New York post-hardcore/emo vets Texas Is The Reason posted a teaser yesterday, followed by the announcement today that they’re playing Las Vegas festival Best Friends Forever, an announcement that came as a (pleasant) surprise considering guitarist Norman Brannon (who now plays in Thursday) seemingly shot down the idea of another reunion when he came on the BrooklynVegan podcast in 2023. (“I don’t need to relive it anymore,” he said at the time.) So perhaps it comes as less of a surprise that Norman will unfortunately not be joining them for this reunion. It’s not about any bad blood with his former bandmates though, as he explains:
By now you may have heard Texas is the Reason will be playing again. If my DMs are any indication, however, you may not know that I will not be joining them. I hate speculation, so I feel a need to put this out there.
First: I am certain Texas is not the only band to have a complicated band dynamic. Gratefully, we’ve been able to get through those complications without ever sullying the wonderful things we made while we were together. We’re good. This isn’t about that.
For several years now, I have finally been able to talk about what I was personally going through in the mid-‘90s—and specifically, my experience as a closeted young gay man. The reality is, I spent my time in Texas perpetually terrified. I thought coming out would destroy the band and my life. I spent entire days in bed, suffering with depression. I didn’t feel like I could share what I was going through with the band, so I put all my energy into writing, touring, and managing the band’s affairs. I am still not even sure my bandmates truly understand the gravity of that moment for me. In my mind, I had only three choices: Keep going and stay closeted. Quit the band and come out. Or take my own life. This is not hyperbole; it was a fucking emergency.
Obviously, I chose to quit and come out. For as much as that sucked, that decision also saved my life. I cannot possibly regret that.
If playing shows again makes the other guys happy, I’m for it. If it gives people an opportunity to sing the songs they love, I’m for it. My DNA is in those songs no matter who plays them and I will always be a proud member of Texas is the Reason. But revisiting something so connected with that time in my life is just not something I wish to do. I’ve come a long way from being that terrified kid. I am living free. I play in another band I adore. I’m somehow still making songs that people also love. Life is good.
Bottom line: I truly hope this experience gives everyone involved whatever they need from it. And I have nothing but love for anyone—including the band—whose experience allows them to celebrate in this way. Thanks all ❤️
Best Friends Forever fest goes down October 10-12 and also features Jawbreaker, Minus The Bear, Rilo Kiley, Mineral, Snowing, Marietta, Empire! Empire!, and much more. Full lineup and ticket info here.
In addition to touring with Thursday, Norman also recently began writing new music with the band–they now have three new singles out.
See his full post about the TITR shows and listen to our 2023 podcast episode below…
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