Muhammad Hamdan
The experimental rock duo ’68 has officially announced their dissolution, marking the end of an era with the forthcoming release of their final album, They Are Survived, scheduled for May 28. Alongside this poignant farewell, the band has unveiled a comprehensive farewell tour, set to commence on May 13 and culminate with their very last performance on June 20 in Atlanta, Georgia. The first single from the album, "ALWAYS LOVE," is now available for streaming, offering fans a glimpse into the band’s concluding artistic statement. Pre-orders for They Are Survived are currently being accepted through their official shop.
A Swan Song and a Final Tour
The announcement of ’68’s impending end has sent ripples through the alternative and experimental rock communities. For years, the band, comprised of vocalist and guitarist Josh Scogin and drummer Michael "Nicky" Nunn, has carved a unique niche with their frenetic energy, unconventional song structures, and raw, often cathartic, live performances. They Are Survived is poised to be their final sonic testament, a culmination of their distinct creative output. The release date of May 28 positions the album as a penultimate event leading into the band’s final live appearances.
The accompanying farewell tour, a traditional component of a band’s concluding chapter, will traverse North America, hitting numerous cities across the United States and Canada. The itinerary begins in Orlando, Florida, on May 13 at The Conduit, and concludes precisely one month later, on June 20, at the historic Masquerade in Atlanta, Georgia. This final date in Atlanta has been specifically designated by the band as their "very last show," underscoring the definitive nature of their disbandment. Tickets for the tour are available through various ticketing platforms, including StubHub, with direct links provided for fan convenience.
Addressing Speculation and Band’s Legacy
The news of ’68’s disbandment inevitably sparked speculation regarding the future endeavors of its members, particularly frontman Josh Scogin. Rumors began to circulate suggesting Scogin might be taking on a vocal role in the newly formed metalcore supergroup, Better Lovers, a project that has garnered significant attention within the genre. However, Scogin himself directly addressed these rumors in the comments section of the farewell tour announcement. He clarified that his involvement with Better Lovers would not be as a lead vocalist, effectively putting to rest the widespread speculation and managing fan expectations. This direct communication from Scogin highlights a commitment to transparency with their dedicated fanbase.
’68’s journey, while relatively brief in the grand scheme of musical careers, has been marked by a consistent dedication to artistic integrity and a refusal to conform to mainstream trends. Formed in 2013, the duo emerged from the ashes of Scogin’s previous acclaimed band, The Chariot. This lineage undoubtedly informed ’68’s sound, which often retained a sense of urgent, almost chaotic, intensity while exploring new sonic territories. Their discography includes albums such as The Fall of Troy (2014), Instrumental (2017), and The Mean Ol’ World (2019), each showcasing their evolution and unwavering commitment to their distinctive artistic vision. The final album, They Are Survived, is anticipated to encapsulate the essence of their journey, providing a fitting conclusion to their musical narrative.
Tour Itinerary and Fan Engagement
The comprehensive farewell tour schedule offers fans across various regions an opportunity to witness ’68 perform live one last time. The tour’s geographical spread demonstrates a deliberate effort to reach a broad audience.
May 2024 Tour Dates:
- May 13: Orlando, FL – The Conduit
- May 15: Birmingham, AL – Soundstage
- May 16: Nashville, TN – Cannery Hall
- May 17: Greenville, SC – The Radio Room
- May 18: Chapel Hill, NC – Local 506
- May 19: Richmond, VA – The Canal Club
- May 20: Baltimore, MD – Metro Gallery
- May 21: Brooklyn, NY – The Meadows
- May 22: Philadelphia, PA – The Foundry
- May 23: Boston, MA – Middle East
- May 25: Montreal, QC – Cabaret Fouf
- May 26: Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern
- May 27: Buffalo, NY – Rec Room
- May 28: Pittsburgh, PA – Preserving Underground
- May 29: Detroit, MI – Catacombs
- May 30: Cleveland, OH – Mahall’s
- May 31: Indianapolis, IN – Hoosier Dome
June 2024 Tour Dates:
- June 1: Milwaukee, WI – The X-Ray Arcade
- June 3: Chicago, IL – Cobra Lounge
- June 5: Kansas City, MO – The Rino
- June 6: Denver, CO – Marquis
- June 7: Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court
- June 9: Seattle, WA – The Funhouse
- June 10: Portland, OR – Dante’s
- June 12: Sacramento, CA – Goldfield Trading Post
- June 13: Anaheim, CA – The Parish
- June 14: Mesa, AZ – The Rosetta Room
- June 16: Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live
- June 17: Dallas, TX – Puzzles Deep Ellum
- June 19: Tampa, FL – Orpheum
- June 20: Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Final Show)
The inclusion of "ALWAYS LOVE" as the lead single from They Are Survived offers a crucial insight into the band’s final artistic direction. While specific lyrical themes or musical arrangements of the full album remain undisclosed, the title of the single itself suggests a potentially reflective or emotionally resonant message, a characteristic that has often been present in ’68’s work, albeit expressed through their signature intense and often dissonant soundscapes. The release of this single prior to the album and tour allows fans to begin processing the band’s concluding chapter and to anticipate the emotional weight of their final creative output.
Broader Impact and Fan Reactions
The disbandment of ’68 represents a significant moment for their devoted fanbase and for the broader landscape of experimental and alternative music. Bands like ’68, who prioritize artistic experimentation and authenticity over commercial trends, often cultivate a deeply engaged and loyal following. Their departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, prompting discussions among fans about the unique contributions the duo made to the genre. The farewell tour provides a vital platform for fans to express their appreciation and to collectively celebrate the band’s legacy.
The decision to disband is rarely made lightly, and for ’68, it signifies the end of a distinct chapter in their musical journeys. While the precise reasons for their dissolution have not been publicly detailed beyond the general announcement of their farewell, it is common for musical acts to reach a point where individual members wish to pursue different creative paths or to step away from the demands of constant touring and recording. The band’s consistent output and energetic live presence suggest a group that has poured significant energy into their craft.
The news has elicited a range of reactions from fans online, with many expressing sadness at the band’s impending end but also gratitude for the music and experiences ’68 has provided. Social media platforms have been abuzz with fans sharing favorite memories, song recommendations, and plans to attend the farewell tour dates. The sentiment is largely one of bittersweet farewell, acknowledging the end of an era while cherishing the legacy the band leaves behind.
The final album, They Are Survived, and the accompanying farewell tour serve as the band’s last opportunity to connect with their audience in a direct and tangible way. The designation of the Atlanta show as the "very last show" underscores the finality of this chapter, making it a focal point for fans seeking closure and a final shared experience. As the band prepares to embark on this final leg of their career, the focus remains on delivering powerful performances and a meaningful concluding artistic statement with their last album. The anticipation surrounding They Are Survived is high, as fans hope it will serve as a fitting epitaph for a band that consistently pushed boundaries and remained true to its unique artistic vision. The music industry will undoubtedly feel the absence of ’68’s distinctive voice and unyielding creative spirit.
