This has not been a good week … now The Civil Wars have announced they’re permanently disbanding. I am so sad they couldn’t work things out. Really loved their unique songwriting, harmonies, the whole classy package.
I’m so grateful I got to see them live three separate times here in Toronto (once opening for Adele)… up top and down below are two videos I took the last time they were here … their harmonies sounded even better in person but maybe it jinxes things when you reference The Civil War in your band name, who knows?
This is the announcement they posted on their FB page (will definitely be downloading their last song… a lovely, bittersweet gesture):
The Civil Wars—made up of duo partners Joy Williams and John Paul White—have regretfully decided to permanently part ways. The difficult decision ends a tumultuous period for the four-time Grammy Award-winning band, who has been on indefinite hiatus since late 2012.
As a thank you gift and farewell, the band is offering a download of their rendition of “You Are My Sunshine.” Recorded in 2010, the track was originally released in 2011 as a b-side to the band’s limited edition Barton Hollow 7” vinyl. This is the first time the song has been available digitally in the U.S.
Both Joy and John Paul have added their personal words on disbanding here below.
Joy Williams comments, “I am saddened and disappointed by the ending of this duo, to say the very least. JP is a tremendous musician, and I will always be grateful for the music we were able to create together.
I sincerely hope that ‘You Are My Sunshine’ will be accepted as a token of my gratitude for every single person that has supported our duo throughout the years. I’m so thankful and my heart is full.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to share the music that I am writing and recording in the midst of this difficult transition. I’ve loved being back in the studio, and have missed performing live. I look forward to seeing you soon.”
John Paul adds, “I would like to express sincere thanks to all who were a part of the arc of The Civil Wars—from the beginning, to the end, and all points in between. My deep appreciation goes out to all who supported, disseminated, and enjoyed the music. Whatever shape or form the next chapter takes, thanks for being a large part of this one.”
Full statement and “You Are My Sunshine” download at http://thecivilwars.com/
Please follow JOY & John Paul White for individual updates.
I noticed some fans expressing anger in the FB comments… what do you guys think? Is that warranted? Does that always happen when groups break up?
p.s.
David getting glomped by the children’s choir… no doubt singing “Let me goooooo”
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 
I don’t know it ‘fan anger’ and nasty comments always happen during a group break-up, but I think it is completely unnecessary. Things didn’t work out between the duo, so we just have to accept it. Let them move on. I haven’t read any of the comments yet, but I can just imagine what is being said. Perhaps a large part of the angst is the fact that it’s been a coming and going thing for quite sometime. Had it just outright happened when they cancelled their tour, it may have settled easier. I think too many were hoping that they would reconcile and when it didn’t happen the disappointment became anger. JMO.
I wish them both well, and I will miss their music.
It is a shame that this Duo is breaking up but they must have their reasons. Wish them both well in their individual lives and careers. They are both talented and have a unique style and sound, may be interesting up ahead to see what unfolds for them. I could see some fans feeling disappointment but seems rather pointless to me to be angry, won’t change things, it is their life after all. Just got to ‘go with the flow’ as they say, see what’s up ahead.
Speaking of artists, just another little mention about Michael Johns. There is a song he wrote and recorded earlier this year called “Day Breaks Sun”. When I heard it I had to buy it from Itunes.
It is really a beautiful song and worth listening to if anyone is interested (either on Youtube or Itunes).
Thanks for the info about “Day Breaks Sun” pepp! Will def. check it out on iTunes!
I also loved the Civil Wars’ sound and wish they could have reconciled, but I guess it is not to be. Happens to bands all the time. The stupidity of fans online is uncalled for but it happens all the time too. People are quite bold when they are anonymous behind keyboards.
This was posted today in the comments at Soul David. It was discovered when looking at the website of the recording studio where David has been working. It’s a little snippet of a Spanish song he was recording. Sounds like it might be a Spanish pop song. Maybe it is for the video he did in Costa Rica.
http://instagram.com/p/pmY3CHixmQ/
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I repeat!
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THANK YOU, GRAMMYJ!!!!! ay carumba, LOOOOOOVE IT!!!!!!!
Just that little clip gave me such chills! Electrifying!
I don’t speak Spanish, does anyone know what the song means?
And how sweet of David to visit the choir today. 🙂
And this BOTW snippet on Vine:
Click the pic for the flipagram slide show:
LOVE THAT! (not the Civil Wars thing, but the snippet thing lol)
Also loved the rough day post, which I just saw. I had a couple of those.
{{{{{♥bets♥}}}} … yes, two snippets in one day PLUS the belt upgrade… I cannot contain myself! 🙂 🙂 🙂
gonna go listen to this again:
http://instagram.com/p/pmY3CHixmQ/
Yep, the belt has been replaced. Now if he would just grow out his hair a bit, and we could hear that whole Spanish song. I don’t want much lol.
Wow, song snippets and a Spanish song, love that! I read a comment somewhere that he is singing “To find that part of me” in the Spanish snippet. Doesn’t make one iota of difference to me that I only understand a few Spanish words, I think we all know why. 🙂
looks like he had fun with the choir ladees 🙂
Drats, the Spanish song snippet was deleted from Instagram 😦