Issues is a band we have all enjoyed seeing these past twelve years, but unfortunately that came to an end on January 28th in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Issues started with Ty Acord and AJ Rebollo in a garage in Pasadena, California; little did they know it would change their lives and fans lives forever. 

As an active participant in the fandom for many years, it was such an honor to be able to document their last Chicago show at the House Of Blues. Nightlife and Oceano opened for both Chicago shows and man, did they kill it. 

Being in that room for this show was so euphoric on many levels. Fandoms usually can have so much drama, but at this show we all just belted out the music and danced together. I even started crying during “Disappear (Remember When)” and the fan standing behind me held me while we both sobbed. I think that is the most beautiful part about this - Issues continuing to bring us together. 

Issues opened with their new & final song called “Since I Lost You” which was like another goodbye to us. These shows happened because Issues deserved a proper send off, not just a little notes app post. Issues is more than a band, they are family to us fans, became our friends, and nonetheless, built an entire community and wanted to give themselves and supporters some sort of clarity and time to actually grieve the loss of our favorite band. 

AJ Rebollo, Josh Manuel, and Skyler Acord are the most genuine people I’ve ever gotten to meet in this lifetime, and they really made Issues come alive with their energy. They always wanted Issues to be a safe space for everyone in the community.

For these shows, Brian Butcher from The Home Team joined as the lead vocalist to sing their iconic songs. He crushed the performance, bringing the authentic “Issues” vibe to these shows. The best part is, he is also a fan, which is such an honor for him to be chosen to bring the music alive in a live setting. 

We as a whole are heartbroken this is ending, but I want to thank AJ, Josh, Skyler, Ty (AKA Scout) and Michael Bohn for everything they’ve done for us over the years, I feel like they never got the recognition they should have had with their rolls in Issues, and giving a special thanks to Ty Acord for those sick record scratches that really made the Issues sound. 

I don’t really know where I’d be today without this band and their music. 

Issues Forever.