Sean Bailey At Ear X-tacy 2011

Have some sad news to report… Sean Bailey is stepping down from Ear X-Tacy. Sean was a big force behind the After Dark series of shows as well as handling a lot of us when we had records or shirts to sell and buyer for punk/hardcore records. And I’m sure I’m missing 200 other tasks that he’s had. Hopefully Ear X-Tacy will still be doing shows and have all the great services and products we have come to expect, and it’s not like they don’t have other great employees as well. But regardless, Sean’s presence will certainly be missed. From Sean’s Facebook announcement:

After careful thought, reflection, and much consideration – I have decided to step down from my position at ear X-tacy Records. I have so much love and respect for this shop, my colleagues and friends that make ear X-tacy so remarkable, and the countless number of kind souls that I feel so fortunate to have met because of my involvement with this incredibly special place. For eight years, nearly a quarter of my life, the experiences I’ve gathered here have been endlessly influential and enriching. This is one of the most difficult decisions that I’ve ever had to make in my 33 years, but this is what needs to happen in order for me to pursue certain and specific goals that I’ve set for myself personally, academically, and professionally. I would like to thank my good friend and ear X-tacy owner, John Timmons, for affording me the opportunity to work with his shop in the first place; Rebecca “Reba Reebs” Mercer, one of my dearest friends, for her guidance and counsel throughout the years; Douglas Miller for putting up with my multiple phone calls a day over eight years ago, and for taking the leap in hiring me on full-time; Randell L. Bolton for his unwavering friendship, ceaseless joking back and forth, and commitment to ear X-tacy over the years; every other member of this exceptional staff, both current and previous, all of which I consider wonderful and close friends; and last and certainly not least, to those artists, musicians, and folks that I have had the pleasure to work with and get to know over the course of my tenure. All of you, and all of the dedicated patrons and friends of ear X-tacy throughout the years have constituted some of the best memories and relationships of my life, and I look forward to continuing and cultivating those for many years to come. It both heartens and disheartens me to announce that today, September 10th, will effectively be my last day at ear X-tacy. From one music lover to another, thank you… See you all on the B-side!