On Monday, I had the pleasure/duty/honor of selling our band van, Blanche, to a private individual, who will remain unnamed. It was a bittersweet moment in my life and the life of the band. It was sweet because Blanche liked to imbibe in la gasolina a bit too much. It was bitter because as much as we (or maybe just I) were afraid of the wheels flying off and causing a horrific accident, Blanche became more than a van to us.

It’s funny how bands anthropomorphize their vans. I’ve seen many bands do it. I guess that it comes from spending so much time in their respective vans and building a working history with them. The same was true of Blanche. She crossed the northeast so many times, I don’t even think I can remember or count them all.

Sadly, shortly after we bought her, Blanche developed cancer. It ate away at her fenders, wheel wells, and floorboards. She passed inspections before, but this year there was no possible way that she could pass, so we decided to put her to pasture.

So despite not having Blanche anymore, we now have much cheaper gasoline tabs. We are currently borrowing a vehicle in the interim until our next vehicle comes along. The one question that remains is, will the new vehicle be male or female?

Blanche
1993-2008
Rust in Peace