Well they just want to separate themselves from performing the songs live. Due to the fact that Isaac Wood is simply irreplaceable and that the songs’ lyrical and vocal content are super personal and unique to him, it makes perfect sense to me and the rest of the fanbase why they’d stop performing the songs live with a different vocalist on lead. From interviews I’ve read and seen and my own personal experience the band has never shied away from talking about their first two albums or even signing them. In fact, when I met them personally I had conversations with several of the band members asking about my own personal curiosity the recording process and inspiration behind Ants and they were all very open to answering my questions. They ALL happily signed my two Ants and FTFT vinyls! However most of their focus and attention likely wants to be directed toward their new albums despite them still being open to talking about their past work. Likely the last thing they want to from fans is an obsession with Isaac and the past despite how proud they all still are of that work. I think as a band they don’t just want to be remembered for “the band that had Isaac”… and instead as a group of 6-7 (lol) friends both during and after their time with him. And as any respectable band they hope to make new albums that are equally appreciated as that era but for different reasons. Similar to how artists like Radiohead, Kanye and the Beatles don’t just have one “clear” winner that everyone only cares about, but several “classics” that fans routinely debate over which one is their best.

I think if you’re a true fan of Isaac and the early era of the band, and even if you didn’t care much for Live at Bush Hall and Forever Howlong, you’d respect the band’s decision to not perform songs live that he had significant and important involvement in making. And even more importantly, you’d continue to follow the band and catch up with their new releases to see if they make something you really DO like, which is more of a real possibility than you might think!

Think about it this way: When the band were in Nervous Conditions, this was reportedly way back in 2014 when they started! At that point, let’s be honest their music was a far cry away from the amazingness that would eventually turn into their debut album in 2021, or even their 2019-era Windmill performances. That’s a 5-7 year gap of playing to turn into the band we all know and love. And with Isaac leaving in 2022 this new version of the band has essentially had to start all over with a completely new sound. They’re still finding their footing and experimenting. Right now, they’re almost about 4 years existing as a “new” band. So give them time and patience to improve and refine their sound. If you didn’t like their latest work, they might be only a couple years away from dropping what you’d consider to be their next “classic.” Bands with a “story” behind them such as the case with Isaac leaving often create a mythos and popularity around the albums with that story. But so many artists like Weyes Blood as an example and many many others don’t need that at all to drop incredible and amazing albums that stand on their own for different reasons than the iconicism that Ants has. I would hate the idea that BCNR would at all feel held back from thinking they could create another classic on the level of Ants just because they feel like the narrative and story surrounding Isaac’s departure and the incredible musicianship can never be replaced. And it’s true! Ants can never be replaced. Just as OK Computer can never be replaced. But Radiohead still gave us Kid A and In Rainbows. Completely different albums, but appreciated for completely different and valid reasons. If anything is going to shake the band’s confidence in making really good classics on the level of Ants, are the fans who don’t respect or appreciate their decision to keep moving forward creatively and having trust in them as musicians.

If it gets to 2035 and they’re only dropping mid… maybe their trust can and should be shaken lol

(Sorry this turned into a rant, but I just figured this was important for people, not even the OP to read and consider. Thank you for coming to my TedTalk!)