The Merkurs

Dear Friends!



After all the support, shows, and people we have met, I felt it would be necessary to write a thank you letter to everyone. I am not really sure what to say or how to start this, but I will try my best and hope it works out.



When we first started the band, it was just something we did to waste time. I don’t think we ever thought it would turn into something this awesome. As the community center shows started growing and kids started singing along with our songs, I think we all realized that this band had something special. Maybe I am totally wrong, but that’s just how it felt to me. At every show, there would be a few new faces, those new faces quickly became familiar faces, and those familiar faces soon became great friends. In all reality, I don’t think I will ever be a part of something as special as this band.



In the summer of 2005, we went on tour for close to a month. I am almost positive we can all say this was the best summer of our life. Soon after in January 2006, we went on a short seven day tour with are great friends and family, 80HD. I don’t know how the rest of the band feels, but I think I had just as much fun in that one week as I did during the four week summer tour.



When we got home, we talked about what we wanted to do. Like I have told many people before, there isn’t a solid reason why we broke up, but we all felt like it was time.



I am very pleased with what we have done and it makes me happy to know we had the opportunity to share it with other people.



So this brings me to our last show. The week before I didn’t think to much about it. It just felt like it was going to be another Merkurs show. Once people started showing up and giving hugs, I realized how much I was really going to miss being a part of this band. Johnny Republic, Sofa Punch, and 80HD where also playing. They all sounded great and I was excited to see them. I wish all of them the best of luck.



It was about ten o’clock when we started setting up. I was nervous and for some reason it felt like our first show. It was strange. I felt strange. I think a lot of people felt the same. Some of our friends from St. Louise came and where on the side of the stage smiling. 80HD and some of our other great friends where also standing on stage with us. It was really nice. Some friends from Oberlin started singing the words to an Against Me song just like we did at a show a year or so ago. I sang along but it didn’t catch on. Maybe that was for the better. At least we knew what it was all about. I opened a letter from my friend Ryan who wasn’t able to make it. Half way through, a tear fell on to the paper. I put it down. I felt weird for crying. I looked at Katie and she had started crying, we smiled at each other. During the first few songs I didn’t look up. Seeing the kids singing along made me sad that it was over. I guess that’s a good thing. We played Thank You one last time. I tried to find Lakewood Tim to help me sing 1-2-3-4-1-2-3 but I couldn’t. In the End was one of our last songs. Everyone came on stage to sing along. Somewhere along the way, Mikey from 80HD came out with a cake and threw it into the crowd. Cake was everywhere, so where people. During the second chorus all the amps got unplugged. The snare drum kept going and the kids kept singing. It was magical. I felt really accomplished. It felt like it was something out of movie. Perfect. We ended with a cover of “Maxwell Murder”. It only made sense. When we ended, everyone stood there without making much sound for a few seconds. Maybe they where waiting for more songs, I like to think everyone was taking in the fact that it was over, trying as hard as they could to remember what a Merkurs show felt like.



After many hugs, tears and nice words, we packed up our stuff one more time and went to Pizza King!



Thank You to all the bands we have played with, all the kids we have met, and all the people who have helped set up shows for us. It has been a great time and a fantastic memory.



Forever Family,



Matt O’Conke