“They don’t even know what it is to be a fan. Y’know? To truly love some silly little piece of music, or some band, so much that it hurts.”
Joy & John Paul,
The quote above is a line from the movie, “Almost Famous,” and one of my favorites. You see, it puts into words exactly how I feel about music. Some people don’t get how a song, record, or artist can cut right through a person and become a part of them. That is what music does to me. That includes the amazing music that you two made during your time together as The Civil Wars. I guess that is why I just can’t shake the heaviness in my heart after hearing today that you have officially broken up.
I suppose it should not have come as a surprise, considering the length of the indefinite hiatus. But there is something comforting in the word indefinite. With uncertainty lies hope, however slight. With today’s announcement, that hope has been erased completely. I have no idea the cause, and it is not my place to know. I just want to say thank you for the music that you made and to let you know that those songs will forever be a part of me. I feel so fortunate that I got the opportunity to see you two share the stage in person. It is an experience that I will forever treasure.
So now I just want to wish you both the best in wherever your future takes you. I will be here eagerly waiting to hear what each of you will do from here. I wish you success. I also wish you healing, forgiveness, and that you will one day look back on The Civil Wars with the fondness that I do. Perhaps one day we may revisit things, but then again perhaps not. For now I will simply say “c’est la vie, c’est la mort.”
Tony – The Music Room
The Civil Wars—made up of duo partners Joy Williams and John Paul White—have regretfully decided to permanently part ways. The difficult decision ends a tumultuous period for the four-time Grammy Award-winning band, who has been on indefinite hiatus since late 2012. As a thank you gift and farewell, the band is offering a download of their rendition of “You Are My Sunshine.” Recorded in 2010, the track was originally released in 2011 as a b-side to the band’s limited edition Barton Hollow 7” vinyl. This is the first time the song has been available digitally in the U.S. Both Joy and John Paul have added their personal words on disbanding here below. Joy Williams comments, “I am saddened and disappointed by the ending of this duo, to say the very least. JP is a tremendous musician, and I will always be grateful for the music we were able to create together. I sincerely hope that ‘You Are My Sunshine’ will be accepted as a token of my gratitude for every single person that has supported our duo throughout the years. I’m so thankful and my heart is full. Looking ahead, I’m excited to share the music that I am writing and recording in the midst of this difficult transition. I’ve loved being back in the studio, and have missed performing live. I look forward to seeing you soon.” John Paul adds, “I would like to express sincere thanks to all who were a part of the arc of The Civil Wars—from the beginning, to the end, and all points in between. My deep appreciation goes out to all who supported, disseminated, and enjoyed the music. Whatever shape or form the next chapter takes, thanks for being a large part of this one.”
