The Black Diamonds — the killer retro-rawk band behind “Cold, Cold Heart,” Scene readers’ song of the year for 2006 — weren’t born when Van Halen and singer David Lee Roth split. So you can’t blame the teenage prodigies if they didn’t learn a lesson from that sad situation. Still, they’re such studied classic-rock fans that you think they’d know better. Nope. The Diamonds have split with singer Chad Van Gils. March 16’s gig at the Beachland was their first show without him. Guitarist/bandleader Dylan Francis has assumed vocal duties. “I got kicked out of the Black Diamonds without any explanation,” Van Gils posted on his MySpace page. Ah, the perils and quirks of teenage organizational communication. Fortunately for you, dear, reader, the Diamonds explained for us. “Well, for starters, Chad hasn’t written a single lyric, or even attempted to, in over a year,” Francis told Scene. “Also, [he] never put forward any effort to make up melodies for singing, let alone lyrics. He was dead weight. We’ve talked with him numerous times, and for a while, he’d kick it in. But within a week after the talk, he’d be back to doing jack shit. We’re sick of it. And when he’s gone, the energy between us three is amazing. “Plans as of now are to continue on as a trio. Also, we’re pretty set on changing the name to Suede Brothers. It may not have the same appeal right off the bat, but it’s different, which we think we need after a new singer, and it’s original. And there’s several Black Diamond bands out there. Our sound will stay pretty much the same, actually a little heavier if anything. I hate to say it, but kinda Wolfmotherish — though we’re not going for that; it’s what our friends have said — and a little more Year Long Disaster. We’re recording March 31st and into April. It won’t be pretty and packaged, but it’ll be awesome. Never fear: This is a change for the better.” — D.X. Ferris
This article appears in Mar 21-27, 2007.
I was not aware that my rant was to be published word for word. First off then, I would like to clarify that Chad VanGil’s credibility as an artist or person is not being questioned. Chad is an outstanding guy, who does pour his heart into what he does. However, for a while it seemed like he was just ‘going through the motions’ of being in the band. The Black Diamonds, at this point, are not broken up forever. It is always in the cards for the Black Diamonds to get back together.
you cannot possibly this ignorant , by just printing this slander without checking the story.
that would be very un-ethical .
Anybody that knows these kids will know who the lier really is.
You owe Chad an apoligy
quit acting like little bitches and slandering each other and get on with making music and move on!
First thing is to get out of Cleveland! because you know as well as i do that you will have to leave Cleveland to get anywhere in the music business! If this is what you want to do with the rest of your life then think big. Thinking big is leaving Cleveland first and foremost!