One day everything is great. Your speakers are on full blast, your dance moves have no limits and your voice is at its highest level singing along to the lyrics. You’ve got tickets to see your favorite band next week. The outfit has been picked, lyrics have been memorized, signs have been made. You’re overcome with joy and happiness and nothing will come in the way of your perfect day.
Until suddenly a tour is cancelled, a twitter account is deleted and the band falls silent. Your heart shatters and your world breaks. What. Is. Going On. Band break-ups are hard for everyone: the band itself, its label, management team, fans, venues, and even the media who have to work extra hours to give readers the latest breaking news.
But alas, here are some tips to help get your through this tough time:
1. Don’t believe rumors.
Drug abuse, violent arguments and baby barriers: the media will publish any crazy but completely untrue facts to help satisfy fans. Unless it’s from a reputable source or heard on live TV (thanks Good Morning America) from the band member’s mouthes themselves, don’t trust anything you read on the internet. It’ll only make you more upset and confused.
2. Control your emotions.
Speaking of being upset and confused, you may be feeling a crazy mix of emotions that range from anger to sadness to even denial. It’s completely normal, but what you don’t want to do is start ripping off posters from your wall and throwing them into the fireplace to burn while you scream your hatred towards the group you once loved. While the band may not reveal all of the details to the press about the reasons behind their decision, remember that they’re humans just like you. They get into disagreements, they lose interest, they want to try something new and they’re millionaires who ride Mustangs. Just believe that they’re always thinking of their fans and doing what’s best.
3. Find a support (Facebook) group.
Your mom might think your crazy and your best friend may think you’re annoying. The thing is, they just don’t understand what you’re going through. That’s why it’s crucial and so helpful to find other superfans like yourself whether it’s on facebook, tumblr or twitter. These fans have been there since the first album, been to every tour and know everything and anything about the band mates. You can relate to them and bond over this shocking news.
4. Reminisce on the good times.
Instead of focusing on all the “never’s” like how you’ll never hear a new song and never attend another concert, take this time to think about all the great times you’ve had with the band. All the new friends you’ve made because of them, moments you’ve shared while listening to their songs, voices you’ve lost from screaming and concerts that gave you post-concert-depression. It’s been a wild ride, and it was bound to happen sooner or later, though of course later (like when you’re old and grey) would have been the better option. But hey, as those pictures with a vintage background that has nothing to do with the quote on tumblr say, “life doesn’t always go your way.”
5. It’s okay to find a rebound band, just not a replacement.
There’s no denying that music has always been the best tool to get you through the tough times. So don’t stop using it now. For some, listening to totally new bands and albums will help to put this sad band breakup news at the back of their mind, while others may prefer having an album listening marathon of the band that’s no more. It’s really up to you but there’s no need to completely disown them.
In conclusion all of the above are lies. You’ll. Never. Ever. Get. Over. The. Jonas. Brothers. Your. Fav. Band. Breaking. Up. Ever. So grab a tub of ice cream (preferably birthday cake flavored, have you not been to Cold Stone?), a box of tissues and all of your live tour DVDs and just mope around for a few days. It’s not the end of the world, just a great part of your life. Who knows, the band may even release four new songs just for you!
–@Naomi_ML