Mac`s Statement

[mcdermott andrew]

Sorry it took so long to give this stament. But, I`m also sorry it took me so long to realise I had to get on with the rest of my life and eventually make a decent living. I know the timing was bad and I`m very grateful to Damian for standing in for me. Unfortunately it`s absolutely impossible to live on fresh air alone. Next time you listen to a Threshold album picture my girlfriend having to work overtime to make it possible for me to go on tour, not to mention all the jobs I chose to give up to continue with Threshold. Once again, the timing was bad.... I was up all Friday night (13.07.2007) considering this and decided it was time to support my family 100%. For all the Fans out there take what you have and enjoy it (I know I was devasted when Led Zeppelin came to an end). Thanks for all your support, all the best for Threshold and Threshold Fans for the future, Cheers Mac

[LavagesOfTime]

This is much appreciated, at least from me.

The only thing I can say is: have a look at the thread in which we discuss the news about you, there's plenty of posts, most of them saying that you're important and that you mean a lot.
I know how hard is to combine a band with your own life, so I perfectly understand what you mean. But, at the same time, allow me to say that you could have chosen a different timing (a bunch of days before the first shows) and a different way (a short email) to announce this, and leave the band in troubles - fortunately fixed (at least for now) by Damian's return.

Anyway, hope both the band and you will make it through all this!

[Bupu]

I do feel for you and your family and I appreciate you wanting to give them 100% but I don't understand why you didn't give your 'other' family, Threshold, a bit more notice or at least let them know the whole reason why you had made this choice, its a shame it happened like this for you, Threshold and the fans
but you have made your choice and I wish you the best of luck in everything you do, maybe we will see you again

[BurningDownTheMiddle]

Your timing - rubbish

Your decision - understandable

My feelings - disappointed but good luck in what you do

I remember how I felt when Bruce left Maiden and hey! he came back

I was very surprised when the announcement came - people move on (and Jon and Nick had been there from the start and for many years before they left/took a break) but I was staggered at the timing. I think the method is irrelevant - however you do it, people listen to about three words of bad news in any case. I just don't understand why this couldn't have been done a couple of months back?!?!? but it is easier to put this sort of thing off than make the tough call.

Good luck in whatever you choose to do - your comments on this forum will always be welcomed by me (and hopefully by any true fans)

[bobp]

Originally Posted by mcdermott andrew

I know I was devasted when Led Zeppelin came to an end

On the bright side, i heard Led Zeppelin are getting back together with Johns son on drums.

but 'tis a sad day if this is the end of a Mac fronted Threshold.
I would do whatever was necessary to support my family.
I guess most fans will not understand the financial strain of being in a non mainstream band of middling popularity (i mean that in no nasty way) and expect you all to live in mansions and drive Rollers, I know it's not like that.
Good luck with the future Mac, keep us posted on your future plans.

As for the rest of the guys in Threshold, thanks for continuing with the tour, hope you find a long term replacement for Mac and go on to achieve bigger successes, you really deserve it.

[bobp]

Originally Posted by BurningDownTheMiddle

I remember how I felt when Bruce left Maiden and hey! he came back

Am i the only one who thought Blaze Bayley was better in maiden?
The X Factor is my favorite album.
I think Bruce made better solo albums.

[progmetalgod]

Thanks for the explanation even if it was bad timing, and at least we're not in the dark anymore.

Mac; my missus, brother and especially I (being the biggest fan of the 3) are very upset to hear that you are leaving. We understand your reasons and respect your decision. When I got into Threshold in 1997, I enjoyed their music a great deal but it wasn't until the Critical Energy DVD (2004) that it all fell into place and my increased enjoyment for the band meant that they became one of my favourite bands. Your voice went a long way into making me realise just how good the band are, and your passion drenched vocals have been a staple part of the band's sound for the past 5 albums, and most will remember you when they think of Threshold. I just want to take this opportunity to thank you for your charisma on stage when I have seen you twice in Rotherham, 2004 (you even gave me your microphone so I could sing a few words) and ProgPower UK 2006. If you decide to remain in the music business then I will surely buy your music.

This is a very sad day for me. All the best for the future.

As for the band's situation, I hope they can find a suitable and capable replacement, and that they will rock my socks off in Rotherham (it's a 4 hour drive from South Wales but well worth it) in November. Whoever it may be will have big boots and a kilt to fit into.

[BurningDownTheMiddle]

Originally Posted by bobp

Am i the only one who thought Blaze Bayley was better in maiden? YES
The X Factor is my favorite album. IT IS A GREAT ALBUM BUT DOESN'T NEED BLAZE
I think Bruce made better solo albums.CHEMICAL WEDDING/ACCIDENT/TYRANNY are all metal masterpieces, SKUNK is great but not really metal, the others...

Hey isn't this thread meant to be about Mac?

[T.J. Swoboda]

Originally Posted by bobp

Am i the only one who thought Blaze Bayley was better in maiden?

In a word, yes.

Originally Posted by bobp

I think Bruce made better solo albums.

Okay, I think we can agree here.

Back on topic, I'm beyond sorry to see Mac leave Threshold. As I told Karl at PPUSA 3 almost five years ago Hypothetical is one of my desert island albums, and Clone isn't far behind. I can certainly understand the decision though, and wish Mac the best while hoping that Threshold can land on their feet and press on.

--T.J.

[Nellinha]

Again, thank you for clearing things up. Not knowing what happened has been worse than hearing the bad news itself.

One thing I've come to learn about life is we oughta live it the best way we can, without hurting other people, but most of all clinging on to what's really important to us; sometimes we can't do the former without compromising the second and that's that.

The timing was awful, yes, and the whole situation is complicated for the band and Damian, those are facts, but I'm far from not being able to understand the decision; I know the pressure and strains of being in a band - my ex was in one and I know all too well what it meant both personally and professionaly - and where it got us, and I know how hard it is to give up our dreams, even temporarily, 'cause I've given up mine for now and I know I can't be back in a band at the time, no matter how bad I miss it.

Now it's time to move on and try and cope with things as good as possible. Please do keep us posted on what your professional plans are 'cause I'm sure everyone here doesn't want to miss out on your projects, at least I know I don't.

As for the band, and yourself, what does not kill us, makes us stronger, and you all know that from sheer experience. Of course I didn't want the parting to happen and it makes me sad (my first Threshold album was 'Subsurface' so... you're 'the' voice!) but hey, that's life and we can't always get what we want...

Best of luck in all you do and life!

[teri]

I've been a Threshold fan from disc one. I love the band with whomever has been their frontman...you, Damian, Glynn...

Sorry to see ya go, Mac...i think you are a killer vocalist, and you were a great fit with the band...i also think the timing on this pretty much sucks....

However, Threshold will be Threshold with or without you. i have every faith they will find the right fit again.

[Groncho]

I echo the thanks for letting us know what the situation is Mac.

I can't deny it... this is devastating news for me. I got into Threshold from Hypothetical and the main reason was definitely Mac's vocals. I bought my tickets to the Kamelot gig and Firefest IV looking forward to going to shows where the vocals are one of if not the main focus of the band so this is bad news indeed.

However, fair play to you Mac for making what must have been an extremely difficult decision. Caring for loved ones is a priority that can indeed take precedence over anything else in this life.

Best of luck with whatever may be in store for you in the future. I hope you pull a Bruce D. as I would love to see you performing with Threshold in the future.

[LavagesOfTime]

perhaps in the future he may come in to save threshold from another singer's unexpected departure!

[Nellinha]

Originally Posted by LavagesOfTime

perhaps in the future he may come in to save threshold from another singer's unexpected departure!

Wow... where did you come up with that ideia?! lol

Now there's a deja vu I wouldn't mind... but, considering the band's well being, lets hope it doesn't come to this, at least not out of the blue or on such a bad timing.

[nightwish58]

Wow, one step closer to what i always wanted and that is Damian back at the helm of one my favorite bands. I got into the band with Wounded Land mainly due to Damian's voxs, and can only hope he remains onboard with them and travels to the US to satisfy their PP commitment. He is one of the finest singers out there and belongs back in Threshold! Please say it is so...

[EdMirFab]

Too bad, same story for me and my girlfriend as a few of you have written above. We've gotten really obsessed with Threshold but with Mac's voice. The albums he didn't sing on have good music but the "voices" don't get to me/us. My girlfriend was really looking forward to see Threshold and especially see/hear Mac in Helmond and Zoetermeer. Now she thinks about not going when you are not singing.

Timing sucks, reasons understandable. Too bad you can't go on this tour, 'cause it would be another step in the growth/rise of the Threshold name to a larger/wider audience.

What the future for Threshold will bring, we have to wait and see. It will be really difficult to find someone that can replace you.

I wish you and your family al the best for the future and I hope that this is the right direction for you. Cheers mate.

Finally: hats of for Damian for helping the band out.


Edwin

[Stooey]

Thank you very much for giving us your side of the story Mac.

My 1st Threshold album was Critical Mass, i was instantly hooked. It was the mostly the vocals, so powerful, so inviting and simply dripping with emotion.

I first saw Threshold at the Camden Underworld, the first gig of the Subsurface tour, I was just waiting near the bar whilst Powerquest (the support band that evening) played, when out of the blue you walked past. I just sort of pointed and said, bewildered "...that's Mac...". You looked at me, smiled, and carried on walking.

I can't really explain how i felt, I wanted to chase you down and say something but i was dumbstruck, In awe of the man who I'd seen my CD booklets. I just thought i'd share that memory here.

Thank you very much for enriching my life these past few years. I really appreciate the effort and commitment you have put into the band and wish you the very best of luck.

Thanks again and I hope we hear from you again in the future.

-Stuart

[Torn2Shreds]

Well, I'm not surprised after that first statement from Rich.

I understand your reasons for leaving but one thing still is just not right. You could have given your fellow bandmates (and I hope friends) a little more notice about your leaving... I think they would have taken it a bit easier with some time to find a replacement.

Ohterwise, I really feel bad to see you go. You were a great singer for Threshold. I hope they will never forget that. I know there are many of us that will never forget you... Good luck in the future.

[PraiseTheLord]

Thanks Mac, but massive thanks for Damian Wilson, you're the man Damian! Great effort
Best wishes for rest of the band!!

[Kilroy Murdoch]

Why did Mac create a new forum account rather than use his old one?

[forgottenglory]

This did strike me as suspicious as well. My crystal ball says it's not Mac who posted this but somebody close to him who gave him a sermon about him going out to have fun while that person is working hard to make ends meet. Mac feels guilty and sadly resigns to a life of normality whilst this person impersonates Mac to come up with the above statement.

Furthermore the way the title is worded as:"Mac's statement" doesn't sound right. When you post something do you put your name or just say "My whatever". For example, if I wanted to post a point of view about say the floods in the UK, I would probably write "My point of view re the floods" and not "forgottenglory's point of view...". This seems to indicate that that statement was posted by a third party other than Mac. Somebody lurking in the shadows is pulling the strings. This all seems very suspicious...

Wherever you are Mac, take care; take no prisoners, take no shit and don't let anybody tread on you!

[progmetalgod]

I noticed the different username too, but having read Mac's posts (albeit very short ones) on here before, that does seem like his style of writing. I'm sure Richard will be on here soon anyway to let us know what the band's next step is.

[LavagesOfTime]

Actually, FG's and PMG's (PMG = Progmetalgod! ) theories are not so weird, huh. Despite the fact that he may have created a new account simply because he lost/forgot the password, that's definitley not the way mac writes on this forum.
With this said, it doesn't automatically mean that it's not him, especially because his reasons for leaving are actually the ones I expected.

Any Sherlock Holmes is welcome, by the way!

[progmetalgod]

Originally Posted by LavagesOfTime

that's definitley not the way mac writes on this forum.

My theory was that it is him if you read my post again. He usually writes a few words, but as this was a more serious issue, he wrote a bit more for it. The grammar was still very much like him, and that's why I believe it was the real Mac.

Having said that, I would be over the moon if it wasn't.

By the way, everyone calls me PMG on most other forums.

[LavagesOfTime]

Originally Posted by progmetalgod

My theory was that it is him if you read my post again.

Oh, misunderstanding: your "that does seem" became a "that doesn't seem" in my mind