It appears that a few years after getting tied up in a huge legal battle with Victory Records, the band has a few regrets about the whole situation. In an interview where they discussed their first show [Bamboozle Left] since guitarist Casey Calvert passed away last year, the band spoke candidly about a lot of things from what seems like a new perspective.

 

Talking to Rolling Stone, Eron said:

We had sort of been misguided a little bit at the beginning of that whole process. I think if we knew then what we know now, we may not have even filed a lawsuit to begin with. Our legal system is set up for justice, but that doesn't really matter in terms of the record industry because artists' careers are so short, you can't just be tangled up in lawsuit for two or three years. It's impractical. We could go into the studio next week if we're able to and make this new record.

Immediately, this brings to mind the $35 million lawsuit Victory Records brought against Virgin/EMI this January, which states "Virgin/EMI improperly induced platinum-selling band Hawthorne Heights to repudiate its contract with top independent label Victory Records." The band's story does seem to back that up -- they were misguided [by a bunch of money and a shark-like major label who wanted to snag a big band on the rise] and mislead. Interesting. I wonder if this will have any impact on Victory's standing with Virgin/EMI....

 

The band also said they'd be playing a new song they wrote for Casey at Bamboozle Left, and would release details on the song "after it's out there." They said it's still a work in progress. As for the band dynamic, they're learning to play as a four-piece and choosing the songs for their set. While they considered having Casey's screams mixed into their show via a recording, they've decided to not do that and have the fans scream those lines, if they want.

 

If you're going to the show, be sure to scream the lines. Somehow, I think that will mean a lot to the band on what will surely be an emotional day for all of them.

 

 

The community is still reeling from the sudden death of Casey Calvert and his sudden passing last weekend, but some positives have come from the tragedy. Of course, we'd rather still have Casey with us, but here are some of the things that you can do to pay tribute to him.

 

peta2 has declared Saturday, December 8th a Day of Action in Memory of Casey Calvert. Casey was very passionate about animals in shelters, and dedicated time to volunteering in animal shelters and raising awareness about the plight of animals who desperately need loving homes. Casey was also a vegetarian. It doesn't really matter what you do, but if you are looking for a way to pay tribute, helping to carry on some of Casey's work with animals might be a good way to do so.

 

You can see the details of the day, as put forth by peta2, here.

 

Buzznet has a community called "A Candle for Casey," where fans can upload photos of candles in memory of Casey. People are coming together to celebrate his life, while also working through their feelings about his death. It's a pretty tribute, and some of the images made me pretty emotional.

 

Finally, Casey was also involved with To Write Love On Her Arms. After working to support them, they are now working to support his widow, Ashley. They're selling a t-shirt that is a tribute to Casey, and the proceeds will go to Ashley. Hawthorne Heights posted about the shirt, adding, "We also ask that you please take your time to learn what TWLOHA is all about; Casey would have wanted it that way!"

 

This is all just so sad. It's hard to write about, and hard to think about. 26 years old... on the second date of a huge tour... and just like that: gone. I suppose that's life, but I also suppose that's the scariest thing about life. You never know how long you have, and as Neil Gaiman's Death so succinctly put it, "you get what anyone gets; you get a lifetime." Casey did a lot in his, and here are some chances to leave a similar impact in your own way.

 

 

 

 

There's not much I can really say about this. Casey Calvert, the guitarist of Hawthorne Heights, passed away in his sleep this weekend. Details are still not 100%, but the band put the following message up, explaining what they do know:

Today is probably the worst day ever. Its with our deepest regrets that we have to write this. Casey Calvert passed away in his sleep last night. We found out this afternoon before sound-check. We've spent the entire day trying to come to grips with this and figure out as much as possible. At this time we're not sure what exactly happened. Just last night he was joking around with everyone before he went to bed. We can say with absolute certainty that he was not doing anything illegal. Please, out of respect to Casey and his family, don't contribute or succumb to any gossip you may hear. We don't want his memory to be tainted in the least. Casey was our best friend. He was quirky and awesome and there will truly be no others like him! His loss is unexplainable. As soon as we know more we will let you know.

Sincerely,

Hawthorne Heights Eron, JT, Micah and Matt

This is a really depressing way to start the week.

If there's anything to take from this? I suppose it is truly to live every day as if it is your last, because, unfortunately, it could be.

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus cancelled some tour dates, affecting Hawthorne Height's tour schedule, as well. As such, the band was less than thrilled, and wrote the following on their MySpace page:

 

You may have already heard, but our remaining shows with Red Jumpsuit Apparatus have been cancelled. This was not our decision, and we're totally bummed as we were looking forward to hitting up South Carolina and Florida. We haven't been to many of these places since Warped Tour (and some even before that). These things happen and it sucks. I'm sure RJA's reasons for the cancellations are good, but that still doesn't make it any better for the people that wanted to come out and see a show. Even though it was not our doing, we still feel bad about this and we promise to make it up to our fans in those areas next year!!!

Meow! Want a saucer of milk, Eron?

 

So it looks like Hawthorne Heights has a few days off before they head out on their WINTOUR, which runs November 23rd through December 21st. Click for tour dates and ticket information.

 

The band has announced a winter tour with Escape the Fate, Amber Pacific, The AKA's, and The Secret Handshake. The dates currently run November 23rd through December 21st, though the band says this is not the complete list -- there are more dates to come. As it is now, though, the bands will be covering a lot of ground over the initial month worth of dates.