Ha Ha Tonka

Well - if you want to get completely technical - Brett and I were not in the band when "Amsterband" was formed... and yes, we've made fun of Amsterband since the beginning. Where do you think the puns came from? haha.

But alas.. you're right. We do want people's opinions, hoping we can help you ease into this change. Obviously not everybody is willing to just accept it - and there's nothing we can do about that. We simply want people to have a bit of insight as to where we were coming from, etc. From there, it's all up to you if you love it or hate it. If you choose to love the music, hate the name, and let everybody know that - I just hope you'll understand that's probably not the best promotional tool you can use. Although we can't stop anyone from doing that. So... yeah! Just be who you are, and know that we really appreciate all of you that are willing to take this for what it is... a business decision.

Might I say - I've enjoying watching this topic more than any other.

Haha I don't know Lennon, I think the subject of Brett's pregnancy was a keeper.


Buuut aaaanyway, the name is starting to grow on me a bit.

So, I'm a blunt person..that's who I am and it won't change, but it's my way of showing I care when I think poor decisions are being made...

"There are a few reasons for us changing the name... none of which have
anything to do with our style, members, label signing, etc."

But yet...so far I've heard we don't want to be labeled a hippy jam band (style) especially for a national release (label)...and some members weren't in Amsterband from the start and made fun of the name (members).

"The more we battled the more we realized that whatever name we picked we were pretty much going to have to grow into it rather than just instantly "be" that name."

But yet you didn't let your fans (or even the Amsterbandwagon) know you were even considering a name change and just sprung it on everyone...

I think that's the issue that bothers me most...I don't think a name change is a bad idea. In fact it's something that a band can really benefit from (ex: Thulium to Anything But Joey). And if back when you revamped the Amsterbandwagon that's when you decided to change the name...I'd understand it. At that point...something wasn't working for you guys, so a change needed to be made. I still wouldn't have liked the name...but I'd get why you did it and just leave it at that..but you've had people working really hard to get the name Amsterband out there...Amsterband got signed....Amsterband was working. Band business is band business, but one of the most important parts of the business is the fans...so basically now is your time to help me understand why you felt the need to name your band after some random park with a lame name that happens to be in the area of Missouri where the majority of you guys grew up and where the majority of you don't live anymore.

I was going to get mad about the comment CWK made about me, but I think Lennon and Audi said enough. Thanks for sticking up for me.

I've already stated my opninons and nothing has change. I think there had been some good statement though. I never that about the google searching and finding a bunch of state park stuff when amsterband was such a unique name that nothing else came up but Amsterband stuff.

I think that may hurt you guys some in the future.

I'm tired of all the arguing though, especial if nothing can be changed now...so I'm ready to start spreading the news about Ha Ha Tonka and I'm even more excited about seeing you guys play with the new name because it's hard to get used to this change without hearing you guys play with that name. So when's the next Springfield show? Oh and has there been a write up in The Newsleader or anything about the change?

Haha, at least this got the message board buzzing a bit!

But I think its time for us all to move on and buy us some Ha Ha Tonka merch.

i tried to use the quote button but i can't quite figure it out. oh well.

please do NOT rename yourselves sanjaya. and if, god forbid you do, no pony-hawks.

that's all i've got.

Oh come on, you cant deny that they'd all lood good in some pony hawks.

Haha.

Tonka.

That could have been the first pun.

Yea, you all need to get ready to buy you some Ha Ha Tonka merch!! This stuff is going to be amazing!! They hit the press on Friday, so be ready!!

So what is the street team name going to be now? I always like the amsterband wagon.

Oh Don't Worry!! We are throwing some names out there now trying to come up with something that rivals that Amsterbandwagon...

Well "Tonka" is a kids play truck. We could just be Tonkawagon...

or the Tonkatruckers

ooooo....I likes!

tonkatruckers....i dig.

rafe...in answer to your earlier Q - Mike Brothers at the News-Leader posted a blog w/our announcement newsletter at

http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070514/BLOGS02/70514010

Tonkateers? Ha Ha....
btw, tonka once made a line of toys called "The Rock Lords",
the promo line was "powerful living rocks!" fitting in so many ways....

and, um, yes, I remember toys from the 80s...

I kinda like tonkateers martielou!! Amy Lynne and I like the tonka trail, because it relates to the park, and we can say cheesy things like "it's just a walk in the park"

I did come up with a ha ha tonka pun yesterday.....ready for it......

IT'S HA HA TABULOUS!!! I know I know, total cheese, but you gotta love me for it!

Oh and Martie, I will join your supprt group...
HI MY NAME IS AUDI MC AND I TOO REMEMBER TOYS FROM THE 80'S.

http://images.hasbro.com/tonka/TonkaAnthem.mp3

Oh, yeah. This is the stuff.

I think I'll be a little late to the WP show. Dang...no poster. : (

That is awesome!! I love my tonka truck!!

I don't think you could have had a better band name than "Amsterband."

Major bah to the name change. Totally not cool at all. If you guys weren't so good, I'd stop listening just because of the name change.

I guess if I have ever have a band, I'll be able to name is Amsterband.


Change it back!

So I was playing around with the Tonka name today, and I'll be the first to admit it is growing on me.

This makes me really to hear that!