BILL NERSHI LEAVING SCI

Thanks for all the memories fellas and we look forward to future projects!

Who cares??

What the hell am I gonna do with myself now!? Screw Nershi just rename it the michael kang incident and keep on rockin. Until Phish comes back that is....

i havn't been to fond of anything string cheese has done in the past three years, but this is kind of sad news.

to leave such a well established band to pursue other musical projects really shows how true to the music he is.

They should bring on Keller Williams full time and start blowing our heads off every night! I totally bet they do this...

That sucks man, Billy was great. I've had a lot of good times at Cheese Shows. Howabout replacing Nershi with Keller and have a major KWI revival? Either that or do what cheese3 said, Michael Kang Incident. Either way, I doubt this is the end of Cheese.

hopefully other musical projects includes alot of railroad earth for billy, sad to see him go.

In my opinion Nershi cannot be replaced, and to see someone try and do it would just be... sad.

cheese3 is the kind of people who ruin this kind of music and its scene for me...let nershi go, it would be fun to see keller up there full time, but being from VA im never going to see him do solo "homecoming" stuff and cheap-ER ticket prices

havent seen cheese in a few years and was never a big nershi fan, but this makes me a little sad

Right,they need a change...last few years have been less than stellar.But honestly,Keller doesn't do it for me either.They need something....Kang might do the trick.

Damn! Thats too bad. Nershi is the man. I hope he starts a killer bluegrass band. Keller would be an awesome new front man, but it wouldnt be the same (neither better or worse in my opinion) without Billy.

Meh...

Quit being haters you guys. If this news doesnt bother you, or you dont like Nershi, SCI fans really dont care, so keep it to yourselves. He's not doing anything to insult you.

KWI??? phish reunion??? christ guys... music aside, this scene is stuck in the past. lets keep things progressive and looking forward shall we?

Man... sucks, no more Cheese after the summer, hope they manage to play one last Hornings. I kind of felt something like this coming for a while now, but I sort of figured it would be Kyle or Travis that left. Crappy news, really, I thought the band had a lot of good years of music left in them.

I Hope to god all the wooks dont jump on umphrey's ter now

This is weird. I saw Honkytonk Homeslice last night (Thursday)in San Diego, and Bill, nor no one else, mentioned anything of his departure from String Cheese. All the best to you Bill!

Nershi is String Cheese Incident, he can't be replaced. Thanks for the good times, roots run deep.

Why couldn't it be Keith?

Does anyone know about the colorado shows and red rocks?

No SCI without Billy...no way !

Winter Carnival March 07 will be one of, if not the most epic cheese runs of all time....i will miss my boys, but they are all rocking such bad ass side projects i dont think too much will be lost. See everyone in denver.

Damn . . .

Man, this is really sad news. Being on the east coast I may not get to see Cheese the same ever again. Billy, thanks for all the great memories and do what you gotta do for you man. The SCI sound has been evolving firther away from his true music the last couple of years and hope he finds what he's looking for. Hopefully someone will step in, keller or someone, because the music is great and the Incidents are fun as hell. And for those hating who don't care about this news, don't read the article or waste your energy typing because those of us that do care could care less about your opinion.

My most memorable two years of Cheese was 1999 & 2000!! Damn!!! Those were the greatest two years of touring with the Incident for me. Good times, great people, and amazing music will never be forgotten!! At this point, I’m more than anxious to discover what’s around the corner, to be amazed by something new, fresh, and realize that music never dies!! There will always be new musical sounds, adventures, and artist that are yet to be revealed… Whoa!!! Aint life GRAND!!! Thanks SCI for all the wonderful memories!!! See you NYE in S.F.!!!!

First off, I am a huge cheese fan. I love billy and wish him the best. That being said, I do NOT want Keller to join the band. I do like Keller and have respect for him as a musician but he is NOT right for cheese. I have enjoyed some of the previous kwi shows but do not think there is near enough potential variety for their shows without Billy's guitar stylings and songwriting. I do not think that there is anyone that can replace billy and dont know what i want for the future of the band. I think they maybe should just do their own individual things for a while and see what happens.

Without Billy there is no String Cheese Incident, period. Thanks for the memories, RIP SCI

I have to agree about Keller not being right for the band. I've seen keller a few times and to be honest I find him to be kind of repetitive.

I can't really think of anyone else I'd like to see playing with them, but if they got someone else I'd go check it out just to see if it works.

all who yonder are not lost!

that sucks!!! i haven't seen cheese since 2002 and i'm very sad that bill is leaving the band. i agree there is no cheese with out him. everyone in the band should go do their own thing,(like the past 5 years). phish, cheese, i hope umphrey's doesn't pull this sh*t :(

glad i've got 4th row for the Saturday Atl show! should be good. sad to hear about the break up :(

THIS IS A SAD DAY :(

I have not been into SCI for the past few years. Their jams are boring and repetitive to me. Their fans are mean and stuck up, and they do not experiment much past the rules of music theory. I do agree that this band did pave a new path for the jams that are tight and do not require a solo from one person. They merely wanted the sound to be solid throughout the jam. But without full details as to why Nershi is leaving, I cannot honestly say whether I respect this decision or feel as if he is pulling a "Trey." (Feeling bigger than the band, and making a decision to leave it.) But without him, let SCI Rest in Peace. They made their mark on the scene, so let them end it with the smallest shred of dignity that they have left. Let us all allow this chapter of the jamband scene to end much like many of the others did: The Grateful Dead, Phish, and now String Cheese Incident. These bands were higher on the totem pole than many others could be, but their time is up. Other bands are still great, so let us bring them into our hearts and ears with no regrets or ill feelings of what the better bands have brought to us.

Gurgi, if you have not seen SCI in the past few years..then you have missed out, and please let the true fans mourn. It is disrespectful for you or anyone else to leave negative comments about their legacy at this very moment. Actually, I believe it doesn't abide by the code that we all try to follow in the jamband community. It's funny, I have never heard anyone refer to their fans as "mean and stuck up". Because you have not seen them, you have no clue as to what has been evolving within themselves. They are, and will forever be, an amazing band. SCI has changed my life for the better and I wish them all the very best of luck in their future musical paths. Love live the Cheese and I will most def. attend every single one of their last performances. This is truely a sad day...

This sucks... How about seasonal string cheese like a summer time only thing? Wonder where the last shows will be, ill travel anywhere to be there. Nershi aint the type to pull a "trey", its all about the music with him.

Sucks. NYE 04 was awesome.

I think people saying they weren't so great these past couple years are full of crap. I haven't seen that many shows, but the few I have, such as 7/16/04, 12/31/04, 7/17/05, 7/9/06, were all killer shows. This is very sad news for the scene... I can't believe someone said sci fans are mean. That is mindboggling...

But if the Big Compromise was too much for Billy, then I guess he has to move on. I think the band has been getting better and better since 99 - after they toured w/ Phil they upped the psychedelic rock jams and lessened the bluegrass a bit, and to me that is what makes them so kick ass... i was thinking the band is toast until the mention of Keller to fill in. Of course Nershi is irreplaceable and many songs would have to be retired. But Keller is the perfect guy to setp in and keep the Incident alive, with a varied name or whatver... shit, now I really want to make it to SF, but plane tix are so much from the Midwest...

It was fun.

Thank you, first of all. I love sci and am very upset to hear this news. Mentioning quickly on other comments, "cheese fans are mean and stuck up" wtf, have you ever been to a cheese show, they are by far the nicest and happiest fans in the jam scene, now i am really upset over this news and i will do everything in my power to be at the final incident, hope summer tour is long. Hope i can afford to make it to san fran nye again this year, last year was one of the greatest experiences of my life. long live sci

I'm not a fan of later day SCI. But I hate it when my favorite bands break up or members leave for other pursuits. Admittedly, this is the reaction of a selfish fan. I feel badly for SCI fans who are lossing something they love. I wish you well with whichever bands to which you dedicate yourselves next. Mostly I wish Bill, the rest of the band and its staff all the best as they deal with the next phases of their lives.

Please remember that part of this "scene" (I hate that term) is respecting the values & decisions of the musicians. It's about them as much as us.

bummer.well phish should be back soon to fill in the void.

this is devastating because the past two years to me they had gotten into a great groove. i guess im gonna have to drive out to colorado from ct to see them then

Did Luba finally kill the golden egg laying goose?

This is indeed awful news, SCI was my favorite band. But I gotta say, what the hell is Billy going to do now? HTHS is never going to make it like SCI (and frankly, as a guitarist and a HUGE fan of Billy, I don't think HTHS is that good).

OH NO! : (
String Cheese are my boys! They can't leave me hangen.

can you blame him, with the addition of jason they have played less and less bluegrass, billys forte, and then when Jon o left cheese bluegrass came to a halt... and it is evident that the chemistry aint what it used to be.... now i could understand if Billy and Keith were leaving to raise their families, but with the lack of info and just the billy announcement, this seems a bit un cheese like.. very selfissh

Going to see Zilla next week. That's what I'm talking about!

this is horrible new, string cheese is amazing. How can u say string cheese fans r stuck up? i agree ive seen them all over and everyone is always so nice. The people there are all about the music. Umphreys mcgee is my favorite band but SCI is a very close second, this is just horrible. I respect Billys descision and if he starts playing with HTHS full time i will support thier music although i dont know that much about them would have to see like live to comment. Bring on Keller full time would be a wonderful idea but i dont think he will wanna do that because he is a guy that likes to jam with everyone and thats part of his show. It will be intresting to see what Keith does because he is fucking amazing!

Without Nershi, SCI won't be SCI. That bluegrass influence would be totaly gone. For the most part, Kang's solos are too predictable, and his "electric mandolin" sounds exactly like a Languedoc. I've seen some great shows over the years, and that warm Nershi vibe could never be replaced. For all the SCI fan haters, You have got to be kidding me! The best crowd a band could ask for. However, for the backstage scene...thats business as usual.

I'm sure everything will work out in the end. It seems like Billy is leaving on good terms with the rest of the band so there is a chance that he may guest a few shows in the future. Keller would be an awesome person to fill the void (for those of you who haven't seen KWI then you can't even comment on this) though I'm not sure if putting Keller up there full time would be the best decision. SCI fans are some of the most kynd and respectful people. I would much rather share dance space with SCI fans than some of the other bands fans that are around currently.

horrible news. Bill WAS SCI to me, with his cool voice, sick fills on his martin, and his little side-to-side dance he did while playing. PLEASE PLEASE dont try to replace the guy becuase it will just tarnish their fading reputation forever.

Well maybe the cheese starts playing Bluegrass again ... Anybody remember when this band played Bluegrass ... ? Nershi has been going his own way for years now. Listen to the bands current studio releases, to his solo slides during the shows... That's kind of why I fell from the cheese wagon over the last several years.

Oh, and for those of you whom down the whole KWI stuff ... Those guys together are fantastic. That's all I got to say.

good luck to the SCI members AND fans. this will be an interesting time for everyone. I hope they end the SCI run stronger than Phish left the fans. The real question is....When can we expect a huge Kyle and friends tour?

Well, Thanks for the memories cheese, its been awesome. Sure there's other great music out there, but no where is the vibe as great as at an incident. I miss the bluegrass too, and speculating on nershi's reasoning it makes sense to leave. I didn't like the direction they have been headed the past couple years, but I caught 2 nights at the warner in DC & they blew my mind once again. THAT sound that drew me in in the 1st place was back! Oh well, we'll miss you billy, & I hope the rest of the gang can figure something out.

I saw cheese often and recently. they are very talented musicians. i just feel as if they just do not do too much with their jams. the majority (not all) of the shows that i went to, the fans were more interested in their own space and not willing to be friendly to the people around them. these are MY experiences. if you have your own different experiences, then good. but i, in general, did not have the best experiences with cheese shows. i respect their musicianship and their ability to play well together, but they did not grab me like many of the other bands have and continue to grab me. partially because of the fans and partially because of the music. my opinion on the fans and band is merely my opinion. if your ear hears differently than mine, and you love what you hear, then wonderful.

and by the way, i saw them about a month ago in cary, nc, and it was the same incident as i have had in the past, good musicianship, repetetive jams, and not-so-nice fans. so do not jump to conclusions about when or if i have seen them. but as i have said, these are MY experiences, and my OPINIONS. if you feel differently, then i am happy for you, but do not blast me for having my own opinion and experiences that differs from yours.

thanks for everything sci.

uuum...what the hell is going on? this is bad news. we need some phish tour now, cheese only worked our minds in between the depression. thank you sci, and bill 4 all they have contributed in this new genereation of music. bring it on bitches!

I imagine he's leaving because they are fading away from their bluegrass roots... i do enjoy a few bluegrass jams at cheese shows.. but honestly i enjoy the more psychodelic/trance jams better then their bluegrass jams... good luck to billy tho.. hope this doesn't kill the band for good..

This is another bummer for me. Why do they have to break up? Trey and billy both should look to jerry. He had numerous side projects, but there was always the dead. I wish it coould be different. I wish them all luck and a heartfelt thank you for all the wonderful times and friends along the way.

in 2004 phish broke up and i was thank god for string cheese because u guys made me feel like jam music was still big and its still happenin and now that u guys r breaking up wut r we supposed to do

I saw the cheese at radio city music hall 7/14/06--- best night of my life--- im gonna miss them

SCI was great years ago and have seen many shows of thiers that are fucking awesome even last year. In 02 i dicovered UMphreys Mcgee and these guys have got the sickness goin on! Phish broke up and we needed the void to be filled, SCI is good live but to me thier music doesnt do much as far as poor songs as of late ans such. Sucks they are breaking up, but there is still umphreys who are new and just getting somewhere special.

YESSS!!!! Radio CIty MUsic Halll blew my mind. Because of that show I consider them the best jamband currently touring. Behind them is Umphrey's Mcgee, then the Disco Biscuits, then The Trey Anastasio Band. Phil Lesh and the Allman Brothers are the best nostalgia bands.

The String Cheese Incident died with the 2005 Hornings Hideout run. It's a shame that a band that talented could turn into what they are today. When you lose the hunger for fans and the drive to succeed this is what happens. I have been a follower of Cheese since 1998 and have seen them far and wide. It's a shame they don't have the heart that they used to have. To me they were the last good thing in the jam scene and now we are left with nothing. Good luck guys. see you around.

What a bummer! See ya inRED ROCKS!!!!

NOOOO!!!!!! This sucks!!! Kyle and Nershi are what makes Cheese a band I LOVE!!!! Crap, the only Magic guitar in cheese is NERSHI!!!! I am freakin bummed.. this sucks.
unhappy ya'll

ARE YOU KIDDING?!!! THhis is the biggest news in the jam scene since Houser's passing. NErshi is leaving!>?? this is horrible, i did not see this coming at all man, SCI is about every member of the band knowing their roles so well and its about every member bringing something completely different to the table. Travis = late second set trance influence, Kang = wailing electric mandolin, high sustain note climactic soloing, Kieth = the framework, the infrastructure, the body, Jason = the gravy, seamlessly weaves his african influences around the changes of the tune (great addition to the band) , Kyle = the brains, who everyone looks to to get out of a deep jam, by far the most talented musician in the band, AND BILLY = THE BLUEGRASS1!!!!!!!!!! PERHAPS THE MOST LAUDED PART OF SCI'S GREATER SOUND. THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE, I REALLY CANT EVEN GET A HOLD OF MYSELF. NERSHI IS GONE. SCI IS PROBABLY GONE TOO. WOW, I JUST THOUGHT THEY WERE STARTING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY HAVE RECENTLY UNDOUBTEDLY ASSUMED THE JAMCROWN ALONGSIDE PANIC. THIS IS REALLY A BIG PROBLEM,

Nershi is irreplaceable... he was the Magic guitar man.
I remember eyes of the world when he did his first solo..
it was magic..just like jerry.. god I am bummed.. bummed ya'll

Who cares?

This band, following in true jamband tradition, dabbled in many styles without playing any of them well. Bluegrass with a drumkit? Hello?

Do yourself a favor. Go out and see one of the thousands of bands making real original music these days. Use the death of this bloated scene as an opportunity to break out of the small minded jam community. You won't regret it. I promise.

i hope to see some hornings announced but glad i can catch the end of this ride....thanks for all the great times and memories

I loved thier tent show at waka 05

if keller joined with those guys i think he would evolve and fulfill his potential
in fact if he joined and toured with any band I think hed blossom

even good things need to change
and it always happens sooner than later, better than worse

and whats up with all the bickering and bogusness
is it really fullfilling to someone to say
"who cares"
I mean thats fine if you dont care
im not all that affected either
but Im sure a bunch of folks care

What happened to the kindness and positivity in
this community

respect over apathy, cynicism,
and american asshole disease

Wow, I don't know what I am going to do now.......
I listen to many other bands but String Cheese Incident was definately my favorite.
Keller Should Definately Join that would be sick, Keller Williams Incident is already awesome.
I am greatly depressed with Billy's Decision to leave, but It is his choice.
Good Bye Old String Cheese Incident
Hello New String Cheese Incident

I agree with EMAX, there's always the band you started with and I don't think they should ever completely break it off with that band ( i guess unless they absolutely hate each other) because why? Side projectst can lick your nuts. I will enjoy them, but come on and give us some optimism for future incidents~!!!!!!!!!!!

Why does something like this have to happen? Seriously, they are at their peak, the music is getting better and better, and then BAM they breakup. Bogus if you ask me. What the hell does honkeytonk homeslice have on cheese?

WHAT? oh no.

Thank you s.c.i - hulaween october 31st o1 bringing out the human beatbox aka razel to beat to shakedown street and no sleep till brooklyn.....some of the best shit ive seen!! And a band to turn something so gay like rivedance & make a riduculously sounding good song called rivertrance with nershi's killer musicianship and guitar solo's were amazing props bill i love u and that big beard beard u were always sportin -keepin it bluegrassy ...keep on rockin in a free world

I'm sorry,but I just have to comment again:they were NOT getting "better and better".Did any of you kyds go to vegoose in '05?They were great because they were great,but they were also getting a little stale.
anyone who wants to talk shit on cheese fans should think about that Phish show in florida....if you were there you know what I mean!

who knew they made enough money anyway to quit...... keller to replace....... maybe scott law on electric

Like many others, I tired of SCI a couple of years ago. I was never a big Nershi fan, but I definitely know how it feels to lose a favorite band member. Alot of people had to cope (and some still do) with the passing of Mark Vann (Leftover Salmon) and Michael Houser (Widespread Panic). Some of my most cherished memories of Cheese was in 2000 & 2001. I will just say, thank you for all the good music String Cheese Incident; you guys were a crucial entity within the "Jamband" community and I wish each of you success in your life experiences/future projects!

Oh darn!...They should keep going without him...he was bringin the shit down...

ALLLRIGHTY THEN! billy's remarkable flatpicking skills and silly antics are what makes cheese who they are. he could make you feel like you were watching your goofy uncle shred his 74 martin apart at your family reunion. the direction cheese has been going the last few years srays further and further away from what seems to be billy's musical enjoyment zone. the guy had some soul.

They should just call it quits and be happy with what they've accomplished. Its too hard to replace someone like that on a permanent level.

Whenever something like this happens in music, it's a sad thing. I've been listening to, seeing, and enjoying SCI since Halloween 98'. Some of the comments here are a little strange to me. It's one thing to be like "oh well, Umphrey's is the new thing anyway", or "hopefully Phish will come back"...but when a band like Cheese that has brought such a different vibe to those who really love them decides to call it quits, does it really matter that so many of the people who commented here prefer Umphrey's? I like Umphrey's as much as the rest of you I'm quite sure. But how do you get off even remotely comparing the two, or lessoning the impact that SCI has had on so many people? In other words, think before you type.

I am upset.. Nershi is magic on guitar..

i didnt even realize the cheese was still playin

Who's Next?

The band that will replace SCI.... New Monsoon. They are for real. If you haven't seen them live they are real good!

i disagree. railroad earth has emerged as the a top-notch musical force who in the day of the horribly written song, can put out lyrical grace at a consistant pace. billy you're the shit.

...and true, new monsoon doesn't suck.

Wow I find alot of these comments amusing. Cheese isnt that good anymomre? what the hell are you guys smoking? it aint weed, maybe paint chips or something. I saw sci for the first time in 1999 and they were good and i enjoyed the show, but at the time they didnt even come close to phish. the next few years i would catch them whenever they came around but for me they werent worth following. I went a 2002-2004 without seeing a show. Then i went to last years late night vegoose show and it was by far the best show by any musician i had ever seen. It totally hooked me. Then i got to see sea of dreams for new years, their return to phoenix and flagstaff and two nights at red rocks. Then they topped it off with this years vegoose. I'm sorry but anyone who says cheese has lost something isnt paying attention. I have over 150+ cheese shows on cd from 1998 through 2006 and all except a few shows fall into the 2004-2006 years. The cheese have evolved into the best band on the planet. I love bluegreass, but not for every song. They are to the point where they have mastered nearly every musical style and i love the variety. Nershi leaving now would be like mahamid ali retiring right after he won his first championship belt, or randy johnson retiring after his first year in arizona. They are at the top of there game and this announcement will leave a huge hole in my heart. Before i was always like well all the music around is good but when phish comes back see ya. But as of late phish would have a really hard time pulling me away from a holloween or new years incident. Billy cant be replaced and i dont think that they should replace him with anyone musician but have different guests playing all the time. I love keller but he should not be billy's replacement. They should keep playing though deffinately. I will continue to see them. Billy is my favorite accoustic guitarists ever but lets face it, guitarists are a dime a dozen and anyone can be replaced. Oh ya i have to comment on the people who think Umphrey's is better than cheese. Are you kidding me? you cant be serious? Brendan Bayless is a superb guitarist but the band does even keep a groove going for more than three minutes. The stuffs almost impossible to dance to and the singing in there music is teh most average thing i have ever heard. Umphrey's will never be close to cheese in my opinion.

the last few years have been great and i am sad to hear this news, but if nershi wants to go then let him go, it will never be the same again but thats just something we all will have to live with

Roots do run deep

just hope to be there for the last Biily Hoots

I just read in US Weekly that Nershi is planning to join Justin Timberlake and Trey to form a new three-generation boy band, Oui3Suk.

Once they get their dance steps down, O3S will drop an album, host SNL, open the Grammys, stage a 30-city tour, appear as the mainstage closers at Bonnaroo 2007, and then break up in order to pursue other musical projects.

Listen . . "Presently" as of now No Plans Beyond 2007 Summer > Means That they are taking it day by day. Who wants to plan so far in advance > NEVER means its over!!! How Can they not play Good times around the bend again? Read the wording Carefully, See you at the show!

this is horrible news to me, unfortunately for me i just started getting into the cheese in the past couple years so obviously i missed a lot but as of right now, they are one of my favorite bands around, one of the best live shows i have ever seen, i met them at acl this year, not nershi, but the rest, it seemed to me like they were in their prime, and i hoped for a ton of cheese shows with everyone for many years to come, its a sad day, but you cant be mad at billy, sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do, thanks for the short and great memories guys, so is there gonna be a final farewell summer tour in 07, or just red rocks, if you could please come to cincinnati or louisville, ky one last time before its over, if your reading this guys, please, please come back, i dont think i can make it to california or colorado,

Rumor has it the last Incident will be hosted at HORNINGS... Anyone else hear that rumor????

i actually think rec rocks might be the last one....

def. a bummer but not too suprisisng to me....nershi seems to not be feelin the string cheese lately and have even see some remarks from h about other band mates that are somewhat rude....all things aside cheese had a good run and who know what we will see in the future with side projects ans whatever else may come

It seemed that they SCI energy hadn't been there of late. I saw them at ACL and it was a great show but the energy level was not what I have been used to. Like the 3 night runs in Austin back in 2000/2001. No band can replace what SCI brought to the table but in my opinion the next band to to watch is Tea Leaf Green. I know they've been around for a little while. But lyrically and musically they rock!!

All I can say is THANKS SCI!! Thanks for Hornings, thanks for Red Rocks, thanks for Hulaween, thanks for Sedona, thanks for the Sea of Dreams, thanks for Fuji, thanks for blowing my mind so many times. You were always my favorite show and my favorite crowd.
Good Times!!

Wow! I heard after the late night show at Vegoose that they were gonna break up and then a few days later they announced it. So sad. I've only been following SCI for a few years and have never felt such a passion for any band. I love their music, their vibe, their crowd, their live shows...everything about String Cheese Incident I love. Someone mentioned their live shows not meeting our expectations of late, and i would have to agree that the late night show in Vegas last week was pretty "weak sauce". They played some great songs (Texas, BAM!, Rain, Piece of Mind) but the overall energy wasnt there like it has been in the past.
The only positive out of this is we're possibly gonna get 1 MORE HORNINGS!! So, we're all stoked for that...hopefully it'll happen. All i can say, is i'm gonna be a Sea of Dreams, Red Rocks, and any other show that's within 1,000 miles of SoCal before these guys call it quits.
My suggestion, let Keller Williams take over Billy's spot and keep on a rockin'!

I love Nersh's RAW input... and I will miss his grassy tunes!!!! What will happen now? What is the music and the vibe going to turn out to be? Bob better let them rage hornings this summer because i think that would be the only place for the last show that would make me feel alright about this change.... "aaaooooooooooooooooooo" hoot for Nershi! MUCH LOVE! Come back soon, See you at some homeslice:)

I've never cared for SCI - I've always found their lyrics to be corny and their music to be boringly derivative.

But, judging by what I've heard, I'm sure I'd appreciate them more if I'd see them live.

I'm very distraught. Although I only engrossed myself into the Cheese in '05, I was hoping to catch a host of incidents. Apparently this will no longer be possible. Their sound is most certainly irreplaceable, and as a true fan, I can only wish Nershi the best of luck in future endeavors. No other band has brought me such joy when seeing them live. The feeling I have had after my few incidents is also irreplaceable, unless another band comes steamrolling around the corner and blows my socks off. The last Colorado incidents should be outrageous, but being from Ohio, it will be difficult to catch them. Best of luck remaining SCI members, and remember fans, there is always new musicians to discover. Think positive thoughts and look forward to the future. And for the SCI haters who arrogantly post their rude comments, stick to your Widespread Panic discussion boards and leave us SCI fans alone. Peace

Sweet now if we can only get Bon Jovi to stop making albums I could die a happy man.

PS- Just jokes people, just jokes.
PPS- Seriously though I cant stand SCI.

Nershi is irreplacable. There is no way for cheese to keep going. I'm all for more cheese but there is no one who can take the place of billy. Maybe Larry Keel..... But even that wouldn't be great. Could you imagine cheese without Restless Wind, Group hoots, Texas, Up Against the Wall. It just wouldn't be right. I guess we just go see Umphrey's

i agree that Nershi is ireplaceable and i would like to see people stepping in each tour but no replacements, the secound night in Atl will be my 10th incedint i thought that i would get to 20 or 30 but all good things come to an end. I think that sci took over after phish but i dont think anyone right now could take over for cheese. DEFINATLY NOT UMPHREYS they just arnt good enough i dont see myselft going on tour with those guys it would get old after the 1st show whatever i guess i will tour with Phil
Peace and chikin grease nershi hope you change your mind down the line

for all those people who don't like sci...you obviously don't know and don't appreciate real music. I'm very depressed to see them go, hopefully i'll get to see them one last time

NNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i have never been i real Cheese fan. I have seen them though about 10 times since the 90's. I always thought that it was kinda lame...with all the sappy / cheesy blue grass hippy music... But... through out those shows there was usually one or two really smooth and funky tunes that i felt were really great. I never got into them because the shows were boring with out the FUNK. So..i gave up on them and focused on the funk / groove / soul party. A few weeks ago my friend convinced me to go with him to a free SCI show in florida. I eventaully agreed. I have to say... i was blown away at the show. It seemed to me that they got wayyyy better. it wasnt all chessy music. there was a mix latin / island / funk /groove / jazz. i felt like they finally reached a great combination of styles and grooves that kept my dancing and listening interest. my friend agreed that it was grooving and compared to shows he had seen in the past ...the present SCI was way funkier and groovin... The MOTET is where the funk is!

fluffdon, what they hell does that have to do with Nershi leaving? The Motet? ok? Were glad you learned to enjoy them over your 10 shows. I myself could be sad but people move on. I was never a huge fan of his vocals and I am sure they will have no problems with someone else front and center. I am kinda wondering if they may take a break considering they have no plans after summer 2007. All of there side projects suck ass so they better keep it together.

love or hate 'cheese - i have done a bit of both. they were awesome at the mountain sun when they were mostly acoustic but they lost my ear a bit in the late 90's - kang would wind up some trey licks and before you knew it i was out in the smoking area bicthing with all of the other repulsed phish heads! what can you do? they had bills to pay and giving a croud what they want, what a crowd already knows and loves will pay some bills! eventually i realized that SCIs live performance had alot in common with the weather on Noyo Pass - if you dont like it wait aroiund a moment or two and it will change. they brought the mountain to every gig!

i will say that i have learned alot about buisiness wacthing these guys. they never stopped moving up for a second. they never waited around for anyone to call and offer them the big gigs at red rocks or Mc'fillmore's. they didnt sit around waiting for thier favorite artists to
call and offer to play in supporting slots at thier shows...they made the calls. they got together with thier friends and started thier own office including how many different functions? they built somthing nobody could take away from them. thats how to do buisiness! dont ask these guys to do 'the family' any favors! they know family!

above all - having sampled lyfestyles at every end of tour scenes for a long time i will say that beyond music and buisiness SCI spawned one of the best tour scenes i have ever seen! WHAT AN OFFERING TO THE CULTURE!

I cant imagine this band without Nershi.

Keller Williams Incident fall 07

Thank you for all the shows and all the dances you led me into. I hope the next chapter of your life is as kickass as the last was.
You are so loved!!!

KELLAR INCIDENT 07- AS LONG AS U WANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I recently did the southern run of the recent cheese tour. I wrote show reviews for Louisville, Roanoke, and the first night of Asheville for Livecheese downloads and my critiques were posted on the sight. In the reviews, I took a preetty critical eye to the boys and knew something was seriously amiss with our bearded hero. No stranger to substance abuse, it was not hard to see that Bill was doing too much of whatever he was doing. His playing was highly erratic in Louisville and i pulled no punches in my review. The band seemed highly annoyed with him, with little to no eye contact for a while, and essentially turned backs by the end. the next night in Roanake Bill was ineven worse shape and the band did the best thye could to hide him. I'll spare you all the details, but the tension was palpable for anyone watching closely. The other band members would grin ear to ear when Bill appeared to be OK to only shudder in near horror as he spazzed his way through the show. During one trancy jam, Bill wandered in circles, not sure even what instrument to play. he eventually decided on a cowbell, of which he proceeded to clank out of rhythm with the music being played, culminating in him completely whiffing the bell on several occasions. Frankly, it became very disturbing to watch, as my girlfriend and i both welled up with tears watching Bill struggle so badly. If you have the tapes of the show, you will here Bill talk out to the audience twice, once saying "what's with all the chatter out here tonight" and another comment somewhat similar about blabbering or something. Bill was not referring to the audience, he was talking to the band who were constantly chatting on the monitors about Bill and how to protect him. I felt my reviews were thoughtful intellectual excerpts on what i was witnessing. Much to my chagrin, later in the afternoon, my reviews were deleted from the website. After a rather heated missive to the website, they told me they were not interested in my "intellectual critiques". The moral of the story, is either Bill is having a difficult time with his substances(highly likely), and the band has had enough. Bill's leaving has nothing to do with "other musical projects". This is an interpersonal decision made by the band who have either had enough, or don't feel they can grow musically or professionally with his inconsistency. Lets be frank, when Bill is on, the boys rock, when he's off, its flagrantly obvious and brings the whole crew with him. Stay tuned as this unfolds, the truth will slowly leak out as microphone after microphone get shoved in their faces over the holiday runs. The band's generic announcement is unsatisfactory and downright insulting and if they think they can holod back bdeeper inquiries into whats really going down, their kidding themselves. I love the Cheese with all my heart and can not thank them enough for all the joy they brought me. Night 2 in Asheville was beyond special. Its sad to see it end this way.

I love it when people write posts acting like they're in the band. It'll be strange if they try and go on without him. I've never heard another acoustic player with a style like Nershi's. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens. I hope they put a lot into the Atlanta shows.

I don't understand how some people can be so hostile and unforgiving at a time like this. These rumors shouldn't be of any concern to thoughs who REALLY love cheese with all their hearts! Who cares whos fault it is. Is that the kind of negative thoughts we should be focusing on? No! The String Cheese Incident has been along for a long time and durring these times they have provided their fans with so much love and cherishable memories and I thank them ever so much for that! Thank you so much for all the time you HAVE sharred. I'm terribly sorry to hear this road is comming to an end but I will forever cherish the times we have sharred. Emagin if Cheese had never been around at all! What would that be like? So lets savor these last moments we have with them, and never forget the past ones. It's true...Sometimes a river goes dry...We never were good at goodbyes...I love you Cheese! I'll never forget!

No Phish, No Cheese...everyone is pulling out before 2012, when we need them the most. Hopefully Maynard and the boys keep it together.

danknugget: what i was trying to say was... after reading many of the comments, i saw that there was a lot of people saying that SCI were kinda washed up and not what they once were. i disagree. i think they sound better now...with the addtion of more funk in the line up.

wow....hearing this just blew me away. queso is just somthing else, absolutley finominal.....but i want to thank them for all the amazing incidents they`ve put on.....and thanks for producing some of the sickest most beautiful music ever that just blows everyones heads off!!!!!!!!! you guys are forever my main men .....youve really got a special place in my heart!!!! long live cheese!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

crazy... wouldnt have expected it. i guess afterall cheese was turning into a 'hit and miss' kinda thing. now instead of the string cheese incident it will just be the cheese incident, cuz billy filled the strings

I was sadder than I thought I would be to hear the news about Cheese, considering I've only been to one show but it really was so meaningful and it's sad to know that I'll never feel that same energy again, but I guess I should be grateful for the experience. The good news, and what feels like some consolidation, is that Zilla and EOTO (especially:) rock my world.

Oh Billy will rock it in RREarth, It's alright everyone they all have their own thang going on and everyone knew that cheese was dying out. Go see moe.

I second that motion!

Seen Cheese a ton... a ton. Saw it coming, Billy's been disgruntled, and ive seen a lot of other bands, all sci side projects. So everyone just go and find your fav band and stick with 'em, mine is moe.

The Merry Pranksters had a saying and I think it holds to true to life in this world and beyond and that is "nothing lasts" I don't find the news either sad or happy. There are folks out there that dislike this band a lot and there are those that love them more than anything. Thats balance. This is an essential component to living....negative as well as positive energy. Change is constant. Hopefully these five guys, who have enriched my life, will continue to develop as musicians. Their hardwork over the years has enabled them to get out on their own and do their own things and thats ok. Living in Boulder the past 10 years I have had the oppurtunity to hang out with these guys and watch their vision grow into something none of them thought possible. If indeed a substance abuse problem is an issue, its their issue and I hope they do what is right....and maybe they did.

Vince Herman is an incident.

I think they should keep playing and choose a name more befitting of such a great band. You never know what bands will benefit from the wealth of musicianship that was in that band. There are still Phish guys out there too, maybe they will all scramble and re-form as different bands. hehe

Not cool. But we all must move on, there is plenty of good music out there, its not Cheese, but its good. SMILE and remember the good times.

NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
keep on hoopin!

I can't say I didn't see it coming.
Rated Poor for the bad news :(

Much Love to a band who we have watched evolve, suprise, excite, not to mention melt our faces off...

SCI will be very missed, where else can I get my bluegrass,funk, jamz in one sitting?

Great SCI memories that i can say thats why the 5 stars. Looks like ill be getting all my bluegrass funk and jams from Railroad Earth

I flew to from Las Vegas to Denver with Billy and Kyle after the Vegoose late nite show. I made a point to tell Billy that I really liked his HTHS stuff and begged him to bring it to the midwest. We had a nice little conversation, centered around HTHS. Had I known this news was coming, I would have grabbed onto his ankle and made him drag me through the airport while begging him not to go.
I can't speculate as to why this is happening, only that Billy Nershi is a great guitar player with his own stylings, just as SCI is a great band with their own stylings. I'll miss the Cheese more than I can imagine, I'm sure.

Thanks Cheese and Co. for some incredible memories over the years. Haven't seen them in a while, but was lucky enought to see probably 50-60 shows from in the late 90s to 01 or 02. Couple of Horning Hideout shows, Summer Sessions Tour, GA Theater in 99, and the incredile 12.31.01 show in Portland. Always grateful for that. Things happen and best of luck to all the guys on whatever road they take.

Ever heard of Larry Keel?

Larry Keel is a filthy beast. Larry and his wife Jenny, rock my world when they play with keller. Just funky amazing stylie bluegrass. I saw him after one of the shows carrying a case of Sierra Nevada back to his trailblazer. He absolutely tears it on the lead acoustic. On the cheese note: I'm more unhappy about what that does to our scene. Yes, it's shitty that a great band like this is dissolving, but they have been at it for quite some time and proved thier talents to many, however, they were the last power-house band from back in the day. Phish is gone for now, now cheese will be gone shortly, and Widespread has a rotating guitarist so they arn't really the same Panic anymore. The day has come for the next generation of younger bands to refine and bring thier skills to the masses. I just wonder who it will be to step up... oh yea, RRE at 10klf with Billy was buck nasty shizzle for my nizzle. Booya!

Oh no!No more Mighty Quinn .......ahhhhhhh.......Phil rocks

When I saw Cheese at Langerado '05 I had a feeling that this band was not going to last much longer, maybe is was the L, but I sensed that somehow this band had already peaked and were simply riding out the wave. I love Cheese and was glad to have gotten to see them so many times - They always carried such a good vibe - a particularly favorite incident was in Madison on Halloween '04...but I guess it is a good thing, if its what Nershi feels is right for him. Shit toss Keller in his place and I' be down to dance around.

Billy needs time to do what he wants to do....Everyone needs a break sometime...And who knows how long it will last...I must agree with all that wonder what tha HEK Honkytonk Homeslice has on SCI....he'll be back!

First I'd like to thank the boys in cheese for bringing me so many memories that will last forever, they have brought me and my friends to some of the happiest musical times in our lives. I myself don't see Billy as being replacable. I would also like to say that everyone on this post bringing negative vibes and anti cheese comments are bad bad people. When someones friend dies, do you make fun of them, I know I don't. Keep it positive freaky people, I love you all and it's been an amazing ride.

i DO love billy, dont get me wrong, but i have to say he may have been the most inconsitent member of the group. all travis songs are terrible, and all kang songs are gay, there i said it. (i love kang songs btw, maybe im gay too) whatev, billy has some kickass songs (jellyfish, little hands, smile, texas, and more) but come on, las vegas? him rapping 'give it away now'? hmm what else? 'windy mountain'. it takes a lot of courage to give up something that he had artistically exhausted but was still financially feasible. keep up the love everyone, at least i saw them in CT a couple weeks ago, that was a reaaaaallllly good show.

My Money is on Keller filling in for Bill. Cheese makes way too much money to stop now and Keller needs a great backing band.

Thoughts?

I love cheese. I have been following them since 1998. I have seen so many wonderful shows from telluride to bonarroo. This band has been an exciting part of my life for the past 8 years. I have really enjoyed watching them grow and experiment throughout this long strange trip. jgarcia1 please don't be to critical about bills habits. I remember seeing travis pull off multiple shows in 2002 were he was so drunk that he couldn't hardly sit-up. I think that the pressures of playing gigs night after night and trying to meet the demands of so many dedicated fans can be awfully stressful. The bottom line is that ALL members of this band are extreamly tatented and a destin for better things. Thank you SCI for all of the great memories.

I just want to thank SCI for the musical moments that i was so lucky to embrace. I do believe we'll still see some sort of sci in the future but it will never be the same. I really feel bad for all the kids that have spent so much time loving and touring sci's music only to see it die like this. it definitely reminds me a lil bit of how phish left. luckly for me i have found a great peace and a musical place for my heart in moe. who in my personal opinion will be around for a very long time, god willing. thank you cheese.

~K~

Well....im disappointed in all the negative feedback as well. This should be a thing that brings feelings of concern or questions of the band's fate. but we go on like some mainstream groupies, gossiping and destroying images. we all now that Sci fidelity has started on many side projects and using their label as a hub for j-bands of all kinds. POSITIVE!!!!!

Nershi better not go solo... I won't go see him if he does... In fact, the band might just be BETTER with Keller instead of Nershi... I like Keller and Kang better than Nershi and Kang...

What do yall think was the last great SCI concert?

10,000 Lakes?

I HATE CHEESE FANS, you have no respect for anything, namely phish and alcohol, bunch of filthy E-tards! on a side note: glitter stock plummited today : )

last good cheese show with some 30 since, 1997 top hat, missoula montana sad to see you go bill but even sadder to see ya stay, and to all you people that put down cheese isnt it better to be right and have a good time then to be as condescending as you all are? get over it and go see some real music if you know what the hell that is keep groovin

I would like to say thanks to SCI and Billy especially for the wonderful ride these last 6-7 years. Because of SCI I was able to meet about 90% of my friends. My wife and I got engaged at Horning's Hideout 2004. Cheese will always hold a special place in my heart and I will be at every show possible until they hang it up. Much love and respect to Billy and his decision, to all of SCI and to all those FOC's out there that have made my life that much better. Let's dance till the last note!

1) i thank cheese for being there and taking over when phish left.......(and thank god phish DID leave, the crowd was getting HORRID)

2) i could ALWAYS rely on cheese giving a great show......(unlike many posts here i'm not dating back 5 or 7 years to their last great gig)....in fact i'm in the NOW....favorite cheese show was always my last cheese show attended.....that would then be flagstaff 2006 a few months ago

3) the keller idea was the FIRST thing my wife suggested, i'm glad that is "out there" and the band may consider it...who knows

4) billy was the SOUL of the cheese, could always count on him for a laugh and a good time...i absolutley love the rest of the band and hope they continue together

5) thanks billy for helping me find "cheesus".....and i hope the immature freakers on this and other pages can appreciate all you did for the scene......and by the way it was THE MOST FRIENDLY scene since early dead days......no band comes even close....too many drunk college kids there just to see how f'ed up they could get, thank god most of them "never got" the cheese..and i might add..."phew, i'm glad they didn't"

I've seen Cheese 5 times since July... 1st being at 10KLF. WLHart, i think the 10klf was the best of the 5... the others being twice in Chicago, once in Ann Arbor, and the late night show at Vegoose.. Saying that, i saw the Keller Incident at 10klf and Vegoose... The vegoose set was great, with Bob Rules>Restless Wind>Bob Rules, spectacular!... the one thing between Keller incident and SCI is, when they play, i feel like its more Keller oriented rather than Cheese Oriented, and thats the one thing i will be disappointed with if Keller joins and plays the Acoustic role.

Anywho, Glitter and glowsticks Rock! Not ever Cheese-head is an E-tard... just like not ever Deadhead is an Acid-Trip. Peace and love. Keep on jammin

re cddrake: never one to be harsh on Bill or anyone's troubles, have them all myself and know the drill better than I care to admit. What perturbs me is the level of dishonesty in the band's press release, which over time, will be ripped a new one as the facts begin to trickle out. We as fans invest a great deal of time, energy, to say nothing of money, supporting these guys through thick or thin. i know about the pressure and grind of the road. So answer me this, what numbnuts in SCI management scheduled them 6 nights in a row, and I believe, 9 out of ten, on this past fall tour through the South. At this stage of the game, that absolutely baffles my mind. They're hardly new to this and should know better that when the Cheese do extensive runs like this, Bill historically lays a couple of major eggs and we the fans as well as the band pay the price. What also perturbs me is the jam community's inability to take a hard critical look at some of our heroes and yes, be critical WHEN IT IS WARRANTED!!! Enough with the fluff pieces, every jam was the sickest, and every show was the best ever, of course, until the next one. Something went seriously wrong here with the boys and I'm appalled at the lack of inquisitiveness, not just by the Cheese community, but by the whole jamband journalistic circle. This is a major major story, and the best Jambands can do is put up a survey. It's pathetic. Do we have a right to all the band's interpersonal dirty laundry? Of course not. But don't lie to us when its so glaringly obvious that something wasn't right with Bill of late and the band was losing their patience with him. To the clown who stated "he loves when people act like their in the band", yo, have the bong surgically removed from your face and pay attention to the interactions of your beloved band members and you might have something intelligent and introspective to say. If you are incapable of that, leave those of us alone who are. I know what I saw, I predicted the outcome, and I was censored on livecheese downloads for voicing my critiques of the band's playing and in particular, Bill's struggles. And low and behold, look at the mess we have now. Maybe if Bill had been called out publicly for his struggles and inconsistency, he may have gotten his game together in time, and all this could have been avoided. But now its too late. I love Bill and all the joy he has brought me and you. It didn't have to end this way, and our community's silence and head in the sand posture I feel is somewhat responsible. Peace.

this is sad, but should've happened some time ago, not really into anything they've done since the fist roo...fun while it lasted though

Well, having seen the Cheese since 1997 I have to say that as they got more and more "Jambandy" and less and less bluegrassy it really lost something for me. Looking at Billy's new band I'd have to say that he feels the same way. I haven't seen them since 2000.

Don't fault the guy for quitting if he's not feeling it anymore. Undoubtedly he's felt this way for a long time and tried to resolve things. Perhaps he feels there's no fixing it, that's he's totally over it. This most likely isn't a spur of the moment decision in the heat of being pissed that someone played over his solo or something.

Why continue if you don't love what you're doing? Who wants to be in a band that feels like a day job? Even if the fans love it, and you know they give unconditional love to most mega-jam-bands however good or bad a performance is (see most of the last years of the GD), even then I think it would be hard to rewind what was probably years of feeling like you weren't into it anymore.

At least he gave almost a year's notice!

Truth of the matter, jgarcia, is that your "intellectual critiques" are nothing more than complete speculation. I would have deleted them from the comments as well, because it is readily apparant that you were acting like a jackass.

You really have absolutely nothing to support your claim, other than your own drug abuse, which isn't any kind of support at all. You have no first hand experience with what has been going on beind the scenes AT all. You decision to spout forth some rather malicious rumors based ENTIRELY upon speculation is nothing short of reprehensible, in my opinion, it to me it looks like an attempt to drag someone else down to your level.

I've seen SCI play as many times as I could this year, and as far as I can see everything you have said is patently false. I have seen Billy play solo, even met the guy twice, and can't say that anything you've SPECULATED about was accurate from where I was standing.

If you've got something substantive and verifyable, cool, if it's just "Well he seemed out of sorts this night blah blah blah," save it please, as it is as destructive as it is crass and rude.

Reading these comments shows me proof of why bands like Phish and SCI NEED to call it quits. This so-called "scene" is so demanding. There are so many people that want to just live this supposedly subversive life of following bands around instead of otherwise conforming to society. These folks and others expect too much out of these bands. What do you expect? That these guys are going to do the same old thing forever until they die a premature death like Jerry? I sure hope not.

I am pround of SCI as well as Phish. They both learned from the mistakes of Jerry and the Dead. Sure, the music won't be the same. I would even say the music will never be as good for Phish or SCI as it was at their respective peaks. But that's the way it goes. Maybe they will surprise us after they recooperate from such hectic lives. I won't hold my breath, but I certainly wouldn't be surprised.

I wish Billy Nershi and SCI all the best. They really have delivered all the best to me. They are my favorite band, and have been for nearly a decade. I will continue to listen to their side projects and new projects, just like I do with Trey and the Dead. Good luck guys!

PeAcE

P.S. All of this said, I am bummed. I always looked forward to new SCI tours and albums. NO...let me repeat...NO band can "replace" SCI and move the Dead->Phish-> SCI legacy forward. Not Moe, not UM, not WP, not anyone. As far as I am concerned, it is over. SCI was the last hope. It is sad, but I think it is for the best. This "scene" is getting stale anyhow. Let the future begin!

Thanks for the good times. SCI knows how to throw a party. Bill is a great musician and a classy dude. I think HTHS is really good too, more power to Bill. Seen SCI many, many times. Their musical journey has been fun to watch even if it has not always been to my liking. I thought they could be hit and miss. I really prefer the bluegrass side of them. For a while they were starting to sound too much like Phish for my taste, I could not take it. The last couple years it seems like they were heading back to their to roots. Kinda bummed I was ready to go see them again after a few years away. They are fantastic at bluegrass, especially when Kang is on Fiddle. Bill is definetly top notch at picking bluegrass and singing. I can see why he would veer more in that direction. Thats his deal. I really can't imagine anyone but Bill at the helm for SCI. It was a good run. Thanks!

SCI fans have always been kind to me and fun to party with.
(pfleghaar-So have Panic fans by the way,you must have came from a Trey forum and been confused).

jgarcia1-Sorry but it is not your place to call out somebody on their personal issues without their permission unless they are a politician. It is not your damn business to spread rumors like that.

pfleghaar

sizlunt, front row Roanoke, watching bearded idol whiff hitting the cow bell. COMPLETELY FUCKING WHIFF!!!!!!!!! The band was covering as all night, from his idiotic LA Woman rap in his Elvis voice, to his Elanor Rigby tease, to his throwing it over to totally unprepared Kyle to continue his Doors disaster, to his commentaries to the crowd about "what is all this chit chat about" and "sure is a lot of blabbing go on tonight". This might be a little tricky for you, but he wasn't talking to the crowd, he was talking to the band about their constant chatter about how to cover for his obviously struggling ass. After Bill's little missive, the band essentialy turned their backs to him, no longer trying to help him along. No speculation here, honey, just the facts, obviously something your not terribly comfortable with. The second set of Loisville is nothing short of embarressing. I'm sorry to burst your little idyllic bubble, but Bill was high as a satellite when he came out for the second set, culminating in another series of inane stage sprints. The rest of the band looked on quizzically, again, 4th row honey, no speculation here. The first part of the set he was playing so f-ing fast he couldn'r connect with anyone else on the stage. Again, no spec. here, tootsy, just sharp observation. Second half of second set, he could barely strum his guitar, culminating in arguably the worst Rhythm of the Road ever performed. See how many blown lyrics from maestro Bill you can count? That doesn't include the completely omitted last verse! Oh, but this would actual mean you were either at the show or have listened to the tapes, which i doubt you've done either. Yet, you feel yourself qualified to comment on my observations when you were nowhere to be f-ing found. BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!! I am hardly the first person to comment on Bill's relationship to the hooch. Knowing first hand the effects of prolonged usage can have on one's abilities I feel myself more than qualified to comment on the situation because, sorry honey, its an F-ing fact. Whether he quit or was asked to leave will come out in time, but if you think this has anything to do with "musical directions", you need to wake up.

Dude, are you aware of the difference between fact and opinion? Fact and speculation? Apparantly not.

SCI was a great band until they started trying to be a livetronica band. I love livetronica, just not theirs. They should have stuck with the classic rock/jazz/jam/world/bluegrass shit. There are still enough genres in that mix to switch things up. I wish Nerschi the best as his Honkytonk Homeslice (or whatever its called) is dope.

i think for the most part we can all say that cheese does something to us, it is an indescribable feeling, and it is the best feeling. i am so thankfull that i had 4 incidents before the end, even though i was anticipating many, many, more. i'm so thankfull for everything that every one of the boys has done for me. so we can all be upset but we can't criticize bill's choices because it is obviously what he feels is right. so just let it take it's course, maybe bill will be back, maybe not. i think it's safe to say that we will all miss him more than he knows...

p.s. i love keller williams, and have seen the keller williams incident, but it's not bill.

STRING CHEESE NO MORE, this is heartbreaking to me.

I need my cheese. I had a feeling Cheese was getting a lot less inspired but why does Nershi have to leave. I hope it is not to pursue Honky Tonk home slice. They are a pretty decent band, for a side project, but why would Nershi leave his superstar status to persue such musical intrest. It was so obvious that Nershi was that bluegrass man in the band, but I feel that he is being a baby by leaving because he can't do blue grass with cheese all the time. I thought it was time for the "BIG COMERMISE"! One thing is for sure, filling billy's "Big Shoes" will be hard to do. Musically I feel that cheese has a lot to contribute to the Jam Band community and I hope they will continue......Maybe Keller can fill the place;)

Sara Loser, pround to admit.

i love cheese and they are my favorite band period and there music has ment sooo much to me since 98'... and im really lucky they came around in my neck of the woods in roanoke.. and i had a personal convo with nershi after the show they did a little private set to about 20 of us.... but he didnt seem like him self ive seen cheese about 4 times... dont get me wrong the show was great like always but there was something missing when i talked to him.... its a sad time in us cheeseheads life but we have to let the music live and keep on hoopin.. hopefully the whole band stays together and brings on KELLER.... nershi will be missed but i have a gut feeling he needed a break.... but if anyone replaces nershi i hope to god its KELLER....

i love this sciene! ppfpfpf. i guess, hope, panic and chez are too far apart to get spillover...i want herring all to myself anyway. billy seems a nice little gnome and i wish him the best...just hopeful the homeslice, zilla, and kang fruitparty are enough to keep incidentalists penned in

Just wanted to add my .02. I'd like to wish Billy all the best. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. If it's some kind of other problem then so be it. good luck with that also (we should all support him). I think the cheese will be sorely missed in my life. Their live shows were the best (no not all of the time) but most of the time. I had the pleasure of being at the Orleans last week and had tons of fun (is Trey still onstage). If that was my last cheese show than I can say I went out on a good note. As far as all of the bad vibes go and all of the speculation I wish you would just keep it to yourselves (I know it's an open forum). If Billy really has some kind of problem I think it's ok that they keep it to themselves they do not owe us anything other than creating some great music which we do pay for by buying a ticket. We do not pay for personal information. Why don't you just wish him the best rather than trash him for things like "whiffing" on a cowbell (just an example). Did anyone complain when our old best buddy botched the words to AM Dew 100 times. I think not. Anyway if this it then then RIP cheese. You will be sorely missed in my life. Thanks for the great memories.

Another band will rise from the ashes to take the place of String Cheese. We saw it with Phish and then SCI. As others have stated, you have to respect his decision for leaving, no matter what the reason is. Does it bother me that the band may/will? be no more after next summer? Sure it does, but obviously there are things happening that we are not aware of. If there are personal issues surrounding the band then it is better that they are taken care of instead of having them tour for the sake of touring. To see the decline of the Dead in the 90's was painful to watch, especialy after seeing them from the late 70's on. Personally, I would rather not see string cheese at all than have them take the turn that the Grateful Dead did those last few years. Enough said...Peace to the band.

re: miked10 Obviously hooked on phonics never made it into your hands. Read a little closer. Not only am I not trashing Bill for "whiffing the cowbell", the whole scene in Roanoke had reached such a level of disturbance, it simultaneously brought tears to me and my girlfriend's eyes. I love these guys so much I could barely hold it together, another of my heros self-destructing right before my very eyes. As for the real JGarcia, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I did bitch and complain when he butchered lyrics, knowing good and well he was back on the brown bag tour. Does that mean I sold my remaining tix and gave away all my tapes...of course not. But keeping your mouth shut when people you love and care for are obviously self-destructing is cowardice and more importantly, enabling. If people would have booed Jerry off the stage when he repeatedly floundered, there's a chance it may have motivated him to clean up his act. It was no big mystery why Jerry would butcher so, he was fucked up and strung out. But we all continued to kiss his ass right up until his final notes, giving him what he wanted to hear instead of what he needed to hear. And look where that got him. Its our own fault as well as the jam community's journalistic circles for not holding Jerry (and Trey) and now Bill more accountable for their onstage performances. We all know the drill, we know they can't be perfect every night, thats why we go to many shows in case they lay an egg or two. Sorry kids, but the truth hurts, but when one or more band members are over-imbibing, the collective whole suffers. Bill is enormously responsible for the success of the Cheese, when he was on, they were on. But when he was off, shows significantly suffered, and he more than anyone else is responsible for them not taking things to the next level professionally. As for the band straying from their bluegrass roots and that possibly being the cause of Bill's musical discontent,I just don't buy that. He has been an integral, inspired, and commanding participant in thousands upon thousands of highly creative spontaneous free-form jams that couldn't be more far removed from traditional kick-ass bluegrass. Personally, I feel grateful that my musical tastes are eclectic enough to enjoy immensly everything the Cheese played, but I can understand how traditionalists could be put off by the more recent trance-jams just as the psychedelic lovers could be put off by the cowboy/hillbilly portions of the show. The Cheese's range of styles is for many too polar, alienating many at some point or another, in spite of how well they may play it. Michael and Kyle are growing immensely as artists. To see Michael play with his lap top during the trippy jamouts of recently played Big Shoes tells you this band wants to expand and grow, and they are energized to move forward. Bill's inconsistent, erratic playing and questionable stage behavior has been a low-festering bane on this band for some time now. It's a true devil's bargain, for there is no replacing his true genius but his bandmates have grown enough now to not tolerate his shortcomings. I wish them all well, and I'm near certain, the remaining boys will take their time and make an excellent choice to fill Bill's slot. Bill will be sorely missed, but I think the remaing crew have their best music still ahead of them. I hope Bill can exorcise his demons and get back to his aforementioned greatness.

re: miked10 Obviously hooked on phonics never made it into your hands. Read a little closer. Not only am I not trashing Bill for "whiffing the cowbell", the whole scene in Roanoke had reached such a level of disturbance, it simultaneously brought tears to me and my girlfriend's eyes. I love these guys so much I could barely hold it together, another of my heros self-destructing right before my very eyes. As for the real JGarcia, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I did bitch and complain when he butchered lyrics, knowing good and well he was back on the brown bag tour. Does that mean I sold my remaining tix and gave away all my tapes...of course not. But keeping your mouth shut when people you love and care for are obviously self-destructing is cowardice and more importantly, enabling. If people would have booed Jerry off the stage when he repeatedly floundered, there's a chance it may have motivated him to clean up his act. It was no big mystery why Jerry would butcher so, he was fucked up and strung out. But we all continued to kiss his ass right up until his final notes, giving him what he wanted to hear instead of what he needed to hear. And look where that got him. Its our own fault as well as the jam community's journalistic circles for not holding Jerry (and Trey) and now Bill more accountable for their onstage performances. We all know the drill, we know they can't be perfect every night, thats why we go to many shows in case they lay an egg or two. Sorry kids, but the truth hurts, but when one or more band members are over-imbibing, the collective whole suffers. Bill is enormously responsible for the success of the Cheese, when he was on, they were on. But when he was off, shows significantly suffered, and he more than anyone else is responsible for them not taking things to the next level professionally. As for the band straying from their bluegrass roots and that possibly being the cause of Bill's musical discontent,I just don't buy that. He has been an integral, inspired, and commanding participant in thousands upon thousands of highly creative spontaneous free-form jams that couldn't be more far removed from traditional kick-ass bluegrass. Personally, I feel grateful that my musical tastes are eclectic enough to enjoy immensly everything the Cheese played, but I can understand how traditionalists could be put off by the more recent trance-jams just as the psychedelic lovers could be put off by the cowboy/hillbilly portions of the show. The Cheese's range of styles is for many too polar, alienating many at some point or another, in spite of how well they may play it. Michael and Kyle are growing immensely as artists. To see Michael play with his lap top during the trippy jamouts of recently played Big Shoes tells you this band wants to expand and grow, and they are energized to move forward. Bill's inconsistent, erratic playing and questionable stage behavior has been a low-festering bane on this band for some time now. It's a true devil's bargain, for there is no replacing his true genius but his bandmates have grown enough now to not tolerate his shortcomings. I wish them all well, and I'm near certain, the remaining boys will take their time and make an excellent choice to fill Bill's slot. Bill will be sorely missed, but I think the remaing crew have their best music still ahead of them. I hope Bill can exorcise his demons and get back to his aforementioned greatness.

Gay...That's what SCI is. I don't mean gay as in it sucks. I mean gay as in Homosexual. When I saw Travis making out with Kang it sealed the deal. These guys are a bunch of fruits. If you take so much ecstacy that you say "I just think everyone is beautiful, regardless of sex." It is not some monumental discovery. It just means you are Gay.....Not that theres anything wrong with that

What is wrong with all you people. Find something better to do with your time for God's sake. This is definitely the last time I check out the reviews section.

kaiserbun...if you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen...go make yourself a sandwich and let the big dogs slug it out...Peace

this doesnt suprise me at all. personaly i think they've been downhill since 2001...but who cares. i bet nershi does some stuff with vince herman.

can't say i saw this coming, oh well. the past couple years at summerfest were teriffic.

This news is so depressing. Love the cheese. Gotta say thanks for all the good times from my first show at sycamore gardens(cincy4/9/98)to my last at the louisville palace(10/4/06). Highlights for me are the vic with carl denson and carlos washington, big top at high sierra, and costa rica. I've got a good idea, how about bringing us back to costa rica for a final incident. Cheese could invite keller back and see if the greyboy allstars, dtb, etc....want to play.
thanks for all the beautiful music

To Billy,

We know you really liked to roam
But now you say you’re goin’ way back home
You’re takin’ that long and lonesome road home

You’re puttin’ on both your big shoes
You say you got the walkin’ blues
The rhythm of the road will take you where you choose

You seem to think that this must be the place
Where you can find a smile on you’re face
To vanish without leaving a single trace

But Close your eyes and look inside
Through this looking glass of mine
It looks like you’ve got something there to hide

It’s that you are not going home
The truth is that you’re leaving home
And leaving all your friends sad and alone

So whatever planet you think you’re from
You’re home was here all along
Just listen to the song that you have sung

Now I don’t really mean to hate
I just want you to appreciate
That this decision really has some weight

But if you can turn this around
Your fans will make a joyful sound
They’ll be happy to know the wheel’s still goin’ ‘round

So please don’t go way back home
We really loved you all along
Billy, Billy please come home


Just wanna say that if Kang and co. do in fact ask Keller to replace Billy he would most likely say yes. He has stated on his website in the Q&A that he would join their band if asked.
http://www.kellerwilliams.net/questions.full.htm:
You and cheese are great together, if they asked you to join their band, would you?
YES

jgarcia, you make me proud to be part of this scene. Whatever Nershi's problems may be, they're none of our business, and the fact remains that SCI is missing an integral part of their team. Thanks so much for your profound intellectual journalism. You'd do Geraldo proud.

My .02 on Keller: He's fun with SCI but not a good fit as a permanent addition. He's got all that one man band stuff going on anyway. Both sides would be stifled with his addition, but it would be badass if he could fill-in in until they find someone else.

i got no problems with SCI but id be REALLY pissed if keller joined the band and didnt do anymore solo work. i love keller by himself.. call me selfish. anyone else feel me?

love to all SCI fans, my shoulder is here for you.

So no phat summer tour??? Just what is announced?? I think the cheese should move on and jam with keller but call it "Funky Swiss Incident" See ya at Winter Carnival, red rocks.... Hornings??

Bel: I'd check it out... I'm just not that enthralled with Keller's solo stuff. Don't get me wrong, I think he is amazingly talented, but the looping and stuff I find to be a little too repetitive for me. So I guess it wouldn't affect me if he joined SCI, SCI just wouldn't be the same, but if it worked, and they still grooved, and their music still felt happy and they still put on a damn good show, I wouldn't complain.

It's hard to say if I'd have the same enthusiasm for them or not; I wouldn't really know until I saw the first show. I know that for the first time in years I will soon not be anticipating my next Incident, and that pretty much sucks in every way. I kind of like anticipating my next round of shows as much as I like going to them haha.

is it just me or do my balls itch?

The first time I've ever made a comment on jambase, but reading all this brouha about Keller joining SCI seems perfect to me...and here's why. Michael Kang and Keller Williams are two of the most pretentious musicians/people that I've ever come across. Examples of both: SCI plays Steamboat, where they were always supported when they were nothing, I walk up to Kang after a show, thanked him for putting on such a great show, stuck out my hand to shake his...he looked down at my hand, threw out a shit eating grin and turned around and walked away. HUGE EGO. Keller Williams also owes a lot of his success to his "friends" who helped him on his way up when he could barely feed himself, didn't have a place to sleep, and was always cared for and supported by the local scene...particularly the group at the Red Roof Inn out there in the country.
So, Keller's in town for a show a couple years back now and he stops at the Shop and Hop on the way out of town. The guy working the counter asks if he got to see his old friends while he was in town, and his response was this... "those guys are a bunch of losers". These are those same losers that fed him and gave him a place to sleep during his struggling years. This is not a solid citizen. USER and EGO come to mind....and since Kang is the same, they're a match made in...oh, I was going to say "heaven", but since neither will find their way there it's likely the other.

Almost forgot, congratulations Billy. We'll look forward to seeing you make the turn through the mountains with Vince Herman on down the line.

I'm going to miss Cheese. I still have the Fabulous Fox to go. I realize that this will probably be the last time i get to see Billy and the boys for a long time. I sure know what i'll be giving thanks for that weekend. Lots of great times, lots of great tunes, and lots of cheers for the guys giving us fair warning that there road has come to an end. After all they could have just walked away and they aren't doing us that way. I cant wait for Atlanta. As for Kellar, well as i recall, Billy was there every time he had the privilage to share the stage with cheese. I just wouldn't be the same.

I'm on the billy bandwagon.

Thanks Billy for all the years of amazing music

I never got into SCI, but I feel for all ya'll cheesers out there!

Dude, I always thought Billy was the one holding it down on the six string. It seems like Kang is pretty much non-existent for most of every song until it is time to go over the top. Kyle is always solid. This sucks. I hope Billy starts a kick ass bluegrass group with Drew Emmitt and Scott Law.

I can't believe this is happening. I have only gotten to see cheese a few times and now I will have to try to hit them up this summer before it is all over......I know a lot of people are freaking out and I understand why. Cheese made a lot of amazing music and I hope to god these side projects turn out for us fans.

Here it is. One of the saddest day in jambands. I am very sad that SCI will not be what they used to be. I was lucky enough to catch great shows, such as NYE 2004 in NY, and kick ass shows like there last one in MI. I will defenatly catch most of their shows this summer, and go to red rocks. I will miss my favorite jamband though. I will see all you guys where there last show is going to be.

the enthusiam is nice, but lets put the real deal into prospective. Keller wouldn't join SCI. Right now he is making better money than he would be with any band. Music is an art, but at the end of the day you are going to take what pays the bills the best. I am sure cheese will move on and do great things. When Newgrass split everyone went on and is now doing what makes them happy.

Well, I have read all these posts and I am caught between reality and dreams. JGarcia, your posts have been so dead on. Billy is having a hard time, but remember, what happens back stage, stays back stage. The truth will come out eventually, but we have to live with the decision the band made. We all still love the music, we have to remember the music bought us to CHEESE. We will have answers, but for now lets let the band decide which direction they should go. Let's keep the peace and love in this community and remember we will always have the music. Peace.

Well boys and girls it sounds like time for FORMULA to step up to the plate....Batters up...

String Cheese Incident to break up

NEW YORK (Billboard) -- Colorado jam-band kingpins the String Cheese Incident have announced plans to disband at the end of next summer.

The move was apparently made after guitarist Bill Nershi decided to leave the band to pursue other musical projects, including his acoustic trio Honkytonk Homeslice, which also features his wife, Jilian.

String Cheese's final tour will include a Thanksgiving stop in Atlanta and a New Year's stand in San Francisco, as well as dates in Colorado. According to a statement, there are no plans for the band "beyond summer of 2007."

In its 13-year career, String Cheese has established itself as one of the marquee names and major players in the underground jam-band scene, whose stars routinely sell out large rooms without the benefit of mainstream media attention or significant album sales.

String Cheese grew large enough to anchor its own amphitheatre tour in 2005, the Big Summer Classic, which also featured Keller Williams, Michael Franti and New Monsoon. The group also co-founded Madison House Inc., an increasingly successful entertainment company whose services including booking and management. String Cheese's albums were released on the band's own SCI Fidelity label.

...yeah FIJIBOB thats Kangs vibe...i asked him one time where the band got thier name and he ignored me and wandered off singing some song to himself...and he cant play a solo without biting trey/jerry/everyother frontrunning lead player from the scene. not that that reflects on the rest of the band. cheese seems like a democracy to me. i take all of the little bits of personality and put them together as a whole and....i dunno thier rythum section is cool as hell...they seem like they would be there if they werent in the band...i get a 'for us by us. vibe when im around them.

YES - KELLER IS THE ACE IN THE HOLE! than fire Kang! (boulders sickest unknown guitaurist) Justin Konrad would blow him to dust! no shit!

NO BILL, yet once again a great band is disbanding to "pursue other music". Bill take a lesson from Trey. Without phish, trey is crap. I do not personally enjoy trey's solo music. Like him I believe that you are one of the premier guitarest in one of the top-notch bands in the world. Why ruin such a great thing that you and Cheese have? If breaking up So Long and forever love of Cheese!!

the string cheese incident is one of the greatest things that ever happened to me. from the first time i ever heard the truly epic rollover i was hooked. this band redefined my musical styling. my preferred music is jam but i have learned to love nearly every single genre available to me. this is because of the seamless blending of nearly all genres that the cheese represented. ever since i saw their dvd with malcolm burn i had a feeling they were on the decline but it didnt matter to me. the cheese remain my favorite band to date. i love the dead, i love p.funk. but i love the cheese most.this news makes me sad but i know that what they were hoping to accomplish has been accomplished. their music will not die with the end of touring. just like the dead their music will continue to inspire tons of us daily. hopefully most of us will be able to remember them for the things they did well and that music will continue to be amazing. please people please stop bickering and realize that this music is eternal. this is not the death of the scene. this is the birth of something new. in the words of the great, the music never stopped. it never will as long as we can remember the greatness.

everyone quit talking about gimmicky keller joining the lineup. he should keep his loops to himself.

the "string cheese breakup" is on cnn.com....kinda funny, its probly the first time theyve ever been mentioned on cnn.com

Emo- you really think Keller wouldn't join Cheese if asked? You do know The Cheese is bigger than Keller (and deff. bigger than kdubs head), right?
I wasn't at bonnaro02 but have seen pictures of the KWI late-night and didn't see Nershi in any of those pics. Can anyone who was there give us the low down?
KWI NYE 07-08!!!! Hahahaha

Keller is not going to replace Nershi. Stop dreaming.. While the shows with Keller were amazing he does not seem to be a full time big band type of guy..
How did I know that people would take this as a chance to compare Nershi to Trey and bash them both? There is more to music than the same band and same songs. Musicians have a lust for music that cannot be slaked by one band forever. Every musician is constantly growing in their talent, ideas, and style. When their current position in a band or such does not answer their call for music, they have to follow the music where it takes them.
Personally, I respect Nershi and Trey both alike. Great musicians and they are both still doing great things. The band may not be the same, but maybe that will be a good thing. We still have our shows and memories of them at least.
Good luck to you Nershi.

sad:( :( what can we do? nothing. It's time we find some other talent out there. THere is another dawn out there to dusk.

Hello out there in jam land... Is anyone checking out other media outlets these days? They're done, over, finished, whatever you want to call it. No more SCI after Summer 2007, so stop bitchin' about KW. He doesn't need to join a band. He's got too much talent of his own.

If Cheese is going to keep going (which is unlikely) Keith should take Billy's spot in the center (Keith is a great guitarist) and they should find someone to replace Keith on bass. or like I said before Larry Keel replaces Nershi.

This news is so sad to me, I have a hole in my heart. I am going to truely miss these guys. They are the only band that can really does it for me all around. Thir music is beautyful, the words are great, and they can really make you dance. The people and experiances are also great. They are really going to be missed in my book. I agree with cookie1, the music will still be out there. people stop haten on the cheese, there will always be the memories.

It's sad but all I can say is thanks for the hella good times.

SCI was still together? Wow. I thought these jokers quit a while ago. Nershi actually thinks he's that good he can break up a band? That is laughable.

I dont think SCI will be done. Nershi is the weakest player in the band. His fun vocals will be missed but I hope the band just goes on without him.

nooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Since when did SCI take over where phish left off? thanks for all the memories from y'all these posts are more like bitchin sessions than good or bad or cool or helping or nourishing and i aint innocent either

Nershi leaving SCI is no suprise.. but here's one:
Brit to devorce K-FED!

first off big bummer nershi seemed to be the grassy backing for cheese but fuk it and this nonsence about being replaced by keller dont see that happening keller is a solo guy it'd be interesting though any way glad i got some cheese while i could

Billy is the Glue. He fucks up alot but he is what the holds the band together.

Enough with the comparision between phish and ScI!!!!
Those tow bands are what I listen to all the time on my Ipod, and now both are going to be gone. I love SCI, but I feel mature enough to respect their decisions.(whatever the reasons are for him to leave the band). All I have to add is that it is not over yet!!
I will make sure I will catch most of their summer tour. I won't expect great music, but I will enjoy all the emotions it is going to bring me for the grant finally.
Thank YOu String Cheese Incindent for what you did to my life.

PS: I would not want to see keller replacing Nershi, keller is too repetitive. I think it is most likely going to be over after summer 2007.

Keller doesn't even have to be permenet just give us a few tours or somethin. Like new years. Lookin foward to some honkytonk homeslice, swing through western ny! And it aint over peoples...QUIT YA DAY JOB! AND RIDE IT OUT TILL THEE END!!!!AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!

They should replace Nershi with BUCKETHEAD and while they're at it move Hollingsworth over to Bass and put Bernie Worrell on keys then move Hollingsworth to triangle and put Laswell on Bass and move Keith to cowbell and put Brain on drums and move Travis to high hat only and finally bring back Yamataka Eye on vocals and lose Kang all together cuz we would already have a spoon head and no band needs two spoon heads and call themselves The Praxis Incident and weird people out. This scene needs more weirdin out. There is not nearly enough. Get real weirdsweet people

Holy sweet Jesus...I have been looking at these comments for the past three days now...what the....213 comments thus far? Do you people do anything else with your time then offer up useless commentary that, in the end, will not make much difference to anything. Put your energy into something else. For those of you who have offered condolences and what not , very nice. To the rest who have offered this scenario or that, whats next..phish this, Jerry that...get a grip on reality, there are thousands of bands who throw down each and every night, investing in one is just a waste of time. I know this to e true, because I did it with Phish for 70 odd show and missed alot ebcause my field of vision was soooo narrow. Look what happened to the scene when Garcia died...explosion. In order for growth sometimes destruction is needed, get over it...someone may or may not have a drinking problem...useless comments are not gonna help or deter from what is. Garcia would not have gotten better, if we booed him off stage, Trey is an ego maniac and I dont really care for SCI...although I give thanks for what they have done for the industry as a whole. Listen to music leave your whining to your wife or husband

String Cheese has not been on a decline in the last few years. They have simply grown and the sound of their music has gained texture and diversity, which is more than I can say for a lot of other bands. The difference in their sound from 5 to 10 years ago compared to now may not suit all listeners but that does not mean that their talent or energy has diminished. Also, a real SCI fan/supporter realizes that only the band knows the ins and outs of their situation and what's best for the music. The best thing we can do is catch as many of the next few shows possible and hold on to the memories. If they find a way to continue, great. If not, it was amazing while it lasted. Keep ya heads everybody, there's good times around the bend. See yall at the Fox.

yeah it does suck that billy is leaving, for whatever reason. But, as i have seen this band numerous times, i've never taken for granted. SHIT Jerry was only 53 and died. I've been on the scene since 93', shit, and going to see Phish was like I was settling for them for something to do. Don't any of you people get it. This isn't just music, it's the fountain of youth. Why do you think Bobby and Phil are still truckin'? Bobby is where it is at. Have any of you felt the love come from this shit? I thought that SCI was comparible to GD in that respect. Love was in the air at cheese shows. Do any of you relate to what I am saying. When the boys took the stage, something, or someone else was present while the music was being played. The EXPERIENCE. Thank you to all that share their talent with us. PEACE OUT

re poppasmurf: Come again?? You read all 213 comments and then have the audacity to tell us we should do other things with our time??!! Hello, McFly, anyone home? And to top off your genius commentary, you state you don't even like SCI?? Yet, you read all 213 comments and wrote one yourself. FUCKING BRILLIANT, I say!!!! Maybe you should hold off with your advice to us all about how we should pursue other musical tastes, trust us, we all like more than one band, I can assure you of that, and maybe work a little harder on oh, why don't you start with a new screen name. I don't have the energy to dissect all your opinions masquerading as facts... Go find the board of a band you like and I promise to leave you be.

didnt read all 213, but you struck me as quiet funny jgarcia...because you sure got alot of post. One I never tried to lay down any facts just observations. I can tell that you might be a friend of bills, or a member of another fellowship...you know as well as I that only the addicted can make the decision and others are not gonna be able to get said person "help"...the boys tried it with Garcia, loved ones tried it with me. Quit trying to be an authority and let it go man, dont be part of the problem...thats all I gotta say. It seems that people, including myself, spend more time critiquing the music and the palyers then listening and being one with the music, because music might be one of the last things on this earth that can really unite people, and all I see, in comment pages like these is people hating and looking at the differences. Our illusions, maya, may be what we experience most of the time, but we can all strive for unity through music. Peace

Music is what you make and feel of it, we're all different and we all enjoy different textures, tastes and vibes. One thing we should all have in common is respect for our fellow man or woman. Billy will do just fine on his own. Peace be the Journey!!!

Why you post prechersmurf? I thought this was a place where losers post "useless commentary". Ya think your better then me!?!?!?

rinosquad is right , this scene needs more wierdin out!

the news is a bit sad, yes. but heartbreaking, the sadest day in jamband history, you gotta be kidding!

this should be a good oppurtunity for some of you to find the bands tearing shit up (like the cheese was capable of doing) in smaller venues. use that little search engine above, type in your city, expand the search to at least 250 miles and enjoy.

and i'm sorry my anal ass has to correct rinosquad, it's Yamatsuka Eye.

If you don't listen or even go to cheese shows, just don't post. You are not going to see me argue with 14 year old girls if brytney spears calls it quit.
aka. just leave your stupid comments at home.

thanks sci for all the good music

here's the solution.....

gmac & cheese.

let's see gmac screw up another band.

just ran into trey's hairstylist' cousin & the latest rumor is trey is joining SCI when billy leaves...

cheese is one of the best bands that ive seen today simply because of the vibes at their shows. i didnt know billy had enough power to just dismantle the band because he wants to do his own thing. im glad hes doing his own thing and i know cheese cant be without billy, its just kinda weak. but watever, cheese brought me some amazing times and i hope the best to all of those players. and to all those fucks who keep comparing billy and trey, just stop talking. seriously, treys new shit sucks but billys got the roots and i dont think hell loose them. ill see all of you all on the last tour and good vibes everyone.

This is definately sad news, and although Keller does rock when he plays with SCI, it just isn't the same without Billy. You couldn't take any one member from SCI and replace him and expect the band to be the same, it just couldn't work. With that said, I'm going to try my hardest to make it to as much cheese shows as possible before the end of their run. See you all at the sea of dreams!!!!!!! Thankyou to every member of SCI for creating so many beautiful memories, and good luck to all of you.

I saw honkeytonk homeslice this summer and I didn't dig it but good luck billy.

Personally I think this was bound to happen. Cheese lost alot of heart in my opinion and became very hit or miss on the road. It was obvious that the members wanted to do different things and had lost the fire that they once had. I did however see alot of new fans jump onboard around 02 and they seemed to really dig the new direction. I think Billy is a big opposition of that new direction and therefore Cheese can continue as something new without him. Vegoose confirmed it for me...cheese is not the same band as they were in the late nineties...it was time for that to end

Rumsfeld can rot in hell

NO! No Keller. No keller in SCI. It would kill it. Beat it to death. If they still want to play on they should replace Billy with someone we don't know. No keller damnit. Let Keller do what he does and SCI jam on with there bluegrass.

String cheese fans mean? WTF!? Thats... crazy. I have seen string cheese plenty of times and everytime i have,the fans are one of the best parts of the experiene. One time i got to drunk at a SCI show and i coulndt get in.. (not proud) but some random girl took care of me and even gave the the shirt off her back becasue i was cold and didnt have the keys to the car.. now if thats mean and stuck up well then i dont know whats going on in the world.

If anyone is looking at this for the first time, don't bother. Its basically a bunch of children lashing out at each other. Here's to Billy and the final shows that we all have together with the band. Peace to everyone.

NO MORE NERSHI SQUIRT! I love cheeze, and though Billy is a formative and critical member, his jedi skills are nowhere near the rest of the band. I have always suffered through NershiSquirt to hear the true SCI gems. Not anymore. Maybe that's good... or bad!

Neshi was the weakest link, hate to say it. I have to agree with DPOO, who said, "Nershi actually thinks he's that good he can break up a band? That is laughable."

re: twalsh. From what I understand, children are your age of choice. You would have probably chimed in early, but you were likely reading up on the new additions to Megan's Law and figuring out some way to skirt around them. It must suck having to register with every new community you move into once the old ones figure your uhhh... fondness for those who ride tricycles. If you have something relevant to say, say it. Otherwise, crawl back under the rock you came from.

well hey here is some spark to start the flames...

http://www.mp3.com/news/stories/7096.html

highly UNRELIABLE source, but still, could it be true?? if so, i am glad i got my cheese while i could.

This is some shocking news I just saw them in vegas but left the late night show after 1st set to check out particle, big fucking mistake in retrospect, well cheese we'll see ya this NYE in sanfran

Billy much love goes out to ya ,you gotta do what ya gotta do

In the past five years I've gotten a chance to interview one hell of a lot of musicians. Out of EVERYONE I have ever come into contact with, Billy Nershi was the only asshole. He was very confrontational for literally zero reason. What little I cared about SCI evaporated after I met him.

I guess Nershi just got tired of knowing they would never get beyond the "phish lite" label that so accurately defines the band.

Oh...did I mention he's a flippin' a-hole, too?

I love SCI and have seen many shows. I think Billy did a lot for the band, but sometimes he got a little crazy. I dont think the band will be the same. They should replace Billy with Bobby Wier. Its a little crazy but it might work.

I have been one of the very luck people to be alive today to have witnessed the KWI LIVE. Seeing them for my very first time at 10KLF this year, I have to say that they are amazing. Despite how good they are together, nothing not even Keller Williams can take the place of Bill Nershi. There is nothing like the music of Cheese. I have seen them together and i've seen them apart. I do not want to be listening to a cheese show and be hearing Fucking loops through out "Bar Stool" or "Fuel for the Road". Maybe for a few shows it would be awesome to see, but not a permanent replacement... Might i suggest possible Warren Hayes????

Yeah, Let's replace him with _______ from _______.

Warren Haynes would sound like shit in this band, unless SCI is trying to go for Southern Mullet Rock.

Trey is on a private island and thinks SCI is a joke.

Jerry is dead, so hes out.

Santana is making a rap album or something, so he's out.


- Nershi Squirt

Can I just say that if you have something completely stupid and irrelevant to say then just say it. This isn't a holy document, and not every comment has to be intelligent and informed. Yes there are going to be stupid comments and a lot of arguements, and yes other people are gonna come in and try to act like they are better because of it, but thats just a part of every message board on the internet.

I don't believe there is a comment not worth posting, that's what these message boards are for, so we can let out our emotions, opinions, frustrations, etc. Not every comment can be a gem.

No phish and now no SCI... what am I to do now??? What is happening to this scene that I used to love so much now???

Boogie on...

The only reason I view these message boards is to see the stupid, funny-ass, no-thought comments. They're ammusing. I Jay-Z should become the frontman for String Cheese. They should also boot Travis out of the band and get the drummer from Blink 182. Then they could throw down some death metal rap. JIIIIGGGGGAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! fo real son.

ps, I met Kang at 10klf and chatted about KWI and he seemed cool enough to me. I've also met Keller on numerous occasions and he also seems to be down to earth, even played a song I requested. All in all, i think they're some cool cats. However, I wouldn't want to see Keller as the fulltime frontman of cheese. It's not Cheese. However I would like to see a KWI tour, but with a more balnced selection of both SCI and keller tunes. Go Democrats.

too bad. i have seen SCI a total of 9 times 3 at Dobson, 3 in Chicago, 2 in Vegas and 1 in LA and all shows were incredible. i generally don't listen to jam band types but SCI is an amazing group of musicians. Long Live SCI and I will be attending the NYE celebration in SF so if anyone wants to join the caravan from LA to SF on the 30th of Dec. let me know.

hey nershisquirt - lets get a nershibot to replace nershi! that way nershi could wacth the audience from his nershi cam on his own private island while a robot (complete with nershibot cam) could keep the kids happy. better...do a 'pickin party' tour with Vince Herman and Keller Williams so we can all have a-goood-a-time-a-party!

248 comments - a record yet? lets set a record for the man from the mountain!

and the new replacement is..................a laptop computer. or the guy from the big wu.

I agree with a few of ya saying that sci lost their mojo back in the 90's,I think this is great news,give the man some breathing room,he'll turn things around,he's good.I for one lost hope on sci awhile back and moved on to more challenging artist that I find ever changing.Good for Billy,maybe he can finally find his nitche.I can barely count on one hand,the bands that haven't let me down in the past 15 years or so.

This is pretty sad news. I have only seen SCI 3 times, and would definitely like to see them again, but oh well. however, this does raise a question. Who are the kings of the jam scene now? WSP? Umphreys Mcgee? Moe? im officially casting my vote for Umphreys as the best jam band, with Trey's band and Ratdog closely behind. anyone else?

He may of had Big Shoes on....but someone can fill them. There are many great guitar players around and enough vocal talent within the band already to keep the show on the road. I look forward to projects from Billy and what will remain of SCI.

Bob Weir... best suggestion yet. He needs to do something other than ratdog anyway

bob weir?!?!?!?! don't get me wrong, i love me some grateful dead, and bobby has his place in thier fabled history, but that just scares me. let's just enjoy the ride while it lasts, then go nuts on pycededelic dico.

check out the three nights from jerry's birthday at sunshine daydream campground in 2004, that was the best run of cheese i have ever seen...

i meant pschedelic disco. by the way check out "james/brown/high" on youtube for a laugh.

My buddy Foege said this:

Good news!!!! SCI is not breaking up. A friend I work with knows Kyle and was at his house last night playing xbox. What appears on the SCI site says nothing about breaking up. The Daily Camera read whats posted on the site and assumed it meant they were breaking up. Then CNN ran with the story. I guess Kyle is pretty pissed about this.
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Let me be the first to say - WOOHOOO!! It wont be the same, but at least its not over. Maybe bill will get better and come back. I give a big NO! to the keller idea. I dont want him taking the band over.... let alone in the band at all. there's a reason KWI is a side-band of sorts.

no more sci, phish, the dead, who will be the next jam gods? thats easy MOE. you spend a good two weeks on a moe. tour and than tell me what you think. the fan base is the best group of kids you'll meet. with there interesting 2-3 day shows @ the same venue, it makes it easy to catch a couple of shows in a weekend. VOTE MOE.

i vote moe.

I want to wish Billy good luck with whatever is going on. I think he is a fantastic guitarist and I will miss him with SCI. The music and memories will live on. Does anyone love the album outside inside as much as I do?

these guys have been dead for a few years now. all the musicians are great, kang is amazing, but seriously, have you heard their last album? should have stuck to what they do best, bluegrass.

im over it, umphreys has blown every band in this scene out of the water anyways. theres literally no comparison on who to follow now.

i didn't want to engage in the whole "who's the next phish" thing, but moe.

spend two weeks on tour with moe? are you serious?

Amazing the number of comments to this blog. Here's the thing....who gives a shit really. I was interested in putting out the truth about Kang and Keller, and these are two people who I'm sorry that I've even mentioned their names again. These are not the people you've "felt" the groove to. It's all phony with them. They're all about the money, themselves. There's a huge crop of uber talented bands out there to take the place of something that was based on the drug more than the music anyway. Umphrey's is a great choice, as is Moe. Kudos to all the folks who can read between the lines. The past is the past, and the future looks FANtastic.

I haven't attended too many incidents since 2000 but definitely saw them put on some great shows and am kinda sad to hear this news. If do they decide to press on, I think that Larry Keel would be a great fit. He might bring a little more bluegrass and a little less shmaltz back to the band.

I'm thinking everyones favorite late night guitar salesman and car insurance spokesman ... ESTEBAN!.... should take over for Nershi. They could make a wall of sound out of those little 4"x4" amps he sells! Also the Zorro look would help the band connect with the younger crowds.

FijiBob,
You have no idea what you are talking about. MK happens to be a friend of mine. He has been studying music since he was 6 years old. Don't be such a hater. Shit happens, the band is breaking up, not because of money or anything you have posted.

You know, cheese always reminded me of, when we were kids and the cartoon you're watchin, lets say the jetsons, theres a band playing, but there cartoons so each one is animated with a different groove, look etc.. They had that vibe in person, the first time I saw them I couldn't even believe the music was actually coming from them, they handed out these refractor glasses and I swear to science I was watchin them on mars. This was many years and many shows ago, and you guys know like I do, they played to our energy as fans, icheese was the most fulfilling band because you could hear them translate your euphoria into music over and over and over again...Guess I'm gettin nostalgic...Just gotta keep spinnin round the wheel of life

reddycaptain is right. there is nothing of a break up, just billy leaving. this might cause small 1/2 to year hiatus again, but heyll be back. they don't just quit because billy wants to do more stuff. theyll find someone amazing to replace him.

ok,ok,ok....we totally pulled SCI limb from limb.....this is terrible. my momma said if you got nothing nice to say than ya dont say nothing. im would go get on some mtv.com forums if i wanted this shit!

Bill have always been one of my favorite Musicans. The sound from your guitar only matches the smile on your face. Keep both going for us, and we will be there! Wish you all the best!

All I can say is... sad. I love SCI so much, life changing music, experiences, crowds and dance offs... but everyone is so super talented that they will all continue on to do amazing things for us fans. Of all the bands I've seen live, these guys have taken me beyond outer space and into anohter dimension of living. Thank You SCI!!!!!!!!!

i'm not sure i understand why umphrey's Mcgee is coming up so much here..

there is a spirit that cheese has that umphrey's does not--right?

or--do the cheeseheads see that vibe in umphreys?

just an inquiry

intelligent input, please.

Change is tough. After Jerry died, I didn't think I'd find anything that was quite like a grateful dead show. I didn't but, I saw Phish a bunch of times and that was a blast in its own right. Then Trey walked. So I started going to see the Cheese. Really enjoyed that. Moved to Boulder. Now Billy is moving on. It's sad. But the scene will continue to evolve, new bands, new combos. As long as people care about the music and the scene there are good times around the bend. Maybe over that there yonder mountain...

this is bad news even tho cheese hasnt been on point recently they were still a great band good luck to everyone in the band and umphreys is not the band to follow im sticking to my wsp but even moe. is better than umphreys eat>sleep>panic>repeat!!! yes

Umphrey's is ok. Not my favorite out there, I don't care for their vocals that much. Guess I'm indifferent towards them.

perpetual groove is the future !!!!!!!!! get on the bus now !

Several of the "I've wanted to see this my entire life" experiences have been in the midst of a writhing crowd at Horning's Hideout. Nothing will surpass the vibe of The Full Moon Dreamdance. Cheese is about dancing and skiing.

one end is another beginning. i vote no on keller. changes the vibe of the show. not necessarily better or worse.. but i prefer to enjoy them separately. by-the-way they are not breaking up... why does everyone keep assuming this? id have to agree on the kang incident for a while....? this is rough.

quhp, you are right about the vibe at cheese shows. I don't feel the vibe at all at umphreys. I would have to say that I feel good vibes with cheese and all side projects. I've seen them all. More than just a vibe, and I know that music is what you make of it, but there is something very right about these bands that only one in ten thousand come for the show for........it is funny sometimes I really wonder if these children and that is what alot of cheese fans are,( when your parents drop you off in front of the show you are a child) can even grasp what is happening inside the show. Not just music. Can you feel the groove? Something from beyond? Tune in, and turn on! Peace out! Oh yeah, there is something about being front row seeing guys that created any scene at all, Love goes out to all Deadhead community, GET WELL PHIL! LOVE THOSE GUYS! RATDOG IS THE S*** MY SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO THOSE WHO DON'T GET IT IF PFUNK is ever in your area check them out you are missing out if you don't. SAW them at schwagstock in September. INSANE!!!!!

How about some Leftover Cheese. Vince on the 6 String.

I wasn't going to post on this again but fijibob is a fucktard and everybody needs to know that. His comments are baseless and hateful and are counterproductive. I also wanted to mention that i've met michael Kang several times and everytime he has been one of thee nicest most humble human beings i have ever met And all the other people that have met him say exactly the same thing. I can't speak for Keller because i have never met him.
Umphrey's is not taking over anything except for all the highschool kids that would be going to phish shows. Brenden Bayless is a great guitarist but as far as them as a band putting together a groove that many many people could get into it just doesnt happen. Oh ya and their vocals are below average at best.

Tate79,
Thank you for your post about fijiboy. MK, is a personal friend and it kills me that someone could be so hateful towards a really nice human being. Keep smilin my friend!!!!!!!

Though I don't know Kang personally I have had a few experiences with him where he was...let's say, less than friendly. In 2000 after a Fillmore show, me and several friends were waiting for our elevator to go at the rock 'n' roll Ramada. The door opened and there was Kang, upon seeing us he started backing away saying he would wait for the next, there was plenty of room and we're really not very scary people so one of my friends actually pulled him onto the elevator with us. Other occasions when I have run into Kang and tried to say Hi he was always very aloof and never really seemed to care about being friendly towards fans. I understand being tired and not necessarily wanting to talk to people, but as a popular musician anonymity is simply not an option. At the least he could have smiled and said hello, instead he ignored me and turned away. Really cool guy huh? He had me fooled.

Bout Time. I'm glad to see these guys finally go thier seperate ways. Let's face it they peaked in '99 and the last two albums were for the most part dreadful.
Some great jams over the years!!!!

Long live Southern Mullet Rock!! Bluegrass!!

Not sure what y'all see in Umphrey's or even moe. They seem pretty juvenile and their music is a bit stale. I mean I'm not in high school, so I don't know. They're not the bands I'd choose to fill SCI's shoes. I hope the cat that mentioned P-Groove was kidding. Moonshine Still is pretty badass but still lacking the command that Cheese had... My Morning Jacket is incredible, but they're not jammy enough for kids who want the Cheese gap filled. Whatever. MMW is where it's at.