My Mind’s Weapon are sad to announce the departure of vocalist Ben Timpson.
Ben helped form the band back in Spring 2003 and will sorely be missed as both a frontman and friend in a band context.
As I’m sure he will clarify himself, this decision is purely Ben’s and is due to no internal friction within the band. Although we are no longer bandmates, we remain the best of friends, with this scenario being very similar to when Alex left the band at the end of last year.
Ben has been a massive part of this band since it’s formation 6 years ago and to list and thank him for everything he has helped us achieve would take far too long. The memories and experiences that we have had together as a band have been brilliant, and I’m sure there will also be a lot of people outside the band that will also miss his presence as frontman for this band.
However, My Mind’s Weapon will definitely NOT be coming to a halt anytime soon and we are very excited about the new material we have in store, and also with whatever happens next concerning a new vocalist. We have been working hard on our next album for some months now and have two fully finished (but currently untitled) new songs completed, with a couple more being currently in progress.
Naturally, we will be searching for a new vocalist almost immediately, but rather than enquiring about that here, please keep an eye out for another blog that we will post up very soon regarding that.
To cap off his tenure in the band on a positive note, we are planning on playing a final show with Ben at some point over the coming months at a date and venue yet to be decided. Your support for this would be very welcome, as it would be great to send him off with a packed and hugely enjoyable final gig . We will also be dredging three (ahem) “classic” songs from our back catalogue that I’m sure some of you wouldn’t want to miss out on!
The one thing I’m sure of is that you WILL see/hear Ben rear his head in some musical shape or form in the near future, and with whatever that may be we wish him the best of luck!
MMW
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From Ben:
So we have finally made it official and announced this shit!
I have one final show left singing for My Minds Weapon.
Like the statement from the other guys says, to list everything that we have achieved, seen and been a part of over the last 6 years would be just too much.
First up...reasons for leaving such an awesome band?
Nothing juicy and sensational Im afraid...can't even use the old "musical differences" either to be honest. Although I am going to use the chance to change musical direction a bit but thats all to come soon. Basically I just had a bit of an epiphany and feel that want to move on to a new challenge. As crazy as it sounds I want to leave a very established band while they are on top of their game and doing well for themselves. I'm really excited about starting from the ground up again and therefore that is what I am doing. There really isn't much more to it than that. To go and try and form a band that sounds just like My Minds Weapon or join a band that wants to sound like My Minds Weapon would be silly because a) look at the members in that band and the material that they produce...who can do it that good? and b)I've been there now and done that. So ill re-iterate - I simply just had an urge to jump the weapon ship and go do something else.
I want to use this opportunity to say a few things that perhaps might have not been appropriate being actually in My Minds Weapon but now I'm on my way out I feel I can so here goes. Alot of bands and people out there need to actually think about what My Minds Weapon have actually helped do not only in Aberdeen but also in Scotland for the Metal and Hardcore scene thus far...just think about some of the doors that that band have kicked down and how many people they have made eat their words about how being from up here you can't get Videos on MTV, albums in shops all over EUROPE and a following in the very spoilt and saturated home counties metal scene. Hard work, perfectionsim and realism. Food for thought...There is more to come...
Me and the weapon lads are all still tight as ever and my reason to leave has actually kind of made us realise how important our friendships are again which is great and Its awesome it has had that affect. No doubt I'll still be driving them around on many occassions and helping in anyway I can. I have heard the new tracks that are being written for album number two and let me say, you really dont know what you're in for! I'm serious! The new vocalist has his work cut out but knowing the guys as well as I do they arent going to be getting someone who isn't worthy of the material and also the live reputation that Weapon have built up.
Being in this band has taught me so much about the actual mechanics of making music in so many way and I thank Dan, Nick, Scott and Mark so much for that. I also need to say a BIG thanks to Jamesy for having faith in me when he, Alex and I formed the band. It's taken me to where I am and thats awesome.
Huge thanks to the guys at Basick records for putting up with my endless phone calls asking silly questions etc.
I will still be around just as much and keep em peeled for what I'm going to be upto musically. http://www.myspace.com/quinnsdude
Look out for details on my final show with Weapon.
Ok, this is way longer than I thought it was going to be but fuck it...those that know me probably werent expecting anything brief anyway!!
Ben Weapon x