Bear, this is indeed a sad day, however I see a silver lining. Think of all the groupies who will be spared the torment of lusting for you. If they never see you on stage, the potential pain they would suffer from unrequited love will be diminished considerably. They will move on to other quests, other challenges; their lives will ultimately be more complete.
The groupies, bear.... isn't that what the whole thing is all about?
And by the way, you have an open invitation to sit in with me and the boys. As does farmerman.
I would be honored to sit in with such legendary talent.