Argonotes are no more

[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!

[Scooter McCray]

It's a band. There is more than one person. I'm sure if Steve wished to step away, someone else may have wanted to keep the tradition going. I'm pretty sure the entire band didn't want to retire. There is more going on here than meets the eye. If the organization wants to take game day in a more modern direction that's fine. It would be nice if they would articulate what that is and not have the Argonotes run cover for them.

[1971GreyCup]

It's a band. There is more than one person. I'm sure if Steve wished to step away, someone else may have wanted to keep the tradition going. I'm pretty sure the entire band didn't want to retire. There is more going on here than meets the eye. If the organization wants to take game day in a more modern direction that's fine. It would be nice if they would articulate what that is and not have the Argonotes run cover for them.

I too suspect that a more modern approach was encouraged. I hope not, because until the Argos start attracting the Millenials, GenX & Gen Z the least they can do is entertain the current demographic. Too many changes for my liking.

[Argofan_1000]

band could of been selective and only do opening game, maybe one
of the holiday games or playoffs.

In fact I think you should of did this.

Can another group keep the name

[Neely2005]

The Argonotes also put a message up on their Facebook Page.

[argofan81]

The Argonotes also put a message up on their Facebook Page.

A comment on the Facebook post noted that while the Argos were willing to have them back it was with terms and conditions. Those terms and conditions did not seem to jive with the vision that the band had in terms of the role the band would play on game day. Not sure if the individual who made the comment was a member of the band or not, so take this with a grain of salt in terms of validity.

[Mightygoose]

It may be a band but it's still a volunteer group that requires allot of time and energy on the organizers part. Even if the entire band doesn't want to retire it's very possible that there isn't anyone with the capacity to keep it going with the same standard as it is now.

It's sad to see a long time function end but sometimes thing ends organically and it has very little or nothing to do with the larger organization. I've seen this happen albeit on a smaller scale before.

[ArgoGabe22]

https://theathletic.com/72932/2017/0...ly-retirement/

[Wobbler]

This outcome might be reasonable if the team had a big entertainment plan that would be incompatible with the Argonotes. But... is there any evidence of that so far?

[Argo57]

This outcome might be reasonable if the team had a big entertainment plan that would be incompatible with the Argonotes. But... is there any evidence of that so far?

None so far Wobbler, this organization seems oblivious to the concept of good public relations.
A loyal and entertaining bunch of characters (Argonotes) cast aside with no explanation or show of gratitude.... brutal at times.

[paulwoods13]

This is a mistake by the org, plain and simple. A grassroots support operation that everyone loved. No good reason to ditch them has been given.

[Argos1983]

This is a mistake by the org, plain and simple. A grassroots support operation that everyone loved. No good reason to ditch them has been given.

Yep, couldn't agree more.....as others have said an absolutely idiotic PR move --- hey I have an idea, let's alienate the few die-hards we have left ---- no loyalty shown for these proud few who actually supported this product through the dark ages of Rogers Centre.....ummm for all of you TFC haters out there, the atmosphere that was marketed as the only real selling point for the first 7-8 years of the franchises existence when frankly the soccer sucked something awful (and even today as being the best atmosphere in the city for a sporting event), was all created by grass roots supporters groups that were really from a very small group of fans who got together at various watering holes back in 2006-2007 (or were supporting the Toronto Lynx for goodness sake) and decided to support the product their way (usually based on things they had seen/done in other leagues/countries) -- the front office did not start those groups, the people (like the Argo-notes) started them (I am a member of one of those supporter groups since year 1) and then the front office got on board and created a relationship to work with them accordingly and created a mutually beneficial relationship of co-existence.....it was a "bottom up" (grass roots) and not a "top down" (MLSE corporate) creation as they say....a small group of fans created the atmosphere first and then the team got on board and pushed it along as their marketing tool, the supporters groups were not created by the team --- and that's why they worked, yes there have been some struggles along the way but believe me even starting with 30-100 Argo-notes is bigger numbers than a lot of the supporters groups had way back when, and that now fill the south end with noise and flags and banners etc.

.....but hey.....they've obviously got a plan right.....right? Bueller? Bueller?

[Will]

Mind-boggling.

[Neely2005]

I was hoping that this wasn't the case / cause. This is yet another mistake by our Argonauts.

[Mightygoose]

On one hand I agree it's sad to see a long time part of the team be no more.

On the other hand, it does show that the organization has a vision on what the game day entertainment and experience to look like. Though it would be nice to see them incorporated into game days, it's easier to have performance standards to measure up to when you hire a band as opposed to an volunteer organization.

Weather this is a good or bad move remains to be seen. I'd rather see them go with new ideas and revert back (or a hybrid of it) if they need to as opposed to doing things the same way because it's always been done a certain way.

[Argo57]

On one hand I agree it's sad to see a long time part of the team be no more.

On the other hand, it does show that the organization has a vision on what the game day entertainment and experience to look like. Though it would be nice to see them incorporated into game days, it's easier to have performance standards to measure up to when you hire a band as opposed to an volunteer organization.

Weather this is a good or bad move remains to be seen. I'd rather see them go with new ideas and revert back (or a hybrid of it) if they need to as opposed to doing things the same way because it's always been done a certain way.

Wonder when the organization will share their new vision.
Contrary to your statement I personally had no issues with the Argonotes musical standards and always thought it was great that a group of Argonaut fans volunteered their time to enhance the game day experience.

[Mightygoose]

Wonder when the organization will share their new vision.
Contrary to your statement I personally had no issues with the Argonotes musical standards.

I doubt we'll get an answer in greater detail until the next town hall meeting unless someone from the organization or Argonotes can chime in here.

I agree the Argonotes did a good job at the same I think the 416Beats do a solid job too and I haven't noticed anything less from them.

416Beats are used by a number of functions throughout the city including the Raptors which may explain why the organization looked in that direction.

[Rich]

On the other hand, it does show that the organization has a vision on what the game day entertainment and experience to look like. Though it would be nice to see them incorporated into game days, it's easier to have performance standards to measure up to when you hire a band as opposed to an volunteer organization.

I have to say I love the new drumline group, I thought they created that college football feel even better than the Argonotes did, mostly because I could hear them better. Their sound really bounces off the roof nicely. Great addition to gameday I would say.

On the other hand I love the Argonotes like everyone else for their history and their DIY grass roots feel, too bad some compromise couldn't have been reached. Would they have accepted being allowed to play during, say, one break per quarter?

[1971GreyCup]

I can say it's a mistake to stopping things that work, in the absence of new successes.

A huge reason for the deterioration of Argos interest is that as each regime comes in, they abandon the initiatives of the previous group. This is another example of a fan favourite experience being jettisoned. Until new intiatives are established, its foolish and dangerous to alienate the current season ticket holders.

Before the Argos worry about offending GenX and GenZ with old fashion music, they had better attract them!

I am starting to believe that the current group has been given plenty of opportunity and time to show improvement. The clock is now ticking.