The 12th March 2008 saw the Old Brown Jug play host to what will be the Kamikaze Pilots final gig.
When the news broke that the Kamikaze Pilots were splitting, it was met by a huge response of shock and disappointment by fans. "To be honest, we're suprised at the response we got when we announced we were splitting" commented bassist Simon Eaton, "I don't think we quite realised how well liked we were". The fact is that the Kamikaze Pilots were arguably the most popular local act in recent memory and were well respected by their peers, "The thing that made us most proud was when a couple of upcoming Stoke bands told us that the reason they started playing was after seeing us, which is a really nice feeling" Simon revealed.
So the question has to be asked - why did the Kamikaze Pilots decide to split? "There's been no massive row or 'musical differences' sort of thing" said Simon, "The split's been kinda forced upon us really". The reason behind the split is the loss of their lead guitarist Ash Reynolds. "Basically, we've lost our guitarist Ash to another band being put together by Sony." revealed Simon, who added that there was no animosity towards Ash for his decision, "We wish him all the best and hope he goes on to bigger and better things".
This isn't the first time the Kamikaze Pilots had lost one it's members. Last year, their original lead guitarist Tom Crompton left the Pilots and joined fellow Stoke band The Alones (who Tom has since parted ways with). This led the Pilots to audition for a replacement, which is where they discovered Ash. "It felt like we were back on track, however losing him had dropped us right back in the same situation of losing a good friend." commented Simon, adding, "We toyed with the idea of going through the process again, auditioning and getting someone new, or even carrying on as a four-piece". In the end, the Kamikaze Pilots decided to go their seperate ways.
As for the future, it looks like we haven't seen the last of the ex-Pilots. "I know Sam's working on a new project with original guitarist Tom." told Simon, adding, "There's a chance some us may get involved with that in some way". The ex-Pilots bassist, Simon, will continue to work on what was a side-project, "I've been DJ'ing a lot recently and have started my own clubnight,
'The Psychedelic Circus'." commented Simon. The chances of the Kamikaze Pilots re-uniting somewhere down the line hasn't been ruled out either, "I spoke to Dave today about the future and who knows? Maybe we'll realise how much we miss each other in a few months and start it up again!" joked Simon. For the time-being, though, the Kamikaze Pilots as a band are no more.
Stoke Indie Music Scene blog would like to thank Simon Eaton for taking the time to share this information with us, and would also like to thank the Kamikaze Pilots for their contributions to the local music scene for the last 3 years.
Below is an unedited message by the Kamikaze Pilots:
"A MASSIVE thanks to all those who came to see us over the years, brought our records, gave us lifts, helped us in any way way shape or form and more than anything believed in us. We had a riot over the last three years and it would not have been possible without our loyal fanbase.
As a show of our everlasting appreciation weve made all the songs on our myspace page downloadable for free -Take, Share, Enjoy.
Hopefully it wont be the last time you see us, Were all working on other projects, who knows maybe we'l do a K. P. reunion tour in 10 years time when weer all skint!
Fianlly one last thank you from Kamikaze Pilots
Simon Eaton, Martin Birch, Sam Aspinall and David Wheat
A few names we'd like to thank personally
Tom Crompton, Ash Reynolds, Adam Coxon, Laura Janda, Emma Goodwin @ Tezla Management, All our parents, Adam Sutton, Simon Austin, Adele Cork, Tash, John Kelly, Dan, Everyone who we roped into working behind our merch stall, All the bands who supported us/let us support them (especially Blast Stereos Loud, Transmit Disrupt, My Seargent Mask, Agent Blue), BBC Subculture, Tamzin Hindmarch @ the Sentinel and all our friends. - Sorry if we forgot anyone."
