Chicago folk-rock outfit Fruit Bats has called it quits, as frontman/founder Eric D. Johnson announced via Paste earlier today. In an open letter, Johnson thanked fans for their continued support and promised new music under a different moniker:
Hey All. So, after 13 years, 5 albums, bunch of tours, and lots of laughs, Fruit Bats is calling it a day. There is no major or dramatic reason – I’m not gonna launch into one of those “the changing face of the music landscape in the digital age,” things. Especially since I don’t even understand any of that stuff. It’s been a long run and time for a change. I’ve been fortunate enough to start scoring movies and producing bands and I’m super excited to continue on with that. Plus I’ll still write songs and make records and play shows, which will scratch any Fruit Bats itch that you’ve got. I mean, Fruit Bats has always ostensibly been a “solo” project, so this is just the start of chapter two, really… But anyway, new music from me still! More on that soon, so please don’t lose touch. This means that these shows next week will be our last (though I think we might plan some kinda epic last gig in Chicago one of these days, but that is to be determined)… So come on out and blow us a kiss goodbye. I know artists always say this but, seriously, thanks for listening, it has been amazing sharing this stuff with you. More to come (from a different angle) soon.
Johnson formed the group back in the early 2000’s, releasing and recording albums between playing guitar with Califone and The Shins. While Fruit Bats has primarily served as Johnson’s solo endeavor, he’s enlisted the same core musicians for several years, notably Sam Wagster, Ron Lewis, Graeme Gibson, and Christopher Sherman. Beginning with 2003’s Mouthfuls, the group signed with Sub Pop and most recently released 2011’s Tripper. The band spent most of this year touring behind a 10th anniversary reissue of Mouthfuls.
This weekend, Fruit Bats will play their final shows in Seattle, Victoria, BC, and Portland. Consult the full schedule below, followed by videos for stand-out singles “The Ruminant Band” and “You’re Too Weird”.
Fruit Bats Finals Shows:
11/14 – Seattle, WA @ Neptune
11/15 – Victoria, BC @ Upstairs Cabaret
11/16 – Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theatre