I can't deny part of me is excited to have the Cuatro lineup back in place as that is my favorite album.

But another part of me is really bummed at Craig's dismissal. I've had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with Craig and he is not only an awesome talent but is the nicest guy you could ever run into. He certainly doesn't deserve to be thrown out the door (hopefully his dismissal was handled with respect behind closed doors).

Am I the only one?

I hope Craig lands on his feet and we haven't heard the last of his drumming.

I am lost of words, and if I would start talking about this matter I would probably totally freak out. So, I shut up. That's all.

I can't believe someone (AK) who writes his feelings for everyone to hear for a living can't make a statement about someone who gave their life for 15 years.Everything about this has left a bad taste in my mouth.
I think if it was handled the right way Craig would have made a statement.
Also I'm falling behind on news.Freeking facebook and twitter... use the official site! That's what it's here for I don't want to look in 10 different places for news.
Our awesome webmaster pays and runs and does everything herself so use it.

Its been awhile since I posted here so here it goes. Hopefully Craig can land the Nevermore gig since Van Williams is gone. I think he is an exceptional drummer and I can see him making some noise with them. This lineup was the best Flotsam that I listened to or saw in concert (Tulsa in 95 with the moat in front of the stage was classic!). Again, I do not mean to offend anyone here, but I am stoked! So much that I am going to set my kit back up when i get home and beat the crap out of the drum heads, cymbals and whittle my Vic Firths into toothpicks in the proceess. My wife is going to love it! New Anthrax is great.....cant wait for new Testament cd.......definitely cant wait for this! FTD!!

Boy, I go on holidays for a few weeks and when I come back the whole world is upside down. Wow! I mean, it's great to hear that an 11th album is in the works...happy to welcome Kelly back into the band...looking forward to seeing the Cuatro/Drift/High lineup back in action...but definitely sad to see Craig go, not just because of his drumming, but also because of his tireless devotion to the band. Seriously mixed emotions...

Im humbled sincerely for all the words and support. I was in fact waiting to say anything in the attempt to not regret words. Im trying to finally in my life control my bullshit East Coast exterior and better myself in matters that test ones limits. I actually understand the idea behind all this, and secretly hope the record kicks ass. It only adds in a way to my legacy, for lack of a better word, in this band. Im not mad. I am yet again amazed at how little you actually know people you thought of as BROTHERS, not to be cliche, thats exactly what I felt, to the extent of defending with my life if put to it. By no means in AK the first to suprize me in this way, so I wont single him out except to say, I guess you must feel reaaly fucking strongly that I dont need any eulogy, like the eloquent, flowery praise Mark got from everyone in the band when he quit. All he could impart, months ago, was I was "a good drummer and traveling companion" or some such shit. Not even a friend .

And of course the guy who in your own words, finally made sure everyone got looked after ( paid) for EVERY SINGLE SHOW we ever played with me collecting and managing....for FREE. For 14 years. Except the infamous Mexican fiasco. But I digress. I love this band. I think AK is a world class talent and on that level he deserves the benefit of the doubt. Ed, Jason and Kelly have handled this with class all the way. For the record, I was already in Nevermore, before Van, so I dont think that would happen. But it was a good idea...

It is what it is, I guess. And I'll get over it. But at the moment I'll tell you, I ran this site for 10 years. Been a fan for probably 23 years or so. And for the first time in my life I am disappointed in Flotsam and Jetsam. This really is not cool.

I agree man,the handling of this is really kind of mind blowing.
Keep going Craig.you don't need a band,hell look at Tempesta he just floats from band to band being badass.Anyway you deserve some touring with someone..hmmm you and Mark?!
Hey maybe Shane on bass :)
I know you did the Nevermore thing.I was just kidding.

Ha! speaking of,I just read Tempesta is going to do this upcoming tour with Testament.I think Craig should get in with them they seem to have steady work for drummers lol

All I can say is thanks, Craig, for 14 great years with this band and four phenomenal studio albums, not to mention the live albums/DVDs and all of the behind-the-scenes stuff you did that we probably don't know the half of. It's a legacy to be proud of! Rest assured that wherever your road leads in the future, you will have the Flots fans behind you!

Of course, I don't have the slightest clue of what went on inside Flotsam.

However, I saw them in Flagstaff and Tuscon (in concert and backstage in the "green room" as well) and I turned to my friend and said: "This is their last show with this line up".

Craig, I salute you for your killer drumming and your spirit in this band. I was fortunate to have seen you play.

Keep your head up.

If Craig isn't pissed at them, why is anyone? There has to be more to this.

Maybe they just can't sum it up in words yet. I am sure Craig will get a proper send off when clearer heads prevail. When the original drummer comes back,it is often a case of "he was my 1st choice then so I'll stick with him now".With Mark being a major songwriter, this next release will be make or break. Maybe they feel they need an original line-up overhaul to succeed. Maybe Jason Ward might be out too. So Newsted can come back. All up in the air, but please do more than just say nothing about it other than our original drummer is back. Be a person.

There is only one thing from Craig that I have to comment on. "me collecting and managing....for FREE. For 14 years."

My position prior to leaving and returning. My part in the band, the part that I get 20% for is full filling that role and playing drums. I don't get paid extra to do my part. No one ever twisted my arm to do it. I do it because I love this band and I want it to be a success. From the very beginning @ 16 years old I used to carry all the band members and all the gear in my truck so we could just play gigs. It was never with the thought or expectation that I would get praise or thanks some day. We have always split everything equally between us without question. Being in any band requires a sacrifice of some kind. It is just part of the deal. Own your part in that. That is no ones fault and no one really owes anybody anything. A thank you is always nice but not required. I get my satisfaction from doing a great job. And from the fans. A thank you from anyone is a bonus!

I'm sure Craig didn't mean it that way."that he is owed" I"m sure he was just feeling a little under appreciated.After all he didn't start this band he was the new guy and handled everything.You both are great and have my deepest respect.
Kelly you mentioned that Flotsam did things backward and had families first and didn't do much touring.Are your kids old enough that you could see yourself touring more to really support an album?Are you guys willing to maybe take tours that might not pay the best but are with bands like say Exodus that would help get your name back out there?And make people go oh yeah! they rule!!I still think touring is key.You guys would do very well in Europe and Japan.And would you be open to sending Nuclear blast a song or two just to see if they make an offer?Maybe the guys could quit the day jobs!

Well Kelly, the difference is I actually booked hundreds of shows without an sgent, who get 10% fees as you know, without exception. As AK informed me EB never kicked a red cent out for shows in over a decade, always some bullshit about bills. And I was an actual tour manager, fullfilling every single task of thst job for 15 YEARS!! Did you ?? In your day you had real labels and agents and managers. Im quite sure you didnt actually do10% of what I did, and lets not forget that I had an $80,000 a year job for most every single day I was in the band and gave up TENS OF THOUSANDS of dollars over 15 years to be the bands flunky for free, to not get thanked. And I never mentioned it til you thought to compare sacrifices made.Really, Kelly, are you sure you have the goods to make that statement?

Who made the choice to give it up? (I) gave up a wife and a life with my son. Worth more then money to me. you can get money back at least.

I left when EB was manager so I don't know what he did. You have a business experience in your background. I definitely give that too you.

I would rather spend 10% to make sure it is 100% every time and not have the head aches. Major labels back then wouldn't even talk to you without a manager or an agent. I was happy not too, we had a lot going on with all of us doing construction during the day, then practices "everyday" and families. There was no way to do it all.
I never said you did it wrong or bad.

We had two very different experiences for sure.
Ah you never were a flunky come on. I have no interest in a pissing contest or care about who "has the goods"
I don't think i have ever not supported and complimented you. So take a breath and take it easy.

I like to play guitar :)