-= E L E C T R O N I C G Y P S Y =-
-= S P E C I A L A N N O U N C E M E N T =-

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- J O H N N Y S A Y S G O O D B Y E -
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Hello everyone... I have made by far one of THE most difficult decisions of my life, I have decided after almost 4 years that I am leaving the band... As you all know it hasn't really been easy up to this point, it's kind of been an uphill battle... especially when Chris and I first joined, but over time it had gradually become a little easier as far as re-establishing the fanbase.. it took quite a while before the "Where's Phil?" comments stopped ringing from the audience. I know it hasn't been easy for you guys either, I mean we have had our share of vocalist changes and I know it's been confusing at times, but you all kept supporting us through all of it... I love you all for that, and will never forget it. Since we have changed singers so much, it really kind of made it difficult to move forward.. Just so you all know, when we are on the road we have to pay for the bus and the driver and the hotel rooms etc., etc., etc. There is no record company supporting us, it's been that way from the start... So we have to make a certain amount of cash out there just to be able to do it... that's called a guarantee. Since we changed singers so much our guarantees went way down, it was like we had to reprove ourselves every time that happened... but that's business. The very last tour we did was sort of a financial disaster.. we really barely paid the bills.. we made a little money, but not much at all... Jizzy coming into the band was a lifesaver that's for sure, but again there was a mountain of work in front of us as far as re-establishing the band once again. I really had no problem with this at all... I mean I love this band and the guys, and wake up every single day thanking my lucky stars that I'm able to play with such a high calibre of musicians. But I must be honest here... This reunion record I felt was going to do more damage than any of the singer changes...it's been looming in the background now since March of '98.. I first heard about it when we were in the studio with Ralph recording Wasted.. I felt it was going to ruin everything we've worked for as far as the fans were concerned. When Tracii took Jizzy and I into the back lounge of the bus on this last tour, and told us they were doing the reunion record, I knew it was over.. they reassured us that it was JUST this one thing and not to worry.. but I've been doing this for over 25 years and although I haven't been famous all that time, I do know the mechanics of the business quite well. I knew for a fact as soon as our booking agency heard about the reunion record they were going to start putting out the feelers — you know just to see what kind of money they could get for the original lineup... Well I've been losing sleep over this and starting to stress out pretty badly... Don't get me wrong.. I sincerely want the very best for Tracii and Steve, and no matter what you may hear or who says what after all of this is said and done, I'm telling you now I love them both, and am forever grateful for the opportunity they gave Chris and I when they asked us to join the band. There was a time when I felt NO ONE could get into this band and come between us and our goals, I just don't feel that way anymore... Those of you who know me well, know I'm either 10000% or nothing... considering the circumstances I just can't put that much into this anymore. So with all of that said, I am leaving... I love you all more than I can express and will cherish the memories you gave me until the day I die... God bless you all and please do not hold this against the band or Steve and Tracii... Enjoy the music.

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