In another tragic story, it is with sadness I report to you that bassist of Quebec ska band The Real Deal, Franki (aka Skip Johnson), has decided to call it quits. Franki states that he has some “personal business” to take care of, but that he has plans to continue playing/writing music in the future. A replacement bassist has not yet been named. You can read the entire blog here.
The Real Deal will be playing a handful of shows before Franki’s departure. Make sure you check out the band’s Dying Scene Shows page to find out when you can catch them near you.
Being in a band is a lot like belonging to a traveling circus… a family of people all intimately passionate about the same thing. The Real Deal, to me, is that family. In five years, I’ve watched them grow exponentially. Each year better than the last! Most of my greatest memories were on tour with these fine lads and I have them to thank for giving me that opportunity.
From scurrying drunkenly in my underwear on the wrong side of Boston, to partying in my birthday suit in Nagoya Japan, I’ve had quite the adventure. I’ll be playing a few shows with them in May around Montreal (including a Montreal date), so be sure to check it out if you want to see my small self one last time. From there on, please be sure to give some love (or STD’s) to the new bassist and make him feel welcome. He’s a great guy!
It’s unfortunate that I’ve had to leave the band to take care of some personal business; yet it’s only a milestone. I will continue to play music and be just as passionate as when I first met her (music of course).
Much love and respect to my awesome brothers in The Real Deal. They deserve a lot more than what’s been given to them. So entity of life, give them a break! O yeah, one last thing, I challenge anyone to drink four FOUR MAX and e-mail me at frankisalo@hotmail.com to share with me their story 🙂
The little guy, AKA, so many other names…