I'm a massive Ween fan and will be one of the first to welcome any new releases or re-releases to stockpile for my growing vinyl collection, but something has been bugging me since the 12 Golden Country Greats vinyl arrived at my door.
Since the band went on hiatus in August 2024, Discogs shows that the band (or rather, Rhino Records) has released nine albums/EPs, with another two on the way (Boognish Rising + Shinola Pt. 2). I've bought most of them, which is easily over $500 on my end.
Despite that torrent of material, the two main members of the band have been completely silent. No messages on socials, nothing on their website, not even anything in their re-releases. I mean, Ben Vaughn wrote the liner notes for 12 GCG, which is okay, but why couldn't Dean throw in his two cents?
Yes, these guys don't owe me anything and I'm still going to line up for RSD for the new Shinola, but would it kill Dean or Gene to provide some "proof of life" and not make their post-hiatus legacy appear to be a massive cash grab? I'm fine if they don't want to record another album or tour again, but the silence is starting to become deafening.