What is up with the Decemberists?
Tuesday, November 6th, 2007
UNDER THE WEATHER: The Decemberists
(photo by Autumn de Wilde)
It’s time for some speculation.
Portland, Ore., indie-pop band the Decemberists, favorite among hipsters the world over (and me), have canceled their “Long and Short of It” Tour after just two nights.
This is the message they sent to their devoted mailing-list subscribers. It is also posted to their website.
With much regret The Decemberists have cancelled the remainder of “The Long and Short of It” tour.
One of our band members has been ill for a while but we thought all would be well in time for these tour dates. After a couple shows, though, it has become clear that the illness is much worse than we had initially realized. We need to return home so our friend can mend.
It saddens us to disappoint our fans. We hope everybody understands it is only because of an extreme situation that we had to cancel a tour we’ve all been excited about doing since the idea was originally hatched.
Our deepest apologies but at this time no plans are being made to reschedule the dates. Ticket holders should seek refunds at point of purchase.
Last month they canceled the end of their European tour for the same vague reason. Something big is going on.
Here, I think, are the most likely causes:
— Carpal tunnel syndrome (playing the pedal steel is torture on your joints)
— Seasonal affective disorder (worsened by the quick approach of their namesake month)
— Legionnaires’ disease (or polio, whichever is more romantic)
— Black lung (from sweeping too many “chimbleys”)
— Consumption (when MRSA just isn’t enough)
— Overconsumption
— Bowler hat too tight
We must find the problem and treat it. Until then, Decemberists fans will be stuck at home, reading the dictionary and weeping because the word “fecundity” is not as beautiful without the frame of frontman Colin Meloy’s lips.
I wish ______ a speedy recovery from ______. Three Atlanta shows in one year were just not enough for me.
