Mark Francis, the former
drummer of From Autumn to Ashes and newly
appointed front man of the same band, just goes with the flow.
The thin and tattooed New York native, is relaxed and calm, almost to the
point that I swear someone has slipped him a valium. He waits for his turn to
get a tattoo in his buddy’s Tattoo shop in St. Petersburg, whom is originally from
New Jersey. It’s a small world. “Yeah, we try to either get a tattoo or stop in here every
time we come through St. Pete.” Mark adds. Out of nowhere Mark gets a sudden burst of
energy, as if his glucose level just rose above the valium. “I gotta check out this art in here,” Mark
exclaims, “It’s always different every time we come.” He points to the walls full of art that looks
like something put together Jackson Pollock, Frank Miller, and a graffiti artist if they met in a dark
alley somewhere in the Bronx. “Where are you getting yours?” Josh Newton bassist of From
Autumn to Ashes asks. “I don’t know.” Mark says, as he goes back to the art on the walls. “I
was thinking about my knuckles.” Newton says. “No way dude, last time I did that when I got
this, [he points to the tattoo across his knuckles] I couldn’t play [guitar] for like 3 days.” Anthony
From Autumn to Ashes’ tour manager comments.
Everyone has to deal with change, it’s just inevitable. If you go back to your home town I am
sure that your favorite neighborhood bar isn’t there anymore, and if it is, it has a completely
different vibe than it use to. are no different than neighborhood bars. People change and line ups
Written by Justin Lee Amidon