Aaron FreemanIt came as a shock to the fiercely dedicated Ween fanbase, as well as his creative collaborator for almost three decades, when Aaron Freeman – known by most as Gene Ween – called an end to the band he and Mickey Melchiondo – aka Dean Ween – had made their lives since early in their high school years.
Freeman completed an intensive stint in rehab to combat drug and alcohol issues that had plagued him for decades and released a solo album under his real name, Marvellous Clouds acting as a tribute to the songs of kitsch singer/poet Rod McKuen, but hasn't really been heard from since.
Last week he released Gener's Gone: The Final Demo Recordings Of Gene Ween (2009 – 2011), its title alone seeming to suggest that there will be no resurrection of the Gene Ween name, nor the band he was a part of any time soon.
The new recording is available on Bandcamp, with all funds going towards Freeman, who is said to have been dealt a rather hefty financial blow as a result of the rehab treatment.
A statement was issued with the new recording that suggests Freeman may have more new music for us soon.
“After 20+ years of near-fatal drug & alcohol abuse (thankfully culminating with intensive but successful rehab), AARON FREEMAN (aka Gene Ween) was left in a dire financial situation. All proceeds will go directly to Aaron, as he continues down the path toward creative freedom and personal health.
“These demos represent the final writings and music of Gene Ween, before he departed and the inner FREEMAN emerged. On that note, we have received a two word personal statement from Aaron: "stay tuned."”
Listen to the recording here:
