There are moments in our lives that, while we are living them, may seem inconsequential, potentially even meaningless. Only in retrospect, when we look back on the larger image of who we are and what we have become, can we see what an impact those moments have had on our lives.
I’ve made no secret of the impact the band 100 Monkeys has had on my life. They helped change how I see the world around me. They brought me new, intensely fantastic friendships. They reminded me of who I wanted to be and gave me the faith that I could in fact become that person. They were a lifeline when I was going through some of the worst days of my life. They gave me opportunities to shine and to embrace what I love. Their music and antics kept a smile on my face while the world around me shattered. They helped rekindle my passion for photography. They changed me.
For all these things, I will not only forever be in their debt, but I will also always, always be loyal.
I won’t say that the news of Jerad Anderson taking a less active role in the band (ie. not playing at upcoming shows or recording new material with 100 Monkeys while he focuses his career in other directions) or the announcement that Jackson Rathbone has decided to move on from the band completely doesn’t sting. I’d be a liar and a fool not to admit that it hurts my heart. But...
But I will say, unequivocally, I could not be more proud of both of them than I am right now.
Each of us have crossroads in our lives. The choices we make, the directions we choose to go in, are decisions that only we - as individuals - can control. So I applaud Jerad and Jackson for being adventurous and choosing to explore. I hope that they find contentment and happiness, fulfillment and enrichment as they travel down the paths they’ve chosen. I pray they are met with success in every endeavor they set their minds to. And I believe that they will always be a part of who I am.
To those of you who have chosen to desert the band at this moment, I offer you my condolences. I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that if you leave this family of fans and friends because one or two members of the band have chosen to become less active in 100 Monkeys, that you are only cheating yourself. In the end, it is you who loses.
To those of you on the brink of abandonment, I would ask that you look within yourself. Think of standing in the crowd, waiting for the show to begin. The lights go down, the expectation grows. You wonder what songs they’ll play tonight. Will they play your favorite? What song will they open with? How many will be in their set? Will they smile at you from the stage? Sing a line while looking directly at you and only you? What are your chances of snagging a copy of the set list at the end of the show? Catching a guitar pick when it's tossed into the audience? Will they sign autographs when it's all over?
Think about what each individual member has given of themselves, simply to see you smile. Touring while ill, leaving their homes and their families to travel the world to bring you music and laughter and joy. Think of all the amazing people you have met and places you have gone just because of them.
Or maybe for one reason or another, you’ve never been to a show, but you absolutely adore their music. I ask you to think back and remember. Remember the very first time you heard them sing. Remember listening and falling in love with their sound, their lyrics, their diversity. Remember devouring every new track on their albums as you heard it all the way through for that first time. Remember the thrill in your gut as you waited for a new single to be released, for a new video to debut, for new tour dates to be announced.
While you remember all these moments, ask yourself one simple question: Do you truly have the heart to abandon them now?
If you find that your answer is yes, I wish you peace. I hope that you find happiness as you move on. But above all else, I hope that you never, ever forget the bliss that 100 Monkeys brought into your life.
To those of us who are choosing to remain faithful, I’d like to say, hello friends. I know that together we will continue to eagerly await their next single, their next video, and the release of new tour dates. As new people enter our lives, you and I, we will introduce them to our 100 Monkeys. We will continue to share our memories, our experiences with the band, our enthusiasm, and always - always - the music. We will keep introducing strangers and inducting the masses. We will carry on, just as we always have. I look forward to seeing you when the band plays and we attend the same shows. I can’t wait to meet each of you, to see the beautiful faces of those I’ve already met again, and to talk to you all while we stand in line at the venues before the show or mingle in the crowds in the aftermath.
At the end of the day, the spirit of 100 Monkeys lives on, and I am proud to call you my friends.
In parting, I leave you with a few of my favorite shots of J & J on stage.
© Serenity Inez Photography
The copyrights are held by the original holder, Serenity Inez Photography, unless otherwise noted. No reposting, commercial use, or derivative works are allowed without the express consent of the copyright holder.
The copyrights are held by the original holder, Serenity Inez Photography, unless otherwise noted. No reposting, commercial use, or derivative works are allowed without the express consent of the copyright holder.
IF you would like to post these pictures somewhere, please email me at serenity_inez_photography@yahoo.com.
