THE END OF THE ROAD….
Hey everyone,
The Rakes have announced they are to split with immediate effect.
The band who formed in 2002, came together as a foursome of childhood friends and kindred sprits and went on to release three critically acclaimed albums; the first Capture/Release in 2005, followed by Ten New Messages in 2007 and Klang (2009).
Both the October UK tour and American dates are cancelled and full refunds will be given to ticket holders.
A statement from the band reads:
�”The Rakes have always been very adamant and proud of the fact that we give 100% to every gig we’ve ever played. If we can’t give it everything then we won’t do it. That was the rule we set ourselves from day one.
After much deliberation we have come to the shared conclusion that we can’t give it 100% anymore and regret to announce that The Rakes are calling it a day. We are sorry to let down all the people who were coming to see us on the UK & US tours. Writing your own obituary is a surreal thing to do but we want to give particular thanks to our much-loved fans, all the great people we’ve worked with over the years, our management and loyal record label. We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to write music together and perform around the world. Genuinely, thanks for the good times…. That was one hell of a party! But now, we really must get some sleep.�
The Rakes were a spindly - framed quartet rising from the rented rooms of North London. They wrote songs unfashionably political and shot through with humour.
The Rakes inturn were chaotic, charming, sublime and ridiculous.
The Rakes were Alan Donohoe - Vocals, Matthew Swinnerton - Guitar, Jamie Hornsmith - Bass, Lasse Petersen - Drums
I’m gonna miss them loads that’s for sure.
RIP THE RAKES.
XX
was a pleasure meeting you,
You’re an awesome band lads, and I’ve loved you and supported you for years and am obviously gutted about the split.
However not to honour your UK dates is a really poor effort on your part and shows a high level of ingratitude to those of us who have supported you through it all. I’ve now wasted money on a train ticket to London for a gig which was suspiciously cancelled, and in response to that cancellation I booked a train for the gig in Birmingham which is quite a trek and does not come cheap. For you to cancel these shows a week before they are due to take place shows a complete lack of respect and thanks. Moreover, we do not get the chance to catch you live one last time.
I speculate that had ticket sales been better then this would not have occured until after the tour (if at all), and even if your hearts are not 100% in it, ours are; and this is shown by those who WERE willing to travel the country to see you. You should have been willing to play three dates regardless of the effort/cost. You were once the band of the people and as such I would have thought you respected us more.
Thanks for the music,
Joe