Tom Donovan - Note to Splintered Family

[Tom]

Hey Splintered Family,

I will be leaving Splintered Sunlight some time this summer to pursue “other interests” (translation = changing baby diapers, LOL). As some of you know, Kristina & I are expecting our second child this Fall and unfortunately there are just not enough hours in the day to do everything I want and need to do.

It has been a pleasure playing with these guys for the last six years. The music of the Grateful Dead has & always will be close to my heart, and I can’t imagine playing with a more talented group of guys. I am sure this is not goodbye – and I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Tom Donovan

[fenario]

You will be sorely missed Tom. i have enjoyed hearing you play in the short time i have spent with y'all. I wish you and your family all the best on your path.
PEACEloveLIGHT
lee

[deadphish207]

thats pretty much the only reason we woul accept!! enjoy!!!

[drumz]

Sad to hear you're leaving Tom. Have you determined when and where the last show will be?

[MarcP]

All we got left is Stems n Seeds....


Tom, thank you SO much for the last six years on the Thursday Throwdowns and the weekend woo hoo's and bringing such a great, professional, talented energy every night. I will miss you very much...

Allow me to indulge with a photo essay...

[DashikiJoe]

Chhhhh....Chhhhh.....Chhhhh......Changes!!!!!!! On the one hand, so happy to cheer you on, sharing your joy of a beautiful family about to expand, the beautiful self-evident devotion of being there for your family's needs, quickly counterbalanced by the sadness of your impending departure, surrounded by a sea of sadness in the looming realization of how much we'll miss your knowing smiles, your talented guitarmanship, your harmonious lyrics, your leadingman leads, your atmospheric "haaaaaa's", your friendly ways, your humerous comments, everything that is, indeedy, you! Nobody does Bobby better (with only an occasional exception by Bobby himself!)! Lady D and I will never forget and always appreciate your making it for our wedding celebration, my friend! It is always such a pleasure to hear you play! Thank you so much for your wonderful "dead"ication to our extended family over the years! I remember when you first took over for Tommy, and how wonderfully you and Splintered grew into each other...a living shining example of Let It Grow! You've planted alot of seeds and polished alot of stems to create one of the finest legacies in Splintered Sunlight family history. Thank you Tom for enriching our lives and being a part of that box of rain in our weekly help on the way sermon that always made it EZ to prepare for another week! You have been part of that "good love" that is all we really needed for so long. And thank you soooo sooooo much to your wonderful wife Kristina and your beautiful family for sharing you with us! We love you all and wish you only the best!! But no need to feel like a stranger!!! There is no doubt that you will always be welcomed back as a special guest star, addition or substitute! Peace, love and good karma your way always! Namaste!! Forever Family ~ Forever Grateful

[GratefulJosh]

Best of luck Tom! Though I do not remember that scraggly beard (!) I do remember many fun nights of exceptional music and musicianship. I know your schedule and honestly I'm not sure how you've been able to do it for so long. But I'm glad that you have.

Remember: two kids is like twenty. ha ha.

Fare you well.

[TriggerHippie]

Best of luck to you, Tom. We'll miss you very much and it'll take some big feet to fill your shoes.

Thanks for sharing your gifts with us! Whairnt!!

[TheVWProject]

Tom;

The few opportunities I've had to stand to your right on stage were certainly highlights of my playing career! Best wishes to you and your growing brood. The Donovan clan is truly a class act and will certainly be missed!


Jeff

[curtis]

Well Tom I kinda knew it was coming... I never thought any one could replace Tom Davis but you were the best ....Going to miss you and thanks for all the years....

[Joan]

thanks for everything Tom
you and yours will always be family

[BobbyFansRPeps2]

But, but, but......

Who can fill the awesome Bobby HAAAAAAAAAA!??????

OMG, this is not good. Tom you always did 'em the best, and you always never minded me echoing your HAAAAAA! when I did them along with you.

Will miss ya Tom, don't be a stranger!

[AnnieWho]

unfortunately there are just not enough hours in the day to do everything I want and need to do.

Are there ever enough hours in the day to do everything we want and need to do?

Do you have to have another baby? Oh, wait...that's very very mean and terribly selfish....What kind of sick thing is that to say? ....Um......Isn't in convenient to come home at three in the morning when the baby is in need of a diaper change and a feeding?

Probably not the point huh?

Oh well, it's a wonderful reason to ABANDON US!

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.I mean....
What I'm trying to say is....

Seriously - That's a wonderful reason to move on. The best reason in the world. I'm happy to learn you will have a new little one. I wish you and Kristina and your family all the very best. You'll be missed, Tom. Sorry to see you go.

How much longer will we have you? And will you fill in on occasion when needed?

[catfishsean]

congratulations and fare thee well! over the past two calendars, i have always enjoyed your playing, screaming, singing and overall place on that stage. i wish you the best of luck with the family! peace and love.

sean dean

[tiedyeemtf]

1st and foremost...Congratulations are in order for you and Kristina as your family tree continues to grow. It seems like it was just yesterday when you joined Splintered Sunlight and not too long ago when I seen you play at The Stonehenge Festival in the late 90's..........