert) discussed Shai Hulud's final plans, Japan was agreed upon, and we also talked about a brief European tour. PLEASE NOTE: Nothing is ultimately confirmed. Japan is nearing confirmation, but a possible European mosh is still is in the earliest stages, and it may or may not happen. Please bear with us. We hope to have a confirmation either way very soon.
No more American dates with the aforementioned lineup are being planned or even discussed. Any shows we were scheduled to play, including the dates on the upcoming Further Seems Forever tour, have been cancelled. This is unfortunate, however necessary. Please accept our apologies.
Q: What's all this hullabaloo about Chad Gilbert, once of Shai Hulud and Backscatter, currently of New Found Glory and Hazen Street, coming back for a tour? You pulling our legs?
A: We don't have the time or energy to pull your legs, friends. Here's the dilly: We are talking on a very regular basis with one Chadwick "81" Gilbert about doing a brief run through The States sometime next year. The Matts and Chad are all very excited about this prospect, however, nothing is confirmed yet. Chad is one busy dude you know? To boot, old friend and drummer Steven Lee Kleisath, currently of Further Seems Forever, and formerly of Strongarm, Pull, and My Own America has also expressed interest in playing these shows. We are all currently checking our respective calendars to see when this could happen, if indeed it does happen. Once again, everything is still in the discussion stages. Everyone potentially involved is very excited about the idea of these shows. We all hope it comes together. Keep checking hulud.com for details. You won't miss the news. We update the site once every 45 years.
I believe the above is enough to answer immediate questions. Thinking about this and typing everything up is really taxing, I think you understand. Forgive any lack of details. We won't keep you in the dark too long. Is it 7 already? Just 5 more minutes Mom.
All your collective support is very important to us. That is a good portion of what keeps the fire under our butts lit. Feel free to email Fletcher or myself with any comments or concerns; we love to hear from you. Please do not expect a quick response, as it is just not possible at the moment. We will, however, read and appreciate every email we get. Thanks for everything. Keep well, and for the love of God, do not watch Superman 4. Listen to St. Anger instead. Ha!
Until soon,
Matt Fox
fox@hulud.com