The Grand Finale:
The band gave DiPiazza four progressively stronger shows throughout 2004, pulling in major crowds,
and also established themselves at a couple new venues, as well as outdoor parties in Riverside County. Most notably, they
paired up with newcomers S.m.F. on several shows, and along with friends Creepshow, brought a monstrous
metal show wherever they went.
The new internet message-board brought the fan community together better than ever before, and old friend
Leslie Shean became the bands new primary photographer, increasing the quality of their image. A music video was even put
into the planning stages. But change was also in the air.
After a false-alarm in May, D.J. announced in November his intentions to move
out of state for a new job and to get closer to some of his family. At the same time, S.m.F. were sadly losing
their bassist due to medical problems. With Sam also expressing a possible interest in moving away, Mike took the
opportunity to audition for S.m.F., and quickly became their newest member. Turley also confirmed rumors he'd been
working in a side-project for several months called Above Richter. Facing the inevitable, the band booked three
final shows, and not surprisingly, they ended up all being at The Stagger Inn, which therefore hosted 30 of
StoneBlue's 89 public performances.
Everyone decided they still wished to finish recording all the existing material for posterity.
Meanwhile, Mike would be performing in S.m.F., and Turley would be performing in Above Richter.
StoneBlue was ending, but the story was just beginning.
--- Rowland Ebright
