Vegas’ Fletch calling it quits

During the past four years, the high-energy pop punks of Fletch have established themselves as one of Vegas' better-drawing bands with buoyant tunes that come on like rock 'n' roll Red Bull. But after some regional success, the band has decided to move on, announcing its final shows. Keyboardist/singer Tony Foresta fills us in on the details.

Why did you decide to call it a day?

"There are a few reasons why we decided to call it for Fletch. I guess the biggest reason is we needed change. It just wasn't feeling the same any more for any of us. But we didn't want to quit music altogether, so we started our new band A Phoenix Forever. We just came back from Georgia and recorded with Zach Odom and Kenneth Mount, who worked with Mayday Parade, Cartel, Hit the Lights and All Time Low. We did three songs and we're releasing them on our new MySpace page (www.myspace.com/aphoenixforever).

"Diego (Perez, lead singer) also started another project, more on the heavy side, called Eyes Like Diamonds (www.myspace.com/eyeslikediamondslv). ELD will release its debut EP on Sept. 11."

You guys made some decent headway for yourselves, was it a difficult decision to part ways considering that you have established some momentum?

"It most definitely gave us mixed feelings about everything. We were able to accomplish a lot. I've seen kids with Fletch tattoos from other towns, other bands telling us we were an inspiration to them and just die-hard fans who would support us no matter what. It's really the people, more than the momentum, that made it difficult for us to part."

What will you remember the most from your time in Fletch?

"I think I'll remember all the best shows, and the touring we did. Our first experience touring was with Fletch, and we learned a lot from it."

What can we expect at your farewell show?

"This is a question I wish I could answer myself. There will be Fletch supporters upset, sad or angry, but I think you can expect it to be lively and energetic still, like any other show we've ever done."

See Fletch's final show at 6 p.m. Friday at Jillian's, 450 Fremont St.

Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476.