When you belong to a

This was posted by The Matches only moments ago.

Jul 9, 2008 6:22 AM

Matches' bassist, Justin San Souci, leaving band

It disarranges us to relay that our long-time bassist and friend, Justin San Souci, will be parting from the role of bassist in the Matches to pursue other lives and loves. He, however, will not be parting from the role of friend. Change is not an easy thing, but it does not stop until life does. Our hearts go out to Justin for being brave and true to his heart's pursuit.


** the Matches (Shawn Harris, Matt Whalen, Jon Devoto)



If you did not already know, I have a 'thing' for bassists. They are the quiet, unsung heroes of bands. Justin San Souci happens to be one of my favorite bassists. His smile lights up my heart. He plays magnificently. He sings. He participates. He treats every fan as a friend he hasn't seen in a long time. He's a complete sweetheart. And this is not only just a blow to the heart, it's a blow to the mind.



There have been no inclination of any band members leaving, ever! These guys have grown up together and have made some beautiful music that have touched the hearts of thousands of teens across the globe. They recently finished a pretty tight touring schedule that included a trip to England and Japan. The last time I saw them, June 12th, was a very good night for them. A very large crowd, but not of people who had no idea who they were. These kids drove for miles to stand in a sauna just so they could dance and sing-a-long to The Matches.

I've seen The Matches perform more than 10 times in 2 years and I've known about them since I was 16. They are signed to one of my favorite record labels, Epitaph. And they are born and raised Californians, so they always come back and play shows after all their tours. But now I fear that these shows that I have come to love so much, will no longer have the same effect.



Something similar happened to the first local band I fell in love with back when I was 16. Their 2 guitarists, and the only ones who recognized me at shows (plus the lead singer.), decided to leave the band. I had seen them play 9 times before they left, I've only seen them twice since then. Only because it has not been the same. I don't feel as amazing as I used to at their shows. It's a shame and also a story for another time.

I will continue to be a full-fledged fan of The Matches and if Justin decides to start a band of his own, I will most definitely check them out and hopefully fall in love with them. But how could I not?