Blake Plays Last Show

February 10, 2004

Blake "The Blazeman" Baumeier played his final performance with Jimmy, Chris, Pete and Cam this past weekend at Harpole's in Evansville IN. Blake's final performance was based on the date (Feb 7th) and not as a result of the venue. Blake joined The Pygmies exactly 14 years from that date, making it the most appropriate date for his last performance. Many long time fans were there to wish him well, and in an amazing move of class Blake actually turned over his guitar to the new guitarist Craig Phillips half way through the last song as if to say "It's all yours Kid." Blake will be donating his signature guitar to one of our favorite clubs where it will be prominently displayed for all to see. (John, clear out a space, and get the spotlights ready) Words can not begin to express the impact that Blake has had on the success of the band. When asked, "Who will replace him" the only response is, "He can't be replaced". Someone so engrained into what the Pygmie sound is CAN NOT be replaced and we certainly won't try to do so. Blake will always be with us even if his body is sound asleep while we are loading out of the Supper Club at 6 AM!!! On a personal level we are all hurting inside having to say goodbye to one of our brothers. Perhaps the most important aspect of this job is what the fans never see. All the long hours we spend together laughing and trying to keep ourselves sane. Theses are the things that WE will miss the most. The Pygmies will go on although the sound will be different we hope the difference will still be "Pygmies". We have hired a guy that we feel has the right attitude for the job, but ultimately it will be the fans that decide. We hope everyone will give him a chance to make some Pygmie Shoes of his own. We have been asked by many of the fans how they can get in touch with Blake to wish him well and we have set up an email address just for that purpose. If you would like to send Blake a message simply click here or send an email to: missblake@velcropygmies.com. You can take the band out of Blake but you will never be able to take Blake out of the band!