Argonotes are no more

[QBall]

It appears due to a conflict between the band and the Argos the group has decided to disband. After 22 years it's a shame to lose such a unique aspect of the organization.

[Topshelf]

Manufactured atmosphere never works. The Argonotes could have been an asset in the Argos attempt to create a true GameDay experience.
I'd love to sit in on these marketing meetings to try to better understand the logic on how to improve crowd size, and atmosphere.

[Shatto]

Would really like to know the details of the "conflict". It is a pity, that almost a quarter of a century history of the Argonotes, could be thrown away without an objective explanation by the organization.

[Scooter McCray]

I think the organization have sold so many tickets that there is no room at the inn for the Argonotes (sarcasm). It would have been nice to hear at the town hall what the marketing plans and strategy are to rebuild the fan base. All I heard was it is a slow process. In other words get ready for small crowds and we are okay with that. All I have seen is smaller marketing budget, smaller tailgate and shipyard, smaller radio presence, smaller season ticket base, no Argonotes. On the field has been fixed, but that was good luck rather than planning. Popp and Trestman just happened to be available. The only positive business decision in my mind that has been made in the off-season was the hiring of Michael Hook. Group sales will gradually improve and he has a wealth of experience and business network to draw on. I am excited for the season on the field but have resigned myself to seeing small crowds again. And half a stadium of Hamilton fans is no way to create a home field atmosphere. That is a lazy way to market your team. Let the other guys do it for you. I hope I'm wrong about all of this by the way. Somebody tell me they see something else.

[Mightygoose]

Agreed, it would be nice to know the reason for the Argonotes departure specifically what team's plan is and how the Notes don't fit in. I'm not ready to vilify anyone here without more details.

As for the small rebuild of the fan base, it would have been nice to have that message last year and it would have tampered expectations here and in the media in general. I'm not expecting big crowds this year and will just try not and worry about it. I'm confident Mike and his team have a good long term plan

[Will]

The new regime got off on the wrong foot with several of the fan groups from what I understand. They have been trying to fix that this off-season. I do not know the specifics of how or why Steve made this decision or whether the Argos attempted to mend fences.

[AngeloV]

It's too bad. Steve is a real good guy, and they seemed to have their own following before and after games. Hopefully, something will happen to rectify this.

As an aside, the music between plays at the pre season game was horrendous. Nothing worse than some fly by night DJ taking a classic song and, for lack of a better word, discoing it up.

[Will]

The Argonotes were a popular fixture at games. Heck, they even came out to Ft. McMurray for the game in 2015.

Interested to hear the full story here.

[argonaut11xx]

It's too bad. Steve is a real good guy, and they seemed to have their own following before and after games. Hopefully, something will happen to rectify this.

As an aside, the music between plays at the pre season game was horrendous. Nothing worse than some fly by night DJ taking a classic song and, for lack of a better word, discoing it up.

HAHA...love that word Ang.

but in a mild defence of Disco, I really did enjoy watching the Argo Sunshine Girls dance to "Celebration" by disco kings Kool and the Gang.

(I think I just dated myself)

[gilthethrill]

This is sad news to put it mildly. Argonotes really livened up the stadium. I don't understand how this decision came to be.

[shayman]

Thanks everybody. I need to put out a statement or something but for now, let me just say, this was my decision (after a lot of thought), not the team's. The team was willing to have us back and I'm very grateful for their support (and yours) over the years.

[AngeloV]

HAHA...love that word Ang.

but in a mild defence of Disco, I really did enjoy watching the Argo Sunshine Girls dance to "Celebration" by disco kings Kool and the Gang.

(I think I just dated myself)

naw. Early 80's Super Freak still is tops in my book.

[Mulder]

Thanks everybody. I need to put out a statement or something but for now, let me just say, this was my decision (after a lot of thought), not the team's. The team was willing to have us back and I'm very grateful for their support (and yours) over the years.

Thanks for all your dedication over the years with this Steve, you, and your band were always an important part of my game day experience and enjoyment at Argo games and a reason why I am a fan of this team and league.

One more time!

16B Or is it 136 now???

[Neely2005]

Thanks everybody. I need to put out a statement or something but for now, let me just say, this was my decision (after a lot of thought), not the team's. The team was willing to have us back and I'm very grateful for their support (and yours) over the years.

Sorry to hear this and thanks for all the music over the years.

https://youtu.be/uAsV5-Hv-7U

[paulwoods13]

This is really sad news. The Argonotes were a truly grassroots venture that made thousands of football fans (and others) smile a lot over the past two decades. Their rendition of "Argos Rule the CFL" was always a personal favourite, especially the lyrics.

I would have loved to play with the band -- if only they weren't working during Argo games (when I'd rather pay attention to the game), I'd have been there, trombone in hand.

Steve, thanks for brightening our days and nights many times over the years. We will miss you!

[ArgoGabe22]

Go Argos Go will be forgotten tune. One thing I don't understand is how the team fails to use the song after touchdowns. Argonotes will be missed by everyone across the league. It's what made the CFL so unique. Ive always considered the Argonotes as a bit of a hidden gem. Sad day in Argoland.

[ArgoRavi]

Would really like to know the details of the "conflict". It is a pity, that almost a quarter of a century history of the Argonotes, could be thrown away without an objective explanation by the organization.

As Steve has said, there was no conflict.

[jennfootball]

As Steve has said, there was no conflict.

He said it was his decision to ultimately not come back - that doesn't mean that there weren't differences of vision for how game day would look with regards to the band. I'm going to miss the band and the atmosphere they brought. Sometimes they were the biggest bright spot in the game.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

One of my favorite memories from last year's Grey Cup was the Argonotes and the Rider Pep Band joining forces at the Shipyard. East and West together as one epitomized the camaraderie of the Grey Cup festival. I wish all involved the very best.

[jerrym]

What a sad end!