Over the weekend a band that was very dear to my heart announced their sudden breakup and played their final show. I first became acquainted with Life Long Tragedy over the Internet, in fact I knew them before they even started the band. It's rather strange to think that I've known some of them for eight/nine years; they were the first band to which I became friends of in this manner (using the glorious tool that is the Internet), so maybe that is why I enjoyed watching them develop so much. Over the years I watched and heard them grow as musicians. From their first recordings (which they seemed to have forgotten about in recent memory - but then again they were just kids, literally) starting out as a band just loving to play music with bands that they were inspired by and looked up to, all the way until recently when they were one of the most respected, hardworking, and sincere bands in hardcore - Life Long Tragedy lived hardcore to the fullest. From their first U.S. tour which they booked all on their own, this band was determined to make an impact, and they most certainly did on my life and many many others. I'm sure they didn't know it at the time, but there were destined to leave their mark on this world. And with their passing as a band I believe they are finally realizing just what kind of a mark they have made. I'm sure the road has been an emotional and winding trip for them, and that is part of the reason I felt a connection to them; they were living life one day at a time and taking it with all the bumps and bruises as well as the triumphs. I felt a sense of belonging when I would see them play or listen to their albums. Perhaps this is the true appeal of hardcore and why the music does draw you in. I'll wrap this up now though...regardless of what anyone else did or will ever think of Life Long Tragedy, I will forever hold their music, their lyrics, and their friendship in my heart. R.I.P
Image courtesy of Alex Capasso
