Mean Creak was a local band that meant a lot to a lot of people. That’s why the announcement of their break-up in April was so upsetting, if not surprising. Since then, the band has been hailed as honest, hard-working, sincere—and of course—extremely talented. The word “misunderstood” has been thrown around as well, especially when trying to pinpoint why the foursome never got as much exposure as they deserved.

To try and get a better perspective of what made Mean Creek so special to so many members of the Boston music scene, we talked to a few local artists who knew them best. We learned that Mean Creak wasn’t just treasured by fans, they were adored by those who worked and played with them on a nightly basis.

Check out what they had to say below. If you’re a diehard Mean Creek fan, a new coming listener, or want one more chance to see them play live, don’t miss their final performance at the Middle East on June 25th opening for Soul Asylum and Meat Puppets.

Mallory Hestand – Earthquake Party

I actually saw Aurore the morning Mean Creek announced their end. She said it felt odd that she was on her way to her office job on a day that held so much weight for her. I felt weird, too, having known Aurore and her bandmates for the past 5 or so years as enviably creative, talented, and driven musicians and all around incredible people. I was always happy to see Mean Creek and the people who made it what it was. We shared jokes, stories, shows, and adventures that I’ll always remember fondly. Chris Keene once told me that his favorite thing about me was that I showed how I was really feeling while I was on stage. Whether I was happy, angry, bored, whatever—I never covered it up. His appreciation for my transparency shows his strength of character and his ability to be vulnerable in the face of a music scene and a city that doesn’t always appreciate it, but will always benefit from it. Thank you for existing as humans, and for being such an incredible band to look up to, Mean Creek. I’m happy I got to be a part of it.

Justin Lally – Earthquake Party

Well, I guess the bloody drumstick personally adorned with the words “I want your sex” that Mikey tossed to me at O’Briens a couple of years back will fetch a bit more now on Ebay…and I still won’t be able to get “Young and Wild” out of my head.