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December 02, 2006
The Man Who Fell To Earth, How I Fell
It started as nice day. Warm, of course, but not too bad. And it was Friday, of course, and if it being Friday doesn’t put a grin on your face then well you haven’t worked enough. I had just started working for this particular outfit although I had known the guys for years and liked everyone pretty well. There was Josh, Tom, Billy Bones and Joey. And me. Another Josh. This is is the story of how I fell.
I am an action movie fan, been one for a while now. I always used to get a real sick feeling inside when the here or whatever would hang over some precipice and then pull himself back to safety using just his arm strength. I never knew why I had such a visceral reaction to this; but it always made me feel unsafe and vaguely terrified.
It was around two in the afternoon, Friday afternoon, glorious Friday. Spirits were high as we were getting close to finishing the job which had admittedly been kicking our butts for the better part of three weeks. We were building three quite large pole barns which were to be used to store lumber. The roof and siding were both metal over wooden joists.
We were finally in a pretty good rythm. Bones and Tom were the ground men; their jobs were to drive the truck around the building, grab a piece of metal roofing, strap it to the truck, drive back to the area we were finishing, then guiding the piece up to the guys in the air. That would be Josh, Joey and yours truly. I would grab the piece firmly and walk quickly up the pitch of the roof as the other Josh pulled and guided the piece into a preset groove. Once in position, all three of us grabbed screw-guns and fastened the piece for eternity.
So before the roof is fastened, there is basically a giant open area crisscrossed by wooden slats set every three feet. This is important to remember.
We had maybe six more to go before calling it a day. Friday, payday, finishing early now perhaps? This was getting just too exciting. Until we noticed that the pieces looked like they were starting to run just a tad out of square. To check square we would walk the roof to the end of unfinished area and measure back top and bottom and compare the measurements. If they were different, then we were out of square. We were different.
Usually when you start to run out one doesn’t start over they simply start to compensate. We decided to check one more time to be safe. I grabbed my tape measure and started walking up the pitch of the unfinished roof which was like ladder laid down flat and then flown thirty feet in the air.
Did I slip? Did I lose my balance? I am not sure, but I remember falling and then struggling to hang onto a 2X4 then relinquishing my grip and falling falling falling.
I remember Tom and Bones rushing over to see how I was. I looked up, looked away, then said, “Now would be a good time to pray.”
part two coming soon
The last show is being talked about. It will be in Philadelphia. Possibly some European shows as well.
Everyone is doing well. I am still rehabbing and feeling better every day. I am also producing a band from New Jersey called One Win Choice. Check them out on the web. Nathan has a new band without a name yet. Matt is working and loving New York. Robert is back in Germany being busy. Chad is working for a top secret government lab.
talk to you soon. josh
Posted by joshbsf at December 2, 2006 03:21 PM
Comments
God behave, your story sounds terrible. Fine that you're rehabilitating at the moment.
Have I read it right that you are going on a last tour in Europe maybe? I missed you in Summer cause of my damn vacation job....
Greets & good restauration
Sebastian
Posted by: Sebastian at December 2, 2006 05:47 PM
That sounds really painful.
Posted by: Jim at December 2, 2006 06:35 PM
That sounds really painful.
Posted by: Jim at December 2, 2006 06:35 PM
That sounds really painful.
Posted by: Jim at December 2, 2006 06:35 PM
That sounds really painful.
Posted by: Jim at December 2, 2006 06:35 PM
That sounds really painful.
Posted by: Jim at December 2, 2006 06:35 PM
That sounds really painful.
Posted by: Jim at December 2, 2006 06:35 PM
thanx for the update. it's so good to hear that you're doing better every day. keep on fighting, josh.
"possibly some european shows as well" made my day!!
miss you guys loads!!!
a girl from europe that misses you guys way too much!!
♥
Posted by: Anonymous at December 2, 2006 10:19 PM
thanx for the update. it's so good to hear that you're doing better every day. keep on fighting, josh.
"possibly some european shows as well" made my day!!
miss you guys loads!!!
a girl from europe that is MISSING (better, huh?!) you guys way too much!!
♥
Posted by: Anonymous at December 2, 2006 10:24 PM
Thank you for the update, Josh. Your story sounds terrible... But it is good to hear, that you are feeling better! Hope you will get soon over it.
European tour dates? What amazing news on a Sunday morning... :)Please tell us soon the dates. Would like to visit as much as possible of your shows!!!
Wish you all the best! I´m thinking of you.
Miss you.
Love, Katja
Posted by: Katja at December 3, 2006 04:44 AM
you made my day! Good to hear your story and that you're fine again
Posted by: Anonymous at December 3, 2006 10:51 AM
hey josh!
very fine to hear that you are feeling better, i wish you all the best :-)
i miss you so much, guys!
sabs
Posted by: sabs at December 3, 2006 11:25 AM
Glad to hear from you. Glad you are ok.
And once again BSF, thanks for blowing off the United States because we aren't as cool as Europe. After all the years of spending money, coming to your shows, listening to your albums, glad to know you hate us.
Posted by: Anonymous at December 3, 2006 02:32 PM
glad taht you're getting better josh. "Chad is working for a top secret government lab." you always make me laugh josh, especially when i did an interview with you back in march of this year, was awesome."Possibly some European shows as well." this would the cherry on the cake ^^. please god let it be true and let them come back to munich, i mean it's a must since its robert home town ;)
MISS YOU!
Take Care
maggi
Posted by: maggi at December 3, 2006 03:07 PM
@ the person who posted the 13th post: what the f*** is wrong with you? do you really think, that the american fans have more rights to see boysetsfire than the european ones?? oh my god, how stupid is this...
Posted by: sabs at December 3, 2006 03:35 PM
last time i checked philly was in america.
us tour = go into debt for smaller crowds
european tour = large crowds, get paid for their work
which would you pick?
Posted by: jason at December 3, 2006 07:35 PM
a show in portugal would be too much to ask for, wouldn't it.. hell, i'd even become religious if such thing happened, which is saying a lot :P
oh well, i'll just have to travel wherever you guys go to see you live. time to start saving some money..
Posted by: darkdog at December 3, 2006 07:44 PM
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, please make the Philly show on a Saturday... so those of us traveling who have work can actually go..
Posted by: Anonymous at December 3, 2006 09:24 PM
P.S Being completely selfish... for those of us traveling it would save us money if you gave us some time too. Glad to hear you are well Josh, truely.
Posted by: Anonymous at December 3, 2006 09:29 PM
"And once again BSF, thanks for blowing off the United States because we aren't as cool as Europe. After all the years of spending money, coming to your shows, listening to your albums, glad to know you hate us."
God, you dick, he tells us a really painful story and this is all you can say? You are such an asshole.
Josh, I'm glad you are feeling better and glad everyone is doing okay!
Posted by: Kelly at December 3, 2006 09:40 PM
I was going to make a bad joke, but only like 3 people would get it. And I would look like a total ass to even more people than already think I am. So, I'll refrain and just say your story is truly inspiring.
Posted by: jack at December 3, 2006 11:02 PM
can you email me the joke I want to hear it
Posted by: jason at December 4, 2006 12:31 AM
I'm glad you are getting better Josh. It seems you guys are all going seperate ways. I'm looking forward to hearing your new band (and Nathan's too).
Please come to London :D
Posted by: John at December 4, 2006 04:42 PM
man, if this last show is between xmas and new years this year it would happen to be the only time i'll ever be in philadelphia...well my guess is that i'm not that lucky so good luck with that and glad to hear you're ok josh!!
Posted by: jakeFMB at December 5, 2006 12:40 PM
I'm sure it's tough to remember how it all happened Josh. It doesn't matter anymore, what matters is you're doing much better now. Can't wait for the info about the US show, please keep us posted... just in case, you always do anyways. Of course keep getting better and see you soon. Regardless of what happened in the past, I think this last US show will bring a lot of crowds, I'm sure. I am coming and bringing friends and I am sure a lot of people will do the same. So fellas let's stop all the fuss and selfish comments, no hard feelings just try to come out to this last show instead of complaining about Europe being loved more.
Posted by: Mikhail at December 6, 2006 09:04 PM
"And once again BSF, thanks for blowing off the United States because we aren't as cool as Europe. After all the years of spending money, coming to your shows, listening to your albums, glad to know you hate us."
I AGREE.
I got nothing against europeans but c'mon, this is like 3 tours in a year against our 1/2 this year. posted a breakup announcement the day before i had tickets to see them at warped, wtf.
anyway josh glad to hear youre okay. you are an incredibly strong person for how quickly you have recovered.
but honestly, maybe if you are touring in europe you should write some songs based on issues in europe....
Posted by: pissed_off_american at December 7, 2006 12:31 AM
Glad to hear you're better. Not to be a downer but my husband's best friend fell 30 feet from a factory roof and broke his neck. You are one hell of a lucky dude. PS he's in a better place now..
Posted by: Miseri at December 7, 2006 04:01 AM
Glad to here you are doing better! You're a real strong man! En..wow! maybe some european shows? that would be amazing! really amazing!
Posted by: Anonymous at December 7, 2006 09:59 AM
i've tried to stay away from the "what about me" thing through the whole breakup of boy sets fire because i didnt think it was right to put any kind of pressure on them. now that i reread this post and see that they are considering doing euro shows again and not one west coast show..i decided that pressure might have been good. i guess i wasnt meant to see BSF live.
didnt the euro kids know that BSF was breaking up BEFORE the last tour? yes.
well sometimes its good when a band breaks up to just say goodbye..perhaps like american nightmare or the nerve agents..they just said "we're done, thank you" or something to that nature. i'm not gonna get caught up in how i really feel about all of this last show(s) bullshit because it will taint the words BOY SETS FIRE in my mind.
so bye! thanks!
Posted by: jakeFMB at December 12, 2006 12:08 PM
Boysetsfire is probably my favourite thing in the world. Your music can pick me up from any situation, no matter how down I am. I am not being over-dramatic or anything, i just want you guys to know. I donated some money to Josh's paypal thing, and I hope you get well soon!!
You mentioned a final European tour...this would be absolutly amazing and i'm sure it would mean the world to a lot of people!!! If you could come to the UK that would be even better =]
Thank you so much for your music and inspiration.
Phil.x.
Posted by: Phil Blazey at December 20, 2006 12:02 PM
boysetsfire we love you
AUSTRIA,österreich
Posted by: jimmy at December 21, 2006 12:23 PM
just want to mention again, bsf cannot afford to do a US tour. They are not rich men looking to toss money at the complainers.
They lose money because people don't actually show up at their shows in US. This is what happened last time.
Unless you're willing to front them 10 - 20K, shut up.
in europe, people actually show up and enjoy the shows.
Posted by: Anonymous at December 21, 2006 12:24 PM
MOTED!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous at December 21, 2006 01:31 PM
Josh, Glad to hear you're okay. I was upset when I heard what happened. Boy Sets Fire is unlike any band, because you guys send a message. I want you to know, you chnaged my life in the biggest way, with your music and messages. Thank-you for all that you've done, and I'm sad that I can't come to any of your shows, seeing as how I liv ein Butler, which is like a long way from Philly, but still PA wise. Anyways, again, Thanks BSF, you guys rock. =) Get well soon,
-Seth
Posted by: Seth Malone at December 23, 2006 08:29 PM
aw, i got all teary eyed... I love you, hope to see you this weekend... yadda yadda yadda...and, i'm done.
Posted by: the carney at December 27, 2006 04:25 PM
Kill yourself then
Posted by: Anonymous at December 29, 2006 12:11 PM
what happened to you sounds really terrible and I hope you are doing better soon
i didn't know that this happened and I was really shocked
I really hope that you play your last concert in europe (hopefully in germany)
great wishes from germany
Posted by: Felix at January 11, 2007 01:54 AM
hey man, bsf rocked at reading, and as i believe that was the last of your guys in the uk, whether or not thats true i dont care in my eyes, and ears, you guys went out in a blaze of glory (and hardcore pits!).
i just wanna say, josh GWS, it sucks when things like this happen, and i know theres no easy way to look on the bright side, but i hope if theres to be any good to from it, you've discovered something you didnt realise/know during your recovery. ill hold out my hopes that there will one day be BSF reunion. you were still a young band, with lots to offer. a young band that passed away too soon. even if its a one off gig in 5 years back at reading, please do reunite in the future once youve got all your solo plans out of the way. THE UK LOVES YOU, even if your US fans are too fricken' selfish!
Posted by: rik at January 16, 2007 11:22 PM
For real, Josh. I love you and your band more than life. When I heard about the accident, you will not believe how much I cried. Your recovery is amazing, and I can't wait until everything is fine and back to normal. You are amazing, and I love you SO much. xoxo.
Posted by: Kate at February 1, 2007 07:12 PM
Its really great to hear your doing a final send off tour in Philly and Europe. Im sure that news brang a smile to anyone who read it. Any chance you constitute Australia as Europe :P
Posted by: Josha at February 6, 2007 03:31 AM
yosh is an amazing human being. I've known him for more years than almost anybody else in my life.
I, still, can't believe he not only survived, but recovered so quickly from the fall.
When I think of Josh I think "thats one hell of a strong soul"
thats all. I love my friends and they still give me hope!
Posted by: royboy at February 12, 2007 05:22 AM
yosh is an amazing human being. I've known him for more years than almost anybody else in my life.
I, still, can't believe he not only survived, but recovered so quickly from the fall.
When I think of Josh I think "thats one hell of a strong soul"
thats all. I love my friends and they still give me hope!
Posted by: royboy at February 12, 2007 05:27 AM
Hey Josh/guys just read through your story and i think i might be able to relate more than anyone here since i'm goin through the same thing right now. I had a motorcycle accident back in april of last year, broken femur. A first surgery done by a retard since it was done wrong. A second surgery 3 months ago, and now a total of 10 months since the accident i'm still limping around and on bad days have to use my cane. to boot i'm looking at a 3rd surgery in the future to make everything right. So i know how painfull it is to get up each morning and try and walk even if its just to get a glass of water! You are defently blessed and i'm glad you're doing so good. I hope you have a full recovery.
As far as the break up and the insensitive assholes who've posted about tour this and tour that. Man BSF acomplished so much and wrote the best music this heart has ever heard hands down. They've carried me through my life for a good 10 years. So if they decide its time to call it quits , then so be it. Be thankfull and happy about the music they wrote, and not upset over what they could have written.
BSF you guys will always be in my heart, take care and good luck to all of you!
Marcelo
Posted by: Marcelo at February 12, 2007 05:08 PM
Wow, holy shit dude... your story is ALMOST exactly the same as mine. I know EXACTLY what you are going through. It was summer of 2006 and I was roofing. We hadn't even got all of the sheeting on the roof yet when I got a REALLY bad feeling. I was just about to grab some sheeting from my friend and coworker Josh, (YES his name is JOSH swear to god) when all of a sudden the beam I was stading on as well as the scaffolding collapsed out from under me. I fell 2 stories from the medium sized barn we were putting up. I cracked my head open on one of the scaffolding bars on the way down and then my back collided with the busted up concrete blocks that were at the base of the scaffolding on the ground. Those bastards charged me for TWO ambulances because one of them broke down on the job site! Well, my injuries were a bruised lung, (not collapsed... thank god) and two ruptured lumbar discs in the spine. The doctor said my back will pain me the rest of my life. I didn't have it nearly as bad as you did, but I deffinately know what you are going through. Can you breath okay yet? With only a BRUISED lung I was constantly coughing and it was annoying as hell... it hurt a lot to move too... omg and dont even get me started on the walking around bit... oh well, let me know how you are doing.
-Rich McIntyre
Posted by: Rich McIntyre at March 6, 2007 05:04 PM
wow i have been a boy sets fire fan for a while now but i never heard about your fall or the end of the band and they both suck. well i guess the pitty of some kid from Pa wont help any but you know whatever... any ways if you get the chance it would be great if you could go to Purevolume.com and set up a profile there but if not thats okay cause after the fall and life altogether its undestandable that you dont have the time...well thats about all i have to say for now so yea... good luck with healing from your accident and with the rest of life...later
Posted by: Anthony at March 10, 2007 10:52 PM
cool blog!
Posted by: Tom at April 9, 2007 06:23 AM
Sorry to hear about your mishap, stay strong. I met you guys a few yaers ago at the Camden Tweeter Center. I'm from Newark Delaware and will be attending the Philly show. If you need me to bring some medicine to the show let me know. I'll be there with my wife MRS.GREENBUD. Contact me and we will come backstage and help the band heal. See you in Philly, Fran
Posted by: fran at April 19, 2007 07:13 PM
My nae is Syrelle Im from Portland Or. You guys have the most powerful music Ive ever heard its so forthright and honest. I was in the mall bitter about an x-girlfriend when I heard vehichel. I went out and bought "this crying" & After the Eulogy. And became a fan a fan for life. I wish people would actually listen to the words in a song instead of going with whats considered cool by the crowd. Or have the heart to b them selves instead of caring what others think. I wish people would unite and fight this corupt goverment or at least act like they know somethings not right. I hope I dont sound crazy but being a black man in Portland Or driving threw the Inner city or "urban" area Blasting Boy Sets Fire I get that your crazy look often. but I know im just me I like to tell people "I used to be Alot like you but now Im only me" Thank u guys 4 being you and the words you shared and hopefully share again.
Posted by: Syrelle at September 30, 2007 05:11 AM