Elias Reidy and The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.
I suppose that, since the boys have announced it, I can talk about it.
The boys released the following statement on their myspace this afternoon:
As some of you may already know or have noticed by now (album cover, new video, myspace, etc.), Elias is no longer with RJA, and has not been since late October. As history goes, RJA was started by Ronnie and Duke about seven years ago, and there have been seven lineup changes since then, especially in the guitar department, where Elias was the 5th replacement guitarist (such is life in a rock n roll band). Anyway, more on this shortly, but regardless have no fear - the core of RJA remains intact.
Myself and a few others have known that Elias was booted out for about two months. In fact, I do believe we began speculating it before it was even official, given that the previous statement says “late October”.
When I first had it confirmed to me that Elias was in fact, out of RJA, I had a massive breakdown. I was extremely devastated and heart broken. It was as if I had just been told that he had died. Honestly, it still feels that way. It still hurts.
Elias, Duke, Joey, Jon and Ronnie have been the biggest part of my life for the past four years. To see the core of what keeps you together, fall apart…there’s just no way to describe the hurt that causes within your heart. It’s as though you’ve lost a part of yourself, a part that you may never see again.
That’s what Elias’ departure was in a sense - a piece of my heart being taken away.
Now yes, I listened to Red Jumpsuit back when Elias wasn’t even in it. However, they didn’t mean to me then what they do now. It was just, “Oh cool, these guys are really good.” Until I saw them live at their first show in Cleveland. They had me from the first chord that was played. I’ve never missed a Cleveland show since. They very quickly won me over completely. That night completely changed my life - for the better. Had that night never have happened, I don’t think I’d even be here. (But I assume you know that story already if you’re still reading this far.)
Back to the point of this post….
It really makes me ill to see what people are saying now that Elias is gone. Please excuse any random bursts of anger that come out after this.
(All statements have been copied and pasted. Bitch at me for it, I dare ya’.)
“elias made the band!!”
- Nope. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus is not made by just one member. Although Elias is a great guy, super funny and very talented - he did not make RJA. In my opinion, the best part about Red Jumpsuit’s music is the lyrics. Who writes them? Oh, yeah, Ronnie. And who started the band? Ronnie and Duke. So if you’re going to make up some bullshit about one of the guys “making the band” it would have to be Ronnie in order to make sense, now wouldn’t it?
“u owe us an explanation”
- No, you are wrong, they do not owe you an explanation. These guys work their asses off to make music not just for themselves, but for YOU. They put on amazing live shows for YOU. Shut up and have some fucking respect. They have a right to keep details private. It’s none of your business what happened. They announced that he’s gone, that’s all you need to know.
“I was so happy the video came out. But as soon as I realized he was not in it, it kind of lost all the anticipation. I know im not the only one who wants to know. I refuse to listen to any new songs of the RJA or buy any new material until us, the fans, are answered.”
- I don’t even know what to say, aside from that this is one of the most moronic things I’ve ever read. First of all, because of the fact that Elias wasn’t in the video, you were no longer interested? Hmmm…. that definitely sounds like the statement of a real fan. Not. Second of all, once again, they don’t owe you anything more than what they’ve already given. Boycotting a band because you’re nosy, is absolutely ridiculous.
“NO!! I loved Elis!! Is he at least doing solo now? You guys better stay good!”
- Implying that because Elias is gone, RJA will no longer be “good”. Nice. I can tell you really love this band a whole lot….
Something else that has really bothered me - “fans” messaging ME asking ME what happened? I really wish I knew what the Hell goes on in people’s minds. Really, I do. What makes everyone think that I know every detail about everything that goes on. Even if I did know everything, what the shit makes you think that I’d give you any information at all? I don’t know you, you’re not part of the group I consider family, why would I discuss anything with you?
Oh and having someone tell me, “you should have announced it if you knew”. HA!
Are you serious? What the fuck? I should have announced it? What, was I supposed to hack their myspace and website? And say what? I was praying they were working things out amongst themselves, which is why I haven’t even openly talked about the subject. I don’t have the details, I don’t want to know everything that went down.
The guys have been quiet about this, as they have every right to be. When it comes down to it, it’s not The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.
It’s five different people; Duke, Joey, Jon, Ronnie and Elias. It’s their friendship, their personal lives and their business. It’s more than just music.
I really wish people would shut their mouths and have some damn respect for these guys. There is a good reason behind Elias not being in the band anymore. The others didn’t just decide, “Oh hey, peace out, you’re gone.” I’ve been around the guys enough to know how good of friends they are. None of them are just going to toss out a friendship like that. They’re all amazing, genuine people. Things didn’t work out and as much as I wish that they did, I respect the decision that these guys had to make and I support them wholeheartedly. Just as I have been doing for the past four years. I will always have a spot in my heart for them, and I’ll love them always. Nothing will change that. (Not even the fact that I don’t care for their new video.)
You know what else? I’ll support Elias too. In whatever it is he decides to do. Because no matter what happened, it’ll never change the fact that he played a gigantic (understatement major) role in my life. I’ll always love him for that.
Thanks for reading my rant,
Long live the Alliance.<3
