THE ACADEMY WAS

theacademyismusic: Reliving the FAST TIMES in our hometown of Barrington, Illinois. It had been many years since we had walked these streets together. Many fond memories were shared by these two “great guys”.

@siskybusiness won the foot race.

theacademyismusic: Every band has that guy.

For us… it’s Mike Carden.

We’re getting ready for Riot Fest (where this photo is from), and before we’ve even made it through the first song he’s already in full Music Director mode.

“Can we tighten that transition?”

“One more time.”

“i think we’re all dragging a little.”

At one point I purposely rushed a section just to see if he’d catch it.

He did.

Instantly.

Didn’t even look up.

Just goes, “Again.”

Meanwhile Bill’s walking around trying not to spill his tea, Butcher’s dancing for no reason, Ian’s wondering what day it is…

…and Mike’s already thinking about load-out.

Truthfully, we’d probably be a complete disaster without him.

Just don’t tell him I said that.