Drummer leaves Student Rick

us that drummer William Zachary Neal Davis has left Student Rick. The rest of the band is going to stay together and continue to make music. Click below for a statement from the band.

This statement reflects the current affairs of my participation with Student*Rick. This statement will focus on two issues: 1. the injury that I sustained one week ago (the week of September 15th, 2002) that has prohibited me from touring with Student*Rick and 2. my immediate resignation from my position in Student*Rick.

First, on the night of Student*Rick's Portland show, the band and I visited a bowling alley following our performance, where I slipped while bowling. This slip caused a hairline fracture in my right hand, which has prevented me from touring with Student Rick.

Due to the circumstances and injury my hand sustained, my doctor ordered me to wear a fitted brace for two weeks, and has prohibited me from partaking in any physical activity that could disrupt the healing process. Further x-rays will be conducted after the two-week period to determine if I should require any additional treatments.

I was disappointed that I was unable to complete the remainder of the Student*Rick/Big Blue Monkey tour and apologize whole heartily to all the fans that came out to see us. I can't wait to get behind my kit again and I hope my hand will have a speedy and quick recovery.

Secondly, due to specific reasons, I have announced my intention to resign as the drummer from Student*Rick. This decision is a result of personal conflict, health concerns, and financial problems that have left me completely drained, and left me in pursuit of something fresh and innovative in the music industry.

It seemed as though the efforts I wanted to put into my music and this group were constantly left on deaf ears. Conflict and challenges would consume a vast amount of our group's time and energy, and I felt that was not the most productive environment for me to be in.

As for my personal health concerns, the negativity of this group generated a lot of internal stress and has left me questioning my ability to keep working in this environment. The injury I sustained to my wrist allowed me to rest, and it was during this time that I felt it would be in my best interest to resign from the group.

The challenges that have come about during the last seven months are challenges that affect many musical groups. I feel the fan base that I have built throughout the years deserves more, and as a musician, I need to compose music with like minded musicians and those who are willing to put in 110 percent of their time to making a group work.

Student*Rick was losing the dedication and time it takes to make a group succeed. It seemed like time off was just that, and little efforts were made to enhance the music of our group, and prepare for future albums. This was not the group I wanted to be a part of and I felt as though I was stuck in a realm that was only hindering my progression as a musician.

I want to walk away from this group knowing that the fans and the people around us know the truth, and that there won't be confusion about my reasoning, so I can walk away with my head high knowing that I am content in my decision.

Before I close, I would like to thank those individuals who have been my support system over the past years. My parents have been my lifeline and support system since I was a little kid, and have helped support Student*Rick's financial endeavors. It is with their help that we had the things we had, and their support in my dreams and aspirations has been unforgettable.

For the fans, I apologize if this announcement comes due to negativity on the part of the group and others surrounding the group; however, I appreciate everything you have done, and can't wait to showcase my future projects. I can guarantee that future projects will reflect who I am as a musician, speak from the heart with musical and lyrical content, and contain tight-knit productive people.

To all my friends, thank you for your support. To Victory Records and especially Kathi, thank you for believing in us and giving me the opportunity to live my dream. To Jeff Kwantietz, Rob McDermott, Ryan and the others at The Firm, thank you for the work you have done thus far, and best wishes on Student*Rick's next record and their future accomplishments.

Sincerely,

William Zachary Neal Davis