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Hello everyone,

I want to take a moment and address the change to the band's taping policy. First off, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has shown interest in taping O.A.R. shows and for all of you who have helped spread this band's music and message all over the world. I recognize that the band's taping community has played an integral role in the spread of the band's music and the growth of the band overall. I understand how some people are upset by this change, and, to be honest, I expected it, and I am sincerely sorry and apologize to those who feel this way. We feel that, after extensive time and thought, the mic recordings of the shows are the best representation of the experience. The notes may not be as clear and there is certainly more audience noise present, but that is truely what the experience is. When people hear these recorded shows, they not only hear the band but you the audience as well. The excitement and energy in the room is certainly a large part of the show and dererves to be heard. I can't tell you how many times I have stood on that stage and just looked out in amazement to all of you singing and reacting to what we are doing. I want people to experience what I feel and love. All of you deserve to be heard--beer bottles and all.

I understand and personally feel for those of you who do not agree with the change. I have always been a fan of artists' live tapes and still get them to this day. I got a couple of Brett Dennen bootlegs not too long ago that I really dig and one bootleg from Ryan Adams never leaves my cd player. I personally have over 80% of all O.A.R. shows on tape in one form or another (I have one from 1997 on cassette that would blow your mind--or make you laugh). And time after time, I gravitate towards the ones recorded on mics.

I want to stress that this is in no way the first step in scaling down the taping community's involvement with O.A.R. and it is not a directive that was passed down from the band's label and management. Everyone understands that O.A.R. is a unique band and that all situations should be treated as specific to O.A.R. The reason that we are all here today is because the band has not been afraid of doing things our way, and, most importantly, we have always been and will always be a fan-friendly band.

So bring your mics and harddrives. You are always welcome.

I'll see you all soon,

Jerry