There’s a point in every band’s career when they start getting a taste of fame and money. The crucial part of the process is how they deal with it. Do they stay humble, keep perfecting their craft? Or, do the drugs, fame and sex derail them? Mistakes are always made, bands are human. But, when a pattern emerges, when the good times turn detrimental, who calls them out on their shit? Worst part, what happens when they don’t listen? You’re going to tell me to mind my fucking business, that I don’t know you. You’ll also probably block me out. I can’t sit back and let you crash and burn without speaking up. I love you too much for that. So…

Friday night/ Saturday morning, you went on a six hour bender, snorting hell knows what, live on Instagram. Saturday night, for the second time this leg of the current tour, you cancelled a show last minute. Then, you had the audacity to write a post about how unfair the fans are for being pissed, going so far as to compare your plight to Amy Winehouse and Kurt Cobain. I have a few thoughts:

1)Some of these fans are willing to travel multiple hours and miles to see you perform. The fans pay for the joy of seeing you, they deserve the best you can give. A genuine emergency is one thing, but when you make it rain, then blame others for it, it’s no good. You don’t owe the fans your life, but those albums and tickets weren’t bought by bots. You’d not be here without them, their anger is legitimate. Saying you will make the dates up is iffy, since there’s a few you haven’t. The whole thing is a cop out.

2) You aren’t on the fame level of Amy and Kurt. You could be, but not by pulling this shit. Those two both had their own demons, separate from their fame, that destroyed them. The fans didn’t. Get over yourself.

3) This isn’t just about you, what about your friends who tour with you, and your brother band members. You being a douchebag affect their reputations as well. Don’t you care about them? A heavy tour schedule is hard enough on everyone on the bus, without the added chaos.

4) There’s been legitimate times you were sick. Blasting yourself with

intra-nasal drugs LIVE on Instagram isn’t one of them. You brought this on yourself. You’d gain more respect if you just owned it and admitted you partied too hard. If you insist on continuing the hardcore good time, reschedule a few tour dates AHEAD of time to give yourself more time off for recovery.

5) Am I going to say you have a meth/and or coke problem? Nope, it would do no good. I use drugs too, and don’t want to be a hypocrite. Weed and booze are one thing, shoving dollar bill straws up your nose is on another level. You are on the very edge of superstardom, and are shooting yourself in the foot. Please, before it’s too late, figure out what the fuck you’re doing with this.

You are the most talented musician of your generation. Your music has invigorated your genre, and your fan base is growing. By doing the stunt you just pulled, however, you are alienating both new and hardcore, long-term fans. It matters. The music industry has a long memory. I’ve defended you to several young bands who have opened for you in the past, after they have testified to you being a complete asshole to them. So, do I use you as a cautionary tale, or the example of a band that smoothed out the rough patch and persevered?