Now in our late twenties and early thirties, we were cultivating young enthusiastic college kids who knew nothing of our past and were willing to go wherever we would take them. Our music was accepted by fans and critics alike and we were awarded the title of best Long Island band two years in a row by GoodTimes Magazine and WBAB Long Island radio.

1996 was the quintessential year for Wide Awake. With two releases selling rapidly in stores and playing shows to sell-out crowds, We were at the top of our game. Only an unforseen obsticle could set us back at that point and it came in the form of tenitus. Bassist Mark Salamone suffered from hearing damage and could no longer perform. With commitments to fulfill, keyboardist Scott Treibitz had to take on the bass player role.

Although Scott did an admirable job on bass, the chemistry would never be the same. Wide Awake took a well deserved break by the winter of 1996 to once again devise a game plan for the future. Unfortunately this break would be long enough for the band to lose steam and gain other interests. It soon became apparent that moving on would be too much for some to handle. By 1997, with band members maturing and growing in different directions, Wide Awake split up.

The achievements made in our short lifespan proves to me that with proper promotion and finacial backing, Wide Awake could have been a force to be reckoned with in the industry. Today the two albums full of raw energy and unsurpassed material still hold up, and the memories I have continue to raise the hairs on the back of my neck.