Well...I guess it is now official. I had heard rumors of it a few months back, but I just didn't want to believe it. *sniff* Ralph Rieckermann is leaving the Scorpions. :( It was announced in the newsletter today. They gave the name of his replacement, it was something quite odd, but I was too busy mourning the loss of Ralph to remember what it was. I am not ready to accept someone new yet. I'm still trying to get used to James Kottak. Gah! Someone should really tell that guy to quit bleaching his hair. It looks downright unnatural and besides that, it makes him look like a girl! Anyway...They claim that it is a friendly split...That Ralph has priorities in LA that he has placed above his participation in the band. I think that it is really because the webmaster of the official site could just never get his name right. Is it Ralph or Ralf (the albums all say "Ralph")? Even in today's notice, he alternated between the two spellings. And we all know how much squirrelly wrath can be inspired by such things. Just look at what it did to Justin Hayward! I'm most definitely gonna miss Ralph, no matter how he spells his name. You've just gotta love an unmarried guy who answers the question, "Do you have any children?" with a question mark. I wonder what that means...paternity suit pending? Yep, a bit of a smart ass, he is, and I've always had quite a fondness for that type. For this reason alone, he shall always hold a special spot on my list of concubines. So, Ralph, as you leave the band for (hopefully) bigger and better things, this is what I'd like to say to you: Good luck, I wish you well For all that wishes may be worth. I hope that love and strength Are with you for the length Of your time on earth. Yes, these are lyrics from A Winter's Tale but they express my feelings quite nicely. And so in parting I would also like to state that this is one fan who shall always remain still loving you.
