We Forgot to Say Goodbye

Out of the clutches of complacency and gravity of disbelief, The Stunned is born. It did at least seem that dramatic. The band began as Jason (bassist, lead vocalist) and Dan (drummer, vocalist) of an almost noteworthy Cincinnati, Ohio, punk band lost their guitarist. This split occurred in September of 2002. Dan and Jason had been playing together since the previous April and had resolved to find another guitarist and carry onward. The miracle of the Musicians Wanted ads brought Eric to the fold in December. In stark contrast to other try-outs, he had learned the material, knew something about his instrument, was willing to tune it, and was a genuinely good soul. Eric was quickly put through the works, not frightened by the maddening paces of Dan's drumming, the in-your-face vocals of Jason, the expectations of solid play and dedication, or the offer of $5 services made to him by a suspect female outside of the practice space on the afternoon of his first tryout. Eric had the magic Dan and Jason were looking for. The matter of songs would come easy. Jason, being a songwriter for many years, brought the first round to the table. Dan and Eric added their touches and they began to pick up a signature. Everyone contributed their own solid input. The alchemy began to perfect itself when Eric offered riffs to compliment Jason's lyrics and vocals and vice-versa. Dan's arranging instinct and drumming power took the songs to places undreamed. Collaboration was the key. Gigging began in March of 2003. The Stunned helped organize a series of charity concerts for diabetes research. They continued into the summer supporting many local and touring acts. Touring bands as diverse as The Story Changes, New Transit Directions, Form of Rocket, and Legbone, to name a few, would rely on The Stunned to see to a successful show in Cincinnati or Dayton. The band even scored a supporting slot for classic punk rockers, The Vibrators. On another occasion, The Stunned supported former Lookout! Records all-stars, Pansy Division. Recording became a must. The band endeavored to put together a 10-song release that would take up every ounce of spare time and cash in the winter of 2003/2004. April 1, 2004 brought the release of We Forgot To Say Goodbye, and fruition to their dedicated labors. The band has now turned it's focus away from the well-fought battles in southwestern Ohio. The Stunned is giving the rest of the Midwest and even the country a taste. The foot taps nervously, but indulgently to future of The Stunned.