For the first time in the band’s 14-year history, Big Something will make a lineup change following bassist Doug Marshall‘s retirement from touring in March. The founding bassist, who just turned 50 last week, will play his final shows with the band during a pair of multiple-night engagements in Asheville, NC and Charleston, SC.
“As we approach our first shows of the year this weekend in Asheville, we would love to take a moment to reflect on our journey and extend a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us so far along the way,” Big Something wrote on social media. “We are so grateful for all of the wonderful friends and memories that have come from this experience and are so excited for all of the new adventures ahead of us in 2023.
“While we can’t wait for what we hope to be our biggest year yet, we must also share some difficult news that will bring lasting change to our touring lineup for the first time ever in the band’s history,” the band continued. “Starting this March, our founding bass player Doug Marshall, will officially retire from touring. While this announcement is certainly bittersweet, we are also very thankful to have had almost 14 years on the road together with our original lineup since the band first formed in 2009.
“What started as a rag tag collection of oddball musicians from “the middle of nowhere” in North Carolina has become a lifelong brotherhood, and that will never change,” the post went on. “Even though we are sad to see Doug step away from touring, we also recognize this is an extremely positive personal decision based on family and friendship and we fully support him as he begins a new chapter in his life. We will remain close friends and creative collaborators moving forward and we can’t wait to release lots of new music this year!
“We are truly more excited than ever about the future of the band and look forward to sharing more details about everything soon, but for now please help us show some love for Doug,” the band concluded.
Related: Big Something Pays Tribute To David Bowie With “Moonage Daydream” Cover [Listen]
Big Something is set to perform on Friday and Saturday at Salvage Station in Asheville. The band will then say farewell to Marshall with a three-night run at The Charleston Pour House in South Carolina. The group has not yet named a replacement.
In March, Big Something will travel the Western United States for shows in Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, and Arizona. After that, the North Carolina act will hop on the festival circuit for gigs at Resonate Suwannee, Summer Camp Music Festival, High Sierra, Mountain Music Festival, and Resonance. Head here for tickets and a full list of tour dates.
Big Something formed in 2009 in Burlington, NC. The group’s entire career has featured the consistent lineup of Nick MacDaniels (guitar/lead vocals), Jesse Hensley (lead guitar/vocals), Casey Cranford (saxophone/EWI), Ben Vinogaurd (drums), Josh Kagel (keys/trumpet), and Marshall.
Over the course of 14 years on the road and six studio albums, Big Something carved out a niche for a diverse and eclectic live experience that drew on the band members’ range of influences from reggae to heavy metal to hip-hop to prog rock. Last year, the band brought back its hidden gem of a festival The Big What? following a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus.
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