“Farewell” to Seth James, and “hello” at the same time.
Submitted by Lauren Gonzalez, guest writer. Follow Lauren on her site: http://hurricanehighway.blogspot.com
Despite a Saturday night cold front and nasty rain, I hopped in my car (the hot mess express as I like to refer to it) and set my sights on Gruene Hall. Hopefully by now you should know that Saturday was going to Seth James last day as a member of The Departed. If you didn’t and I spoiled some surprise or sprung disappointment on you, oops. A few years back I was in the audience for the first Departed show at Gruene. I counted myself lucky to be part of a sold-out show to say goodbye.
There was truly an electric feeling to the festivities this evening. When Seth, Cody, Jeremy, Steve, and Chris hit the stage, it was bittersweet. They wasted no time getting into the rock and roll. I have to admit that, while I have always been a Canadian Ragweed fan, having Cody and Seth together was really one of my favorite things about the band. It will be a little weird to not hear ‘Prayer for the Lonely’ and ‘Demons’ in the normal set list. I, however, have always wanted a follow up to Seth’s last record, “That Kind of Man.”
The Departed as it is now will be bringing back some Ragweed tunes that the die-hard fans have missed since their hiatus. It is safe to say Cody will probably be working on new tunes for another record, if he hasn’t been already. Also, be on the look out for Cody and Stoney to go back out on the road for an acoustic run. It is coming through Floore’s just before Christmas.
Seth did an amazing version of ‘Sweet Lord.’ It was probably one of the most moving things I have witnessed. Gruene Hall has bared witness to many moments of musical history I wish I could compile a documentary on all them. To be in the hall when Seth sang that song gave me a very peaceful feeling. I looked around the crowd and you could see how this song was making people feel. There were tears in the eyes of even the toughest men as he sang.
The guys finished the night with a goodbye song that seemed fitting, ‘Keep on Rocking in the Free World.’
Keep on Rocking, Seth. I will be here waiting for new tunes with the rest of your fans.
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