The Samples (the band) are no more. Sigh.

[bbernardini]

This just in from Sean Kelly:

Dear folks,


I want start by saying that I may be able to write songs and play a guitar but my spelling and grammar has never been my best asset. I am usually pretty good however in getting my point across none the less. So if you notice some words out of place go easy on me. I am writing this email on a beautiful spring Vermont night way up on the 45th parallel. Lake Champlain is outside sleeping and I have a few updates regarding The Samples. The long and winding road for The Samples has ended. Outside of possibly playing a few rumored dates with the original line up next fall, The Samples will be no longer. I have also canceled any and all upcoming samples dates. I sincerely apologize for the recent cancellations, I have only canceled two shows in 22 years and I always do my best to prevent this anyway possible.

From all the beautiful landscapes across America, to the bus engine roaring under my bed. It's been a long and beautiful ride with endless and difficult ups and downs that I would not trade for anything. I put my heart and soul into every show, and on every record. I hope that it translated. I feel a bit like Forest Gump when he stopped running, turned around and said "I think I am going to go home now". I have been such a driving force in The Samples that I never stopped to notice how I have neglected many aspects of myself and many of the other things that used to really make me happy. Such a beautiful thing so unprotected, endangered, rare and one of a kind!

I welcome change, perseverance and any ideas to incorporate into my solo career. I am very much exited to pursue many different and new challenges.

I have appreciated all of the mail over the years, and I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. Thanks so much to the field staff for all of your wonderful help along the way. Thank you Shee Shee Kramer for your entire fan related support and your third eye.

I would love to get playing as soon as possible with a host of great musician friends of mine. Having said this, I am currently filling in my summer and fall dates right now. I can even play living rooms! If you are interested in booking me, please contact me at [e-mail]

If you live in the Vermont area, I am also cleaning out my samples storage space. Everything must go. Lots of samples memorabilia and a bit of music gear for those who may be just starting a band or you are already in one. For more info on this write me as well at - [e-mail]

I am also selling my electric guitar that I have solely used for the last year and a half. It's a real beauty and I hate to see it go. It still has the strings on it from the last Samples show. I can sign it or not, and it goes to the highest bid starting at $500

If you are interested please write me at [e-mail]

I have also recently purchased a web cam in hopes that I could offer guitar and vocal lessons online to those of you who have always wanted to play or sing but did not know where to begin. It's economical, it does not waste fuel, and I am one hell of a teacher. All you will need on your end is a guitar, web cam and a computer.

I will be immediately working on my solo CD and communicating via the Internet and keeping everyone up to date on its progress.

http://www. youtube. com/thesamples

I am also looking for some really great attorneys and accountants who would be willing to work pro bono until I get back on my feet.

Please feel free to contact me at: [e-mail]

Sincerely,
Sean Kelly

“The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side.”

Hunter S. Thompson

[bbernardini]

1. Kick!