Tribute Paid by The Ponys to their Late Founding Member, Nathan Jarde
Rewritten Article:
Gone too soon, Nathan Jerde, the talented drummer and crucial member of Chicago's Indie-Rock sensations The Ponys, has bid farewell.
On a melancholic Tuesday, May 6th, The Ponys took to Facebook to commemorate their cherished companion, the bandmate they affectionately called their 'brother,' and the musical beat-brain behind their rhythm section.
With a heart full of sorrow, they penned a moving tribute in the caption of photos gracefully capturing the essence of Nathan.
"His absence weighs heavily upon our hearts. Nathan Jerde was not just an exceptional drummer but a veritable Picasso whenever he brandished a paintbrush," read their words, reminiscent of a person loved and lost.
Nathan's infectious sense of humor and his generous heart warmed everyone he met. The band recalled countless memories of global travels, delectable meals, and forged friendships, all shared together with their departed brother in arms.
There were the inevitable sibling squabbles, as if brothers reformed in rock and roll heaven, but they always managed to find unity in laughter.
The poignant message, emblazoned on The Ponys' official page, concluded on a bittersweet note, "Nathan, we'll miss you terribly!"
Originally stemming from the fertile Chicago music scene in 2001, The Ponys' lineup comprised vocalist, guitarist, and founder Jered Gummere, joined by then-girlfriend (and future spouse) Melissa Elias, as a bassist. Nathan, a seasoned drummer previously with The Mushuganas, and Ian Adams completed the ensemble then.
In 2004, they released their debut album titled Laced with Romance, under In the Red Records, an album that earned them significant recognition for its distinctive blending of garage rock and mod-rock influences.
Though they continued to produce music with subsequent releases like Celebration Castle and Turn the Lights Out, it was their debut that placed The Ponys firmly on the Indie-Rock map of the early 2000s music scene.
- The sweetest memory of Nathan Jerde, the brother and drummer of The Ponys, is recalled in a heartfelt Facebook post commemorating his global travels, shared meals, and friendships.
- As a drummer, Nathan Jerde was exceptional, but he also exhibited a knack for painting, reminding us of a Picasso with a brush.
- Nathan Jerde's infectious humor and generous heart were evident, warming everyone he met in the world of The Ponys, a Chicago Indie-Rock sensation he helped shape.
- The Ponys, comprising Jered Gummere, Melissa Elias, Nathan Jerde, and Ian Adams, first gained recognition with their debut album, Laced with Romance, released in 2004, a blend of garage rock and mod-rock influences that etched their name on the Indie-Rock map of the early 2000s.
- The poignant conclusion to the band's tribute reads, "Nathan, the world will miss you terribly!"
