Hilarie!

[grimeyno1]

Hopefully I'm not stepping too far over any boundaries by revealing this here. If an official statement would rather be made than this, I don't object to removing it or whatnot. I'm just pretty overcome by this and wanted to share with anyone who hasn't heard yet.

I just got back from Popfest. It was a really fun experience, a lot of great bands played and The Apples closed the festival (The High Water Marks were supposed to play but apparently they couldn't make it). Everyone was really on the ball and all of the new songs really kicked ass (along with some old hits - they played "Hypnotic Suggestion"!)

But near the end of the show, Robert Schneider revealed to the audience that the performance they were witnessing would be the last with Hilarie Sidney as drummer. There was a huge gasp from the audience (not really a gasp, but a sting of shocked and surprised and saddened "aww"s and "no!"s and "what??"s... a gasp medley, if you will).

On the one hand, I can understand why it would make sense for her to leave The Apples and work more towards being the front half of The High Water Marks along with Per Ole. Things seem to have been really tough. But on the other hand, The Apples in Stereo and Hilarie Sidney are inseperable in my mind. Everything she's done, the songs she's written for the band, her amazing signature drumming and vocals, simply her presence... I can't imagine the band going on without her. I kept hoping that it was all some elaborate prank and the entire audience was just being screwed with.

But, it seems to all make sense. Sadly.

The bottom line:

Hilarie Sidney, we fucking loved you as a member of The Apples in Stereo (and still do, damn it!). You were an amazing and crucial part of the band's experience and brought a punchy, pop beat of awesomeness to everything you did with the band and we can only expect more to come from High Water Marks.

Rock on.



[Edited on 9-6-0606 by grimeyno1]

[ThatKid]

Ah, that's a bummer. Hilarie's a fantastic person and to call her a key member of the Apples doesn't even do her justice. Seeing "The Rainfall" performed live has always been one of my favorite concert experiences.

Now I'm even more excited to catch HWM opening for De Novo Dahl next week.

[grasscannons]

Nooooooooo

[Harnk]

Meh.

[Harnk]

Originally posted by grimeyno1


The bottom line:

Hilarie Sidney, we fucking loved you as a member of The Apples in Stereo (and still do, damn it!). You were an amazing and crucial part of the band's experience and brought a punchy, pop beat of awesomeness to everything you did with the band and we can only expect more to come from High Water Marks.

Rock on.

[Edited on 8-14-0606 by grimeyno1]

Lay off the drugs, kid. They're affecting your ability to rationalize your feelings with respect to cause.

[clouds-chan]

Her leaving makes sense though, I'm surprised she didn't go after her breakup/divorce with robert. But I guess now she has something else to go to? I don't know.

[David_R._Gross]

Does this have any ill effects on The Apples staying together?

I was pretty exited for the new album and I would love to see them live again..........

[Edited on 8-14-0606 by David_R._Gross]

[el topo]

I'm sure the Apples will stay together. My guess (just a random prediction, mind you) is that Hilarie will cameo as drummer on some future tracks, since she's in the Lexington area and still friends with Robert...but then again they'll need a new permanent drummer, won't they?

I heard the reason the High Water Marks didn't play Popfest is that they didn't have time to put in any practice beforehand, since they're working on the new record and Hilarie is raising a child.

Anyway, I suspected Hilarie might be leaving. In my interview, you can see in her response to my question about the new Apples record a kind of intimation that she's drifting away from the band. She'd probably already made the decision when she gave the interview.

[David_R._Gross]

Originally posted by el topo
...but then again they'll need a new permanent drummer, won't they?

Jeremy Barnes would be an interesting replacement....

He is kinda like a mercenary Drummer....recording/touring for Broadcast's Ha Ha Sound and now he is with Beirut. Not to mention AHAAH and all the E6 stuff he was in.

Its sad, but I live in a world of Pipe-dreams (this could be considered a pun too, because I am a Plumber’s Apprentice and work with pipes all day long, but most would not know that here on the board. Puns seem pointless if they have to be explained.....I don’t even know why I’m typing all this extra parentheses ramble except for the hope that someone might find it entertaining......another Pipe-dream in itself and I have now just crossed into the realm of irony.......Yea....ok.....well......)



Thanks El Topo,

DRG

[Edited on 8-14-0606 by David_R._Gross]

[CrazyHorse]

David, is it true that there are pipes you see and pipes you don't?

[charrrddddd]

I actually asked Robert what they were going to do about finding a new drummer and all he offered was something to the effect of already having a plan.

[Edited on 9-2-0606 by charrrddddd]

[grimeyno1]

Originally posted by Harnk
Originally posted by grimeyno1


The bottom line:

Hilarie Sidney, we fucking loved you as a member of The Apples in Stereo (and still do, damn it!). You were an amazing and crucial part of the band's experience and brought a punchy, pop beat of awesomeness to everything you did with the band and we can only expect more to come from High Water Marks.

Rock on.

[Edited on 8-14-0606 by grimeyno1]

Lay off the drugs, kid. They're affecting your ability to rationalize your feelings with respect to cause.
Never fear. Your sound advice shall be forever nessled firmly within my heart between "wear a condom" and "don't run with scissors".

[David_R._Gross]

Originally posted by CrazyHorse
David, is it true that there are pipes you see and pipes you don't?

Thats Grate!

[kartoonz]

Well, shit. At least I got to see them once with Hilarie, although that was hardly enough. I'll really miss her in the band. 3 reasons why:

1. Few drummers have been so merciless on their cymbals with such success.
2. Her voice with Robert's added so much fun and sweetness and depth to the music.
3. Her songs were always highlights of the records, and while High Water Marks doing Hilarie's stuff is really good, it's not the same...

So long to The Apples as I knew them. I don't know about you guys, but The Apples were the first contemporary band I listened to. Before I bought Her Wallpaper Reverie, I only bought albums put out before I was born. Man, what a crappy day this has proven to be (except for the part where I found out I'm getting payed $50 on Friday to play guitar for 45 minutes. Sweet deal.)

[kartoonz]

Wow, what a depressing 1000th post for me. :(

[clouds-chan]

We don't know how this will go with apples, so I wouldn't get down about it just yet. that's silly. the good thing is she's still making music.

[kartoonz]

I'm sure The Apples and High Water Marks have amazing things in store for the future, it's just the end of an era for a band that's been dear to me for some time. It IS exciting to have Bill on keyboards. I hope he sticks around.

[Little DiSH Z]

I don't know why nobody has thought of the possibility that Hillarie might still be in the band, but will play guitar.

I mean, it's hard for ME to say without having heard Robert's exact wording/tone at popfest, but if all he said was that it would be her last show as drummer, then I could certainly see a lineup merry-go-round happening.

Just a thought.

[kartoonz]

Originally posted by Little DiSH Z
I don't know why nobody has thought of the possibility that Hillarie might still be in the band, but will play guitar.

I mean, it's hard for ME to say without having heard Robert's exact wording/tone at popfest, but if all he said was that it would be her last show as drummer, then I could certainly see a lineup merry-go-round happening.

Just a thought.

Wishful thinking, my brother. It totally makes sense that she would leave the band, in all honesty. I was sort of expecting it after I heard about the divorce, but they kept it going for a few years, thankfully. However, you've got to consider that she's got another kid and husband and band... a girl can only do so much (boys, too. Let's not turn this into a sexism thing. :P) Like I said, it makes sense that she'd leave.

[Little DiSH Z]

Originally posted by kartoonz
Originally posted by Little DiSH Z
I don't know why nobody has thought of the possibility that Hillarie might still be in the band, but will play guitar.

I mean, it's hard for ME to say without having heard Robert's exact wording/tone at popfest, but if all he said was that it would be her last show as drummer, then I could certainly see a lineup merry-go-round happening.

Just a thought.

Wishful thinking, my brother. It totally makes sense that she would leave the band, in all honesty. I was sort of expecting it after I heard about the divorce, but they kept it going for a few years, thankfully. However, you've got to consider that she's got another kid and husband and band... a girl can only do so much (boys, too. Let's not turn this into a sexism thing. :P) Like I said, it makes sense that she'd leave.

Hey, I'm with you.

I'm just trying to do my part to get people to freak out a little less. :)

[acrobat]

this fucking sucks.

but at least HWM will be more active b/c their first record was fucking awesome.

[rogerroger]

boo f'ing hoo!

If Hillarie needed to spit, then she'll be happier out of the band and will make even better music with HWM.

I'm pretty sure RS can handle the writing duties in the apples by himself.

everybody will be fine. we're just gonna get more cool music than ever before.

[bethsticks]

I know some people, good friends of mine in kentucky. I am not from there, but I have been hearing a lot of stuff, and I do not think it is very nice. I think these guys are jerks who talk about their friends if they actually have any that are for real behind ther backs. Good for Hillary to get out of this messed up crowd of *** lickers. It is so gross. I heard they forced her out.
I am sad because I love the music and now it is spoilt by bad rock egos.

[samanthafayIFD]

Originally posted by bethsticks
I am sad because I love the music and now it is spoilt by bad rock egos.

i am friends with all of the members of the band and believe me, they do not have "bad rock egos". seriously, if you ever met them and saw how kind and funy they are you would realise that after about 2 seconds.
hearsay is bad for a reason.

[ThatKid]

Originally posted by bethsticks
I know some people, good friends of mine in kentucky. I am not from there, but I have been hearing a lot of stuff, and I do not think it is very nice. I think these guys are jerks who talk about their friends if they actually have any that are for real behind ther backs. Good for Hillary to get out of this messed up crowd of *** lickers. It is so gross. I heard they forced her out.
I am sad because I love the music and now it is spoilt by bad rock egos.
???

[marbles]

hi bethsticks--

i am very sorry to see these mean comments from you forwarded to my email.

i just want to say that hilarie left the band on the best possible terms, as far as anybody within the band knows-- she is a great person and an amazing drummer, and her leaving the band was a positive move on her part to focus on her own band and family.

she certainly was not forced out, but rather has been struggling with this decision for at least 3 years (when she first addressed the issue to me). john, eric, and i have been extremely supportive and understanding of hilarie's leaving the band-- and her words of resignation were nothing but positive and uplifting.

we will miss hilarie's ballistic drumming and lovely songs (of which she has two on the new apples record)!

i have heard this exact language you used before and of course i know its ultimate source, and you-- bethsticks i urge you to understand that you or your friends do not fathom the real circumstances and complexities leading to hilarie's departure, beyond what i have said above. you should take into account the motivations of the person who is the ultimate source of these comments and how this particular spin on events fits into the bigger picture for him/her.

it reflects poorly on you as a person, to make such accusations anonymously on this public forum based on things you have heard from a very biased sample pool, which you have not examined in a more realistic manner (i do not fault you though as this is an emotional issue for all of us including the members of this forum).

as for our integrity as people and friends, it is not your place to say such mean things, and i believe all of the friends and acquaintances of the apples would disagree with you--

i assure you that your perspective is skewed and i do not appreciate your referring to my bandmates as "***lickers." while i personally do enjoy ***licking a great deal, john and eric are appalled by this act!

sincerely,
robert schneider

[lou2ser]

Originally posted by marbles
as for our integrity as people and friends, it is not your place to say such mean things, and i believe all of the friends and acquaintances of the apples would disagree with you--


Not to suck anyone's dick here, but I would have to say that Robert is one of the nicest people I've ever met. I'm sure everyone else who spoke with him during Popfest would agree whole heartingly.

[ThatKid]

Originally posted by lou2ser
Robert is one of the nicest people I've ever met.
Quoted for truth.

[jlaird]

does anyone know who robert alludes to that is badmouthing him? it seems as though its one person and is publicly known!?

[Hilarie]

Hi Everybody!
I was just alerted by some friends about this post/thread. Thank you all for the very kind words. I was sad to see the post by bethsticks. You must remember, band break ups, band member leaving, and these kinds of things always spawn unnecessary gossip, and rumours.
First of all, The Apples in stereo are my best friends, my family really. We have played together since 1992, and have shared more intimate time together than most best friends. Almost any memory I have looking back over the last decade includes John, Eric, and Robert. So many funny, scary, surreal, sad, and happy moments.
If I could stay in the Apples forever, I would, but at this point I realized that I am holding things back, and there are so many things that I want to do! I have 2 beautiful boys, a job, and I am taking a class and learning norwegian. I want to take more classes in the spring, and my band the High Water Marks is putting out a record in February on Future Farmer. I love staying in and recording, messing around with ideas. I have to admit, I'm not super crazy about touring a lot these days, Although I like it in short small doses, I much prefer being cozy at home with my little family.
Anyway, I will always be an Apple... It's my band, and I love the music. Robert is one of my favorite all time song writers, and I have been lucky to be a part of something so special, and so amazingly fun!
Thank's again for all of the nice comments, and please know, there are no hard feelings, and everyone is ok with this, especially me. Life goes on.
I guess that's it, now that you all know my life story! But, I'm glad to share with you all, and wishing you all a happy labor day weekend!
Much Love,
Hilarie

[PÃ¥l]

Saa morsomt at du laerer norsk Hilarie! Ser fram til baade Apples og HWM plater i 2007. Haaper begge band kommer og spiller for oss i Norge. Takker for konserten i Trondheim i februar, som jeg har gode minner fra. Lykke til med norskkurset og med High Water Marks.

[Hilarie]

Tusen takk! Jeg er ikke så bra i norsk nå, men jeg prøver å lære noe hver dag. Vi håper å spille et par konserter i norge neste år. Vanligvis reiser vi til norge to ganger i året, fordi mannen min er norsk, og barna våre gleder seg til å se bestemor og bestefar! Så artig at du likte konserten vår i Trondheim siste år. Jeg elsker Trondheim. Det er en kjempe koselig by! Jeg ønsker å bo i Trondheim i fremtiden. Snakkes snart!
Hilsen,
Hilarie

[poe]

all I want to say is the Crash cymbol on "SHE's JUST LIKE ME" is the best ever! Hilarie your amazing and congrats and good luck with everything... I look forward to the new High Water Marks album!

[Aqualad]

ah, i'm glad to hear it's not any of our other guesses.

[buttsex-chan]

Originally posted by marbles
i personally do enjoy ***licking a great deal

If anyone is wondering, this is why I joined the E6 Townhall.

[grimeyno1]

Originally posted by buttsex-chan
Originally posted by marbles
i personally do enjoy ***licking a great deal

If anyone is wondering, this is why I joined the E6 Townhall.
mmm. buttsex and ass licking.

[Edited on 9-6-0606 by grimeyno1]