Rudy: I called Rhett, to see if we could work something out, get Russ to tour with Mercedes for a year. Rhett told me he would discuss it with Russ, and get back to me.

Mercedes: Rudy and Ell wanted me to tour for a year, they were in the process of securing a touring partner, and would let me know if it worked out. I wanted to know who it was they were trying to convince, and when they told me, I decided to take it into my own hands, sort of. I needed to tour, it had been too long, and I felt that it would be part of my healing
. I called Russ, and asked him myself, would he take a year and tour with me? I could handle touring with a no-name band, but it would be extra helpful to have a friend with me.