Through a MySpace Bulletin that he titled simply, 'The Samples 1987-2008,' frontman Sean Kelly announced yesterday that "the long and winding road for the Samples has ended."

Like any band that's been around for two decades without ever breaking into serious commercial sales, the Samples survived first by being college favorites and then, with time, became something of an underground institution. In the bulletin, Kelly writes that through all the ups and downs, he wouldn't take a single day back, and that he put his "heart and soul" into all of it. "I feel a bit like Forest Gump when he stopped running, turned around, and said 'I think I am going to go home now.'"

Kelly is attempting to sell some gear and memorabilia, and is offering private guitar and vocal lessons via webcam. He also is seeking an attorney and accountant who, as he writes in the bulletin, "would be willing to work pro bono until I can get back on my feet." Anybody interested should email him directly at thesamplesusa@aol.com.

By the way: In recent years, Kelly was the last original member standing, and he tells Spinner that he "absolutely" plans on continuing to perform Samples material at his solo gigs and in future endeavors.