A few weeks ago, I asked about your feelings towards the new album and Craig's diagnosis for an article I'm writing for a website, and I meant to ask how everyone felt about Patrick leaving: do you think it was the right thing to do or do you think he's let his friends down? Also, is anyone listening to his new band Youth Group?

Again, any thoughts on any of it much appreciated

Patricks leaving is a let down. Not in a professional manner, more on a personal level. No one knows the true nature of the bands relationship with Patrick at present, so its hard to determine all of the factors that would lead to an educated summary on the bands/fans reflection of his departure.

Personally, I think this....

If the reason for his leaving was because of a lack of patience for Craig's "Annandale style Antics" then I'm glad to see him go. Truth be told, Craig was diagnosed with a medical condition that requires alot of support and stability from family and friends alike. If Patrick left because he couldn't handle Craig, then in the long run, I think its better for Craig and for The Vines. Obviously Patrick wasn't/isn't a foundation of support and/or a caring friend.

Youth Group are awesome. I was given their new cd 2 days ago. Its a mellow sound that gives way to great lyrics and instrumentals.

I hope this made sense. Its 1am, I just finished work and am tired as hell.

made perfect sense - thanks for your thoughts. I haven't heard anything by Youth Group yet. They supported the Music over here but I missed the gig and as far as I know, nothing's be released here yet.

I think it was for the best for both Patrick and The Vines
Patrick I believe wanted to be a bit more involved in the song writing and such and he wasn't finding what he wanted in The Vines
I don't think he let the band down or was a horrible person/friend or any of that
he just wasn't dealing with all the stuff that was happening well and wasn't happy with the situation to begin with

we don't know what kind of personal relationship there is left between patrick and the remaining members of The Vines, but I figure that it would be alot better now than if he stayed in the band

somethings just don't work out and its not really anyones fault

I think that's a bit harsh considering what you stated: we don't know why or how it all happened. I'm sure you didn't mean it in a bad way, but from what I hear Pat's been understanding about the illness. He's worked with children who have AS, or at least that's what I've read in a few articles after Craig was diagnosed. I don't think him leaving the band was bad for either them or him musically, as both have good things going for them. I think that as far as him leaving goes, it's a good thing. As far as why he left, what terms he's on with the other members, none of us know...thus we should not just jump to hasty conclusions.

And for any of the people who read this and actually like Youth Group you can sign up for their message board (s12.invisionfree.com/youth_group) or you can just use it for video downloads and the such

pat was being sarcastic about helping autistic children, and i do find that to be in poor taste.

he and craig did have issues, and the problem i had with patrick was when he'd take those issues to the press and complain instead of addressing matters within the band. well, maybe he did do that and things weren't worked out to his satisfaction, but don't complain to the press about it - it's not like the press can fix things for them, and if anything, served to create more tension within the band.

all parties seem to be doing what makes them happiest now - the vines working as a three-piece and patrick with YG. at the end of the day, it doesn't matter how fans feel about it as long as all four of them are staying true to themselves and doing what's best for them.

in what articles did he say things like that (him working with autistic children and complaining)?

the working with autistic children thing I only read in one article

as far as Patrick complaining about having to work with Craig there have been MANY articles with that pretty much from day one
I'm surprised he lasted as long in The Vines as he did

I also think the complaints to the press were in poor taste
but I don't believe he was doing it to try and make anyone look bad
he was just not happy with the situation and took out his frustration in a not so good way

its hard to act happy when you're not, everyone knows that and knows how it feels
and the problem with the media is that they focus on such glitches in band relationships so I think Patrick could have been a bit less compulsive about letting his feelings out in that way

but its all in the past now

How cruel can you get!

OOooh that makes me wanna slap him! cuz not only does that offend Craig, it would offend others with the disease. Ooooh, Pat deserves a kick in the nuts

*joins luna in the slapping and nut kicking of patrick*

That took him down a bit on my cute boy meter. Anyway, I'm watching Ellen and I soooo wanna go to great america or something now...I CAN'T WAIT for summer!!!

I said IF Patrick left because of that. IF he did then obviously he wasn't/isnt a foundation of support.

As it turns out, he wasn't being very supportive considering his mock treatment of autistic children.

Have you ever heard the phrase "Size doesn't matter"? Lol, you can type your sentences normally and I read them all the same Anyway, if he left for good reason (which I would've probably left if I were punched in the face by Craig) he can't be blaimed. But, that was in really bad taste if he did in fact make fun of autistic children.

Thats what small people say to justify their teeny-weenies.

when and where were the comments about autistic children made by Pat??

Well, the article I read wasn't a quote, thus I dunno about it. It was just the writer describing it (so that's where my confusion about it began)...but!!! In response to the small penis remark...I agree... size matters, but let's not make small boys feel bad

You have a point there - any interview I ever read with him made it osund like he just didn't want to be there, and everytime I saw them live, he looked like he'd rather be anywhere else. I hadn't heard anything about this slagging off austistic children thing until now, and if that's true, then I'm pretty appalled. Does anyone have a link to an article related to that?