Well I guess I can understand wanting to take it to the next level. All celt bands want that. The conflict here is Friendship. I have often heard never to put together a band with friends. If you become friends,that fine but put a band together with people that can do the job. I our case, thats what I did. Liam, formally of HM is our piper and does a kicka** job, but we've become great friends as a result of the band. In fact, all the guys in the band have become wonderful friends. I'd sooner fold the band than hurt any of them.
Please know that I understand this next statement is none of my business. For 2 years they have been not only friends but close bandmates. Traveling around the country together will do that. How can you tell a good friend that "well, sorry about our friendship, but were moving up without you."
Maybe Im too soft, and I'm sure there is more to this story than this, its unclear if he quit or was sacked. It just appears to seems a bit cold. Its not like the record companies are beating down our collective doors. We're all just (in most cases) working stiffs that do this for the music. I learned at a much younger age if you try to make music your living, prepare to be broke most of the time.
Another lesson I learned is, careful who you p**s of on the way up. They might be waiting there on your way back down.
God bless yall and see you on Nov 3 rd if not sooner