After more than a decade of activity, Chicago-based indie folk unit Fruit Bats are calling it quits.
Band leader Eric D. Johnson delivered the news earlier today (November 11) with an open letter on Paste, noting that the band's string of Pacific Northwest tour dates this week, including a Canadian show in Victoria, are most likely their last. He did say, however, that there is a possibility for one last hometown show.
The end of Fruit Bats apparently isn't acrimonious, with Johnson stating that the group was basically his solo project, and he's just looking for a change. While he currently plays with the Shins, Johnson also pointed to film scoring work as being a focal point for his artistic inclinations. He noted he will "still write songs and make records and play shows," just not under the name Fruit Bats.
Fruit Bats' last LP was 2011's Tripper, though the band had been touring this year behind a 10th anniversary vinyl reissue of Mouthfuls.
You can see Johnson's full report down below, where you'll also find the group's remaining dates.
Hey All. So, after 13 years, 5 albums, bunch of tours, and lots of laughs, Fruit Bats is calling it a day. There is no major or dramatic reason — I'm not gonna launch into one of those "the changing face of the music landscape in the digital age," things. Especially since I don't even understand any of that stuff. It's been a long run and time for a change. I've been fortunate enough to start scoring movies and producing bands and I'm super excited to continue on with that. Plus I'll still write songs and make records and play shows, which will scratch any Fruit Bats itch that you've got. I mean, Fruit Bats has always ostensibly been a "solo" project, so this is just the start of chapter two, really… But anyway, new music from me still! More on that soon, so please don't lose touch. This means that these shows next week will be our last (though I think we might plan some kinda epic last gig in Chicago one of these days, but that is to be determined)… So come on out and blow us a kiss goodbye. I know artists always say this but, seriously, thanks for listening, it has been amazing sharing this stuff with you. More to come (from a different angle) soon.
Tour dates:
11/14 Seattle, WA - Neptune
11/15 Victoria, BC - Upstairs Cabaret
11/16 Portland, OR - Aladdin Theatre
Band leader Eric D. Johnson delivered the news earlier today (November 11) with an open letter on Paste, noting that the band's string of Pacific Northwest tour dates this week, including a Canadian show in Victoria, are most likely their last. He did say, however, that there is a possibility for one last hometown show.
The end of Fruit Bats apparently isn't acrimonious, with Johnson stating that the group was basically his solo project, and he's just looking for a change. While he currently plays with the Shins, Johnson also pointed to film scoring work as being a focal point for his artistic inclinations. He noted he will "still write songs and make records and play shows," just not under the name Fruit Bats.
Fruit Bats' last LP was 2011's Tripper, though the band had been touring this year behind a 10th anniversary vinyl reissue of Mouthfuls.
You can see Johnson's full report down below, where you'll also find the group's remaining dates.
Hey All. So, after 13 years, 5 albums, bunch of tours, and lots of laughs, Fruit Bats is calling it a day. There is no major or dramatic reason — I'm not gonna launch into one of those "the changing face of the music landscape in the digital age," things. Especially since I don't even understand any of that stuff. It's been a long run and time for a change. I've been fortunate enough to start scoring movies and producing bands and I'm super excited to continue on with that. Plus I'll still write songs and make records and play shows, which will scratch any Fruit Bats itch that you've got. I mean, Fruit Bats has always ostensibly been a "solo" project, so this is just the start of chapter two, really… But anyway, new music from me still! More on that soon, so please don't lose touch. This means that these shows next week will be our last (though I think we might plan some kinda epic last gig in Chicago one of these days, but that is to be determined)… So come on out and blow us a kiss goodbye. I know artists always say this but, seriously, thanks for listening, it has been amazing sharing this stuff with you. More to come (from a different angle) soon.
Tour dates:
11/14 Seattle, WA - Neptune
11/15 Victoria, BC - Upstairs Cabaret
11/16 Portland, OR - Aladdin Theatre
