Aaron Freeman Closes Door on Gene Ween (and Ween)

With a new solo record of original material expected in a few months released under the name FREEMAN, it’s apparent Aaron Freeman has truly left his Gene Ween moniker, and Ween for that matter, behind. Despite an interview as recent as last September in which Mickey “Dean Ween” Melchiondo told NJ.com that he and Freeman were once again communicating – via text messages and emails – Freeman makes clear in an interview with Rolling Stone’s David Marchese that Ween is no more.
 
[Rolling Stone’s Dave Marchese] Did you and Mickey end on good terms? Could you see yourself playing with him in Ween again?
[Aaron Freeman] No, I had to put it to rest. Leaving things open can lead to negative things. It’s like divorce: the only way to get a divorce is you make it final, you move on, and that’s the healthiest thing. I don’t think about it day-to-day; I don’t see a reason for it to happen. It’s a wonderful chapter in my life.
 
[DM] Was Mickey understanding about your decision?
[AF] I really don’t know. I don’t want to talk about that.

While the prospect of a world forever without Ween is certainly bad news, the good news is from the interview it is apparent the sober Freeman is much healthier and happier in his post-Ween life. Freeman mentions he will incorporate Ween songs, along with his solo material, into his upcoming solo tour setlists. Freeman goes on to discuss the transition to life without Ween, writing songs while maintaining sobriety and how Paul McCartney and reggae music influenced his new album.
 
Head over to Rolling Stone to check out the entire enlightening discussion.

[Andy Kahn is Senior Editor at MediaNet and runs the music industry and discovery website Editor’s Mix.]