Candy Bars lose a bite
July 6th, 2007 by Wade Tatangelo in News
Tampa’s Candy Bars are in a tough spot. The indie band’s secret weapon, cellist Melissa Castellano, has called it quits. Singer/guitarist Daniel Martinez and drummer/programmer Ryan Hastings will soldier on without her, honoring dates for an upcoming tour of the Northeast that kicks off with a gig next Saturday at New World.
Candy Bars w/King of Spain/Inertia, Sat., July 14, 10 p.m., New World Brewery, Ybor City, $5.
 July 21 UPDATE: I have left Candy Bars
First of all, thank you to everyone that came to the shows. It was really the best part to see people enjoying the music that was being played. It was nice of you to come out and sometimes wait forever to see the show start. I really enjoyed meeting so many new people and I enjoyed the experience of playing cello with guitar and drums. I also enjoyed branching off to playing and recording with some of you. Thanks a lot to Venice is Sinking, Morningbell and New Granada for putting on a show for my wedding…that was awesome. It has been very, very memorable.
I have many reasons for leaving Candy Bars. This was not an easy decision and it didn’t come quickly. When people are invited to become part of a band, they expect to have a say in how things are handled. In the end, the only say I had was that I was leaving, that I will continue to talk to all of you and that I will continue to enjoy listening to local music as well as play as much as possible.
Thank you again for making the last two years exciting and fun.
~Melissa
July 11th, 2007 at 12:58 am
i doubt i would make it a point to see this band again.
imho, melissa’s cello playing was the only thing that set this band apart from the rest of the typical indie rut that is overplayed in tampa. without her, they dont bring anything to the table that is worth my time or money.
July 12th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
interesting comment above/below about bringing nothing to the table as a duo. i wonder if this person ever had the opportunity to see the band perform (regularly at New World and Yeoman’s – as a duo) during their first 2 years together (before they had even met Melissa). the songs were already there.
yes, Melissa added something special and she and her playing will be missed. but, like all bands everywhere, things change, people come and go. but, the show goes on.
i can’t even believe such an aggressive comment was even left. obviously someone attempting to create a line in the sand. this person should also be aware that Melissa was not asked to leave the band, she reportedly left on her own accord.
p.s. Ryan is the drummer, Daniel is the singer/guitarist
July 13th, 2007 at 9:49 am
I have corrected the mistake regarding Ryan and Daniel.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
Candy Bars:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwBHKTWAFNI