From us, əkoostik hookah, to you, our fans:
Well, folks, the Hookah path is indeed continuing its evolution, as is the path of our good friend and band mate Phil Risko. Phil has decided it is time for him to move on to pursue other endeavors, and our path will move forward with Matt Paetsch on bass. It has been an absolute honor to be able to collaborate with Phil for all of these years. While we will miss Phil and all that he has brought to əkoostik hookah, we are looking forward to this next phase of our journey. Each transition in our history has had its share of sadness and uncertainty countered by excitement and creative growth, and this one will be no different. We know you will join us in support of our old friend on the next leg of his journey, and we look forward to introducing you to Matt in the near future. Phil’s last show with the band will be New Year’s Eve at Thirty One West in Newark. C’mon out to bid farewell to Phil and celebrate the New Year and new beginnings with us!
~əkoostik hookah
…and from Phil:
Hello to all you Hookahheads. I am writing this to let you know that I will be leaving the band at the end of 2017. New Year’s Eve at 31 West in Newark will be my last show with əkoostik hookah. This wasn’t an easy decision, but a necessary one for the next chapter in my life. I have met and have gotten to work alongside so many great people through this musical journey. Playing with əkoostik hookah has been an honor and a privilege for which l will be forever grateful. Change can be tough, and I hope every fan supports the band through this transition as they welcome their new bassist. I want to thank Dave, Steve, Eric, Eric and Dan for a lifetime of memories that I will forever cherish. These guys have been like brothers over the past 7 years, and will always be like brothers to me. This band has helped shape me into the musician I am today, and I am honored to have worked alongside true professionals. I want to thank Corinne for being one of the hardest workers, and always going above and beyond to get you, the fans, new merchandise year after years. So, thank you Corrine!
Lastly, I want to thank YOU, the fans of əkoostik hookah. Without YOU none of this would be possible. I have met so many wonderful people who have supported this band through thick and thin. YOU are what drives and keeps this band going. YOU are what fuels this band to play another show. YOU are the reason this band has lasted 26 ½ years and will hopefully last 26 more. YOU are the reason this band exists, and for that, I want to say THANK YOU!
This isn’t goodbye forever from me, but more or less, I’ll see you around.
~Phil Risko