Indie rock vets Superchunk pleased their faithful fan base earlier this week with the announcement of I Hate Music, but that news comes bittersweet as bassist Laura Ballance has now revealed she won't be touring behind the LP.
A blog post from the four-stringer that went up today (May 16) explains she's taking herself off the live circuit due to a case of hearing loss, or "hyperacusis." Ballance admitted it was a difficult decision to make, but apparently her condition has worsened over the years, so she's basically axing any onstage activity for the promotional run behind I Hate Music.
"And it's not because I hate music," she joked in the statement, "And it's not because I am too old. You know, that thing about if it's too loud you are too old? That keeps running through my head, dammit."
She added: "I am really sad that I won't be out on the road with Jim, Jon, and Mac because it's a blast. And playing for all of you people who come to our shows is a blast too. It is one of the most fun and gratifying things I have done during my life. I am going to miss you. That said, there is a possibility that I will drop in and play in situations where I think I can effectively protect myself from the loudness. This is not meant to add a roulette element to the upcoming shows. Chances are I won't be there people, ok? If I will, I will let you know in advance."
While Ballance did give that glimmer of hope that she may one day return to the road and emphasized that she has not quit the band, her place onstage will be taken up for the time being by Jason Narducy, a Merge Records pal who has played live with Bob Mould and Telekinesis. He's also the brains behind Split Single, which also features Superchunk's Jon Wurster and Spoon's Britt Daniel.
As for I Hate Music, it hits stores August 20. All of Superchunk's upcoming dates are below.
Tour dates:
6/20 Calgary, AB - Sled Island @ Republik
8/22 Atlanta, GA - Terminal West
8/23 Asheville, NC - The Grey Eagle
8/24 Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle
9/2 Seattle, WA - Bumbershoot
9/3 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
9/4 Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre
9/6 Portland, OR - MusicFestNW @ Crystal Ballroom
9/23 Charlottesville, VA - Jefferson Theater #
9/24 Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer #
9/26 Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club #
9/27 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom #
9/28 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom #
9/29 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club #
# with Spider Bags
A blog post from the four-stringer that went up today (May 16) explains she's taking herself off the live circuit due to a case of hearing loss, or "hyperacusis." Ballance admitted it was a difficult decision to make, but apparently her condition has worsened over the years, so she's basically axing any onstage activity for the promotional run behind I Hate Music.
"And it's not because I hate music," she joked in the statement, "And it's not because I am too old. You know, that thing about if it's too loud you are too old? That keeps running through my head, dammit."
She added: "I am really sad that I won't be out on the road with Jim, Jon, and Mac because it's a blast. And playing for all of you people who come to our shows is a blast too. It is one of the most fun and gratifying things I have done during my life. I am going to miss you. That said, there is a possibility that I will drop in and play in situations where I think I can effectively protect myself from the loudness. This is not meant to add a roulette element to the upcoming shows. Chances are I won't be there people, ok? If I will, I will let you know in advance."
While Ballance did give that glimmer of hope that she may one day return to the road and emphasized that she has not quit the band, her place onstage will be taken up for the time being by Jason Narducy, a Merge Records pal who has played live with Bob Mould and Telekinesis. He's also the brains behind Split Single, which also features Superchunk's Jon Wurster and Spoon's Britt Daniel.
As for I Hate Music, it hits stores August 20. All of Superchunk's upcoming dates are below.
Tour dates:
6/20 Calgary, AB - Sled Island @ Republik
8/22 Atlanta, GA - Terminal West
8/23 Asheville, NC - The Grey Eagle
8/24 Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle
9/2 Seattle, WA - Bumbershoot
9/3 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
9/4 Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre
9/6 Portland, OR - MusicFestNW @ Crystal Ballroom
9/23 Charlottesville, VA - Jefferson Theater #
9/24 Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer #
9/26 Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club #
9/27 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom #
9/28 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom #
9/29 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club #
# with Spider Bags
