The end of an era, the start anew...
Guitarist leaves upcoming punk/post-hardcore band
The search is on for a new Rivers End member
Thursday, October 7, 2004 Posted: 4:22 PM EDT (2022 GMT)
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New Fairfield, CT (AP) -- John DiFrancesco, guitarist of Rivers End, has parted ways with the band.
Thursday night practice started like any other. One by one, members of Rivers End showed up, eager to practice. But, in a shocking, yet expected moment Thursday night, a band was changed once again.
Bassist Tony Mascolo stated, "(John) left for noble reasons and on good terms. It was a difficult decision for him to make, but we remain good friends with him. PJ Manzo, guitarist for the band, refused to comment, but seemed ok with Mr. DiFrancesco's choice.
John DiFrancesco, known simply as "Difran", started playing in bands in the mid-90s. In the summer of 1996, Mr. DiFrancesco had invited future Rivers End bassist, Tony Mascolo to join the Inflatable Dates to accompany him on guitar.
"The Dates" had recorded two 7" records (45's) on Danbury label, Noxious Release. Fueled by a cover shot and rave reviews in mass fanzine, Maximum RockNRoll, record sales did well.
Influenced by such punk acts as the legendary Ramones and Chicago's Screeching Weasel, Mr. DiFrancesco had excelled with rapid fire, power chord mania. "When I first met him, the one thing that stood out was his ability to play extremely fast.", Mr. Mascolo stated..
In late 1998, Kydmyn formed, whose members included Rivers End singer, Jym McDermott and bassist Tony Mascolo as well as Joe "Pissweasel" Russo. Rivers End formed out of the ashes of highly acclaimed, Last Kyd Picked which originated at the end of 2001. 2003's "Never Let Them Breathe" went on to sell over 500 copies in the US alone. "Rivers End will continue to pursue our goal of getting signed. We just need to find a new guitarist and practice space", Jym McDermott said.
On September 19th, "Difran" played his last show in Stanfordville, NY. Mr. DiFrancesco had played an approximate 131 shows during his 9 year tenure.
"He wanted to move on. He wanted to be with (girlfriend) Holly in Florida. He wants to start his life up and buy a home. It's a shock, but I totally respect his decision.", commented Jym McDermott.
A scheduled party for Rivers End will still be played on October 16th in Stanfordville, NY.