Ben Deserves Better Than This.

We, the undersigned, have a duty to let Yellowcard know how we feel about their decision to remove the heart of their band. While at this point all we have are rumors, it is becoming increasingly clear that certain band members are pushing for the ousting of band founder Ben Harper.

As Yellowcard fans we have supported this through more turmoil and drama than we can even remember. We've seen them lost to MTV, yet we stayed strong and supported them. It's not about how many albums you sale if you step over and forget all those who helped you get to this point. The band name "Yellowcard" used to stand for something, used to mean something, and used to have credibility. We, as fans, need the band to realize that it was the fans (and the band's long standing dedication to the fans) that got them to the point they are at now. Without Ben, there would be no Yellowcard. Without Ben, there never would have been the atmosphere around the band that made so many die hard fans. And, furthermore, as a signee of this petition, we pledge to stop supporting (purchasing CDs, merchandise, or show tickets) the band if they decide to surgically remove the heart of the band.

No one in the band is perfect. We've seen that in fist-fights, balcony jumping, leaving the band, returning to the band, alcohol abuse, and many, many other examples. Yet, through it all the band stood in solidarity: together. The removal of Ben Harper, the keystone of the band, is like tearing out the heart of a patient. If the band could get through all of the other drama by staying together as a whole, and discussing it as a band, why not now? The fame, the fortune, and the business that has become 'Yellowcard' - will never be as important as the kids who filled your venues when you were nobodies.

This is our last hope of reaching you. If you decide to become everything you used to hate ... that decision is yours; however if that decision is made, we (those who have been here the longest) no longer want be a part of your story. It's apparent that you can be successful without a die-hard fan base, we see it on TV every day. However, remember that in 20 years, when you look back on what your band was, you have to live with the reality of what you became.