Comments on: Goodbye, William

By: Popservations

Popservations — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:31:04 +0000

[...] Garvey and his song in high regard, they’ve now heeded his wish. Writing in remembrance of the late songwriter, frontman Mikel Jollett says, “He wrote a beautiful song. I understand why he wrote it. I [...]

By: shawn

shawn — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:47:28 +0000

I googled bill’s death. I don’t have any idea of who you are? I guess I could google you. I’m posting this because I love this song and I can tell you do too. I found this song threw Silence of the lambs. Which was great, but what sucks is this song has that negative “wild Bill” relationship. Its a beautiful song and people always bring up “bill”. Try using the lyrics without the familiar intro and bass tones, just to see the response. Rock on. And you only live once, don’t let the horses guide you. You guide them. they are a tool of travel.

By: Laurie

Laurie — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 03:41:22 +0000

I knew Bill Garvey as a young girl…he was best friends with my brother for a few years, in the 1970′s. He was so kind, gentle, funny, and creative. I am deeply saddened. Silence of the Lambs is one of my favorite movies, and this song…wow! Never knew it was him, never even knew he became a songwriter.

By: pierre

pierre — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:02:12 +0000

I just discovered the song through nip tuck last episode (last wednesday), I bought it on itunes right away and the day after i learnt that the singer had passed away too… strange and sad

By: Jean

Jean — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:37:03 +0000

Wow, you are an amazing writer. I miss seeing ATE live. Your concerts are truly an amazing experience…I haven’t been able to go to one of your shows since…about a year ago…when my ex and I broke up. Believe it or not, you guys actually brought us together. Now that it’s over, I find it hard to listen to you…but I still do.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:04:12 +0000

Mikel & band-
I wouldn’t even have found you if it weren’t for William Garvey. So yes, music connects us all, profoundly, beautifully. Goodbye Horses is a touchstone for me, has been since I was a teenager.

I literally discovered your band at Austin City Limits fest last weekend because you were playing “Goodbye Horses”. I was a half mile across the park seeing another show, and when I heard your sound floating over, I literally took off running through the mud and rain and crowds like a fucking madwoman toward that sound. My friends thought I’d lost my mind, they couldn’t imagine what would elicit such a bizarre reaction.

And then I got to the stage, realized you were REALLY REALLY playing it, and started bawling like a complete moron.

I have never, ever known anyone else who was even familiar with this song.

So thank you thank you all for bringing this gorgeous song to so many people. And thanks to William Garvey for bringing me to your band. I am now a gigantic fan.

See you in D.C. next week. I’ll be the jackass boo-hooing in the front row!

By: Joe Tomei

Joe Tomei — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:39:15 +0000

Listening to your music and arrangements just makes me want to watch you more and more. Very real lyrics and a well needed new sound. My wife tells me I am going to wear out the songs. I am just thrilled with your new sound,real basic rock with your own diversity. Love it!

All of the songs original or not while very well arranged again I cannot say enough about the unique combinations utilizing the base as a chello and the violin together is definately a refreshing addition and draw to your style. Your vesitility with all your musicians will make you beome and continue to be a very big draw. Keep it up you will be one of musics great Icons!Can’t wait to see you live. WE need more California concerts!

I have been wathing you on the Bat Club video on 101. Can’t get enough of your style!

Good luck and hope to see you soon.

By: Eliud

Eliud — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:47:18 +0000

I saw you guys in Lolla; when you began singing Goodbye Horses, I felt such a deep feeling. There was a difference between the rest of your set. I don’t think too many people understood the significance of the song. I did and really pray that you record it. To be able to have that moment relived everytime I need to let go. Thank you soo much for the great memory. (please do record it soon)

By: Erika G

Erika G — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:51:10 +0000

I love when you guys perform this song! It is beautiful! So sorry that he passed away! I love the way you explain the song and how it made you feel. I swear if I wasn’t already married, I would propose to you! I can’t wait to see you at the Disney Concert Hall! Until then, my friends!

By: Dominic Costello

Dominic Costello — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:42:46 +0000

its truely aweful to lose something or someone that brings influence and inspiration to your world. I am sorry.
He lives on every time someone hears his music wether it be your version or his.

cant wait to see you guys agian in Pomona, Ca. Just listening to your music (art) gives me my temporary escape, and seeing you perform it is a high i have rarely experienced. it’s awesome.

By: susan

susan — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 09:12:48 +0000

So sorry for the loss of William Garvey. But a big thanks to you Mikel, once again you have brought some special music to my world. I had never heard the song ‘Goodbye Horses’and it is truly beautiful, I just wish I could get the chance to hear/see you guys perform it. Maybe when you are next back in England!!! I hope you get the chance to do some more recording before too long, my guess is you have lots of amazing songs lined up for our delight.
Once again, Sheffield was amazing, thank you for a magnificent performance. Take care and much love xxooxx

By: Siân

Siân — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:53:15 +0000

I don’t reckon it’s any consolidation at all, but The Airborne Toxic Event have given me meaning. Your music has been something that I can center my life around – focus on – escape with. There’s something in it which gives me hope. I think music that holds people up in the way that yours does, is magical. And the people who make it; even more so.

If you felt even half as strongly about Goodbye Horses, then I send you a virtual hug. It would hurt pretty bad to have that taken away from you. A little bit of that dream. I really just want you to know – the way that you feel about William Garvey, is the way a lot of people feel about you. You’re my legend.

I can’t wait to see you guys perform live. So when you hit Sydney on the 11th next month, say hi.

By: Johnny

Johnny — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:11:37 +0000

Saw you guys at Lolla.
Your album has some seminal moments to me personally.
Seeing the set, and hearing Goodbye Horses, I was crying.
Glad you are coming back to Chicago.
Hope the new album is soon–loved the new song (did you play one or two new ones? I thought it was two!)!!

By: Sean U

Sean U — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:28:42 +0000

I am very sad to hear the news. It is a great song and may you keep it alive everytime you play it. It’s strange, evertime I meet up with you guys I also feel like I’m swept up in the dream world you were describing. The crowds that have got increasingly bigger every show, the loud music, the brief meetings with strangers whose only connection is the music. I think it would be a great idea to record the song. I will listen to it loud later this evening. Keep doing what you do Mikel.

Love Sean x

By: Elymayi

Elymayi — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:28:22 +0000

I really love the way you explain how everything seems like a dream. The quiet mornings after the rush can either leave you feeling better or perhaps even more confused. Isnt that funny?

Have you woken to the “where am I” question yet? I am sure you have. I can only imagine the incredible journey you must be having.

How wonderful that you were able to have such great conversations with Mr. Garvey before his passing. I am sure that you made him very proud. It would have been magic to see you guys perform together on stage. I really would have needed a few drinks after watching something like that.

I look forward to your performance in Seattle at the Showbox. I myself have never been there. I have heard its a really wonderful place. I could not get any of my friends to come with me since we have very different taste in music. I am a little worried about going alone, but at the same time I feel the courage starting to build up. I mean the worst thing that could happen is my car gets broken into or I end up being stalked by some guy who wants to talk about computers all night or something really weird like that. I guess I primarily look forward to listening to your music which brings out the real me, and for that I am willing to get stranded in Seattle. I really just dont give a damn!

By: Tony

Tony — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:34:45 +0000

I heard you cover that song at Lollapalooza…and have to say that it was really good. It made me appreciate the song more. I hope that you put it on your next album or on an ep. It was a blast watching you guys play the other day!

By: Naomi

Naomi — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:47:08 +0000

and so thats life. We moarn and suffer and wonder why did they die, why couldn’t they live any longer and enjoy life? But we don’t relize usually that its part of life and that they’re going on. Techincally you say they have died and yes they are not coming back, they have just reached the top of humanity. Think about all the great moments realizeing how wonderful their life was. Take time to think about their greatness and accomplishments.

Naomi

By: Lou

Lou — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:36:24 +0000

There are times I have felt that when you take lyrics inside you to mean something, nothing can change how you feel about them. We are lucky to have you bring that song to stage with honesty and sincerity, maybe even higher than Mr. Garvey’s expectations. That my friend, is the power your of music. See you in Philly !

By: Louisa

Louisa — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:17:11 +0000

This is so strange, i was listening to ‘Goodbye Horses’ for the first time (and realising how incredible it is) and i remebered i had to buy tickets for your gig in the Olympia, Dublin.
Then I searched you guys and ticketmaster, and just as i was buying the tickets glanced at this post!
It was so strangly coincidental, and awful! Im so sad that the man who wrote the song is dead. I dont know anything about him, or any of his other music, but just from listiening to that song i know that he must have been a great talent and should be remebered.

Cant wait to see you guys in Dublin!

By: Eric

Eric — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:11:30 +0000

i had Goodbye Horses set as my ringtone for a long time. i had to change it because every time my phone rang people around me felt uncomfortable since the song became infamous after it was featured in Silence of the Lambs. i really enjoyed the song and loved it even more after the parody of the “Lambs” scene in Clerks 2. i guess when something is THAT famous it really evokes very different and very powerful emotions