Glen Hansard has strenuously denied that The Swell Season have decided to call it a day.
Responding to an article that appeared yesterday in a daily Irish newspaper, Glen says: “If anyone is going to announce the end of The Swell Seasons it’ll be us. Forget what anyone else says – we’re not breaking up.”
The confusion follows comments made by Glen to an American interviewer, which a band source tells Hot Press were “misconstrued and taken out of context.”
They will however be taking leave of each other at the end of the current tour – Glen to participate in The Frames’ 20th birthday celebrations and Marketa to write songs, some of which might find their way on to a solo record. While no dates are set in stone, they then have every intention of reconvening and starting work on the follow up to Strict Joy.
Currently in Sao Paolo where they’re gigging tonight in the HSBC Brasil, The Swell Season have issued another statement about last week’s Saratoga tragedy.
“Over the last few days the band and crew have been dealing and coming to terms with the events of last Thursday night,” they reflect. “The range of emotion is far and wide and sadly we will carry this with us forever. As will all those that were in attendance. To all those who have reached out to us in the last few days please know we are humbled by your support, kindness and generosity. Unfortunately at this time we are unable to write everyone back, but please know that we are getting these messages and thank you.”
They’ve also linked up with Kara, a Californian organisation to provide anyone traumatised by last week’s events with free, one-to-one grief counseling.
“If you or your children were at The Swell Season concert at The Mountain Winery, you witnessed something that is traumatic and has the potential to stay with you,” they say. “We will be checking in with Kara throughout the next few days and week and will take their lead as we move forward. They are the professionals and we are blessed to have them there and ready to help. We love our fans and it’s time to turn our attention to them. Without them we are nothing.”