Dave Brandwein, guitarist, vocalist, and co-founder of Turkuaz, has issued a lengthy statement following the sudden departure of seven members from the nine-piece outfit earlier this week. Read the full statement from Dave Brandwein on the Turkuaz news below:
I’d like a chance to address the events of the other day, which caught me, Taylor, our fans and many others by surprise. This includes our amazing opening act, Thumpasaurus, and all of the wonderful venues and promoters who were invested in this tour. I’d also like to be extremely clear that I am not here to express any ill will towards anybody. I merely wish to state my feelings on the matter and speak for myself.
I am devastated to be forced to cancel the dates on our calendar, especially in the middle of a tour. The first thing on my mind above all else is the fans. Our only goal in persevering through the nearly-impossible climate of post-pandemic touring was to give to the fans. I could go on about the difficulties of trying to hold together an enormous operation like this under these circumstances, but I would hope that it’s self-evident and that anybody could imagine that the logistics, math and context does not present us with an easy road.
I have also had a very turbulent year personally. I have struggled. Through the pandemic, I’ve confronted obstacles that have changed my life forever. Alcohol abuse, rehab, divorce, sobriety and re-entering the live music world in a scary time. I am not a perfect person by any means, and I am always on a continuous and difficult journey to look inside, improve myself and try to be the best version of myself that I can be.
I am incredibly fortunate to have so many loving friends and family stick by my side through these difficulties, but I also completely understand that after years of complicated relationships, some people just do not feel they can be a part of my life anymore. While this hurts me a lot, I understand they are doing what is best for them and this understanding is a part of the transformation process. In the 6 months I’ve been sober, I’ve tried my best to continue doing my job and navigating things and I wish it had gone differently.
So while I do not understand why this happened this way and at this time, mid-tour, I respect the overall decision that has been made and I wish my former bandmates nothing but good health, success and happiness in all their future endeavors. These people were like family to me, and regardless of what has happened, I know that Taylor and I both cherish and value the experiences we had together with every single one of them. I look forward to playing and releasing more music, whether it be Turkuaz or the many other new, exciting projects I have in the works.
Again, I ask for privacy and respect at this difficult time. I have already received some nasty messages from people I’ve never met before, and I can’t express how much pain this brings me. I think we all could use a lesson in being more gentle, kind and loving — myself included. I hope this finds everybody safe and sound, and that you’re surrounded by positive people who support you and love you. That is the best we can all hope for.
News of the group’s split initially broke via a three-tile note posted to social media by guitarist/keyboardist Craig Brodhead, trumpeter/keyboardist Chris Brouwers, drummer Mikey Carubba, vocalist Shira Elias, vocalist Sammi Garett, saxophonist Greg Sanderson, saxophonist/vocalist Josh Schwartz, and touring crew member Zach Fichter, the departing members of Turkuaz’s touring camp. Read the full message from the departing members of Turkuaz below:
From: Craig, Chris, Mikey, Shira, Sammi, Greg, Josh and Zach
We have made the difficult decision to step away from Turkuaz.
We have spent the last several years traveling the world together with the intention of spreading love and joy through our music. During that time, we have grown together as a family, and we’ve learned how to love and support each other through both the best and worst of times.
We stand unified and in full support of one another as we make this decision to end our involvement with Turkuaz. We are eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to perform for all of you, and even more grateful to have become close friends with so many of you along the way.
We thank you for respecting our privacy in this matter, and for your continued support. We are very excited to share the many projects that we’ve all been working on – there are some truly amazing things to come.
The note was signed by all of the band’s members except co-founders Brandwein and bassist Taylor Shell. The full note is also posted on the band’s Facebook page.
The nine-piece outfit had a busy Halloween weekend ahead of the surprising announcement on Tuesday. After releasing a new single, “Shakin’ In My Sheets”, on Friday, the band performed a pair of “hometown” shows at New York’s Webster Hall on Friday, 10/29 and Saturday, 10/30. From there, the band headed to Suwannee Hulaween in Live Oak, FL for a Remain in Light set with Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew on Sunday, 10/31. The band had recently trimmed down its previously announced schedule of fall tour dates, but was scheduled to continue playing shows throughout the rest of 2021 and into 2022.
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