I never heard of the band Showbread before learning that its keytarist John “JG” Giddens had quit, and now I’m conflicted. Why? Because as much as I love the concept of a “keytarist” quitting a band in 2008 (or any year, really), this band seemed to benefit greatly from having a keytarist. Most young Christian post-hardcore bands today would. Showbread is determined to march on, however.

Living in a van, being poor and sleeping on floors for six years makes people go a little crazy. JG has decided to leave behind the life of the traveling circus in order to pursue some kind of normalcy (a “real” job, a family, etc.)… On april 6th, John was present for the filming of a Showbread music video, which was his last activity as a member of the band.

John has been part of the insanity that is Showbread since 2003… He’s seen and experienced more bizarre and wonderful things than a lot of folks, and here is where he takes a bow and rides into the sunset.

There were no bitter words and no regrets; JG knew his time was up, as did we. We love him like a brother and remain dear friends to the end.

Showbread exists because of a very personal and divine calling to bring something strange and beautiful into the world. The entity that is Showbread is much, much bigger than any one person participating in it at any time… Showbread is about a very personal truth that is very real to us and manifests itself in the form of bizarre music… not about a band member or “keytar”. We’ll miss JG on the road dearly, but we know his decision is in the best interest of himself as well as the band.

This is the most exciting time for Showbread… we have completed our best work ever and God is preparing us to unleash it on the world by rebuilding and strengthening us. Believe me when i say this is the best place the band has ever been, creatively and spiritually… We will very much appreciate the loving support of the Raw Rock community.

In the mean time, we’ll have someone else along playing synthesizers on the YOU CAN’T SAVE YOURSELF tour, which begins, may 16th…

Wait, wait, “synthesizers?” Why did they say “synthesizers” and not “keytar?” Are they planning to go on without a bona fide keytarist? Don’t waste this bit of publicity you’ve mustered, guys.

Goodbye, JG? [Showbread's Myspace page via Absolute Punk]