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Ween Break Up: Band Is Done, According to Aaron Freeman/Gene Ween

Jason Merritt, Getty Images

It appears that Ween have officially called it quits. Speaking to Rolling Stone, Aaron Freeman -- aka Gene Ween -- said he's retiring his alter ego because "it's time to move on."

The news comes after Freeman released his first solo album, Marvelous Clouds, just a few weeks ago. Last year, he checked into rehab for substance-abuse issues after several erratic performances, but says he's on good terms with the band's co-founder, Mickey Melchiondo (Dean Ween).

"For me it's a closed book. In life sometimes, in the universe, you have to close some doors to have others open," Freeman said. "There's no, 'Goddamn that such and such!' For me, I'd like to think it's a door I can close finally."

Started in 1984 when Freeman and Melchiondo were in eighth grade, the band made its mark with an eclectic, experimental sound. Ween had a surprise hit with their first major-label album, 1992's Pure Guava, and its single "Push th' Little Daisies." The band's last full-length was 2007's La Cucaracha.

After Marvelous Clouds, a covers collection of songs by Rod McKuen, Freeman plans to work on a record of all original material. "It's important to know that this isn't a side project. I'm forging a new thing for myself. So that's all. There's no plans for any records or touring for Ween from my end."

UPDATE: The AV Club reports that Melchiondo wrote on Facebook that the split "is news to me, all I can say for now I guess." Freeman's publicist also didn't have any more information.

Watch Ween's "Push th' Little Daisies" Video

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Makabeli

WEEN is one of the best bands of all time!!! One of the best live shows around and some of the most unique music you'll ever hear. If you don't believe it listen to what Henry Rollins has to say about it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-NsexzzllI. This is truly the second worst thing I've heard in a year, first being that a giant planet full of giants is heading towards earth. Long live the boognish!!!!

June 26 2012 at 2:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
John Durbin

If you had never heard of Ween you were NEVER supposed to.
DUH!?

June 11 2012 at 11:26 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joy

Why are there a lot of people asking who? Why did you click on an article about something you've never heard of or don't care about? Boredom, probably. In which case, get both a job and a life.

May 31 2012 at 12:50 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
tscottbak

Ween are creative genius and have definitely achieved cult like status......if u know them u love them, if u don;t know them, ur loss, probably wouldn't "get it" anyway!

May 31 2012 at 12:48 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Winnie

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May 30 2012 at 9:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
topdadnow

Who?

May 30 2012 at 8:06 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
topdadnow

Who?

May 30 2012 at 8:06 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
Mark

Sorry, I've never heard of these guys. That's OK, though. I'm sure they've never heard of me either.

May 30 2012 at 6:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
saturnhug

I'm 53 and I have never heard of this band that has supposedly been around for 30 yrs.
Why do they put this kind of thing on here?

May 30 2012 at 6:18 PM Report abuse +3 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to saturnhug's comment
tscottbak

So u can espouse your ignorance to everyone!

May 31 2012 at 7:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
donnapcc

I listen to a lot of music, different genres, have been around for a while and still have to say ...WHO???

May 30 2012 at 6:00 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply