Reform idea by Stephen Looker

The idea to reform As Friends Rust was brought up in June 1997, by Culture’s guitarist, Stephen Looker , who had been a fan of the band’s demo. Unbeknownst to Moyal, Looker had been approached by Olmino earlier that year as a potential second guitarist for As Friends Rust shortly before its first break-up. Moyal was still commuting from Miami, Florida to rehearse with Culture, but had made plans to move to Gainesville , Florida in August 1997, following the band’s first European tour. To complete the second incarnation of As Friends Rust in Gainesville, Moyal and Looker invited Culture’s new drummer, Jason Dooley , and Culture’s bass guitarist, Gordon Tarpley, the latter of whom agreed to play guitar in the side-project. Looker then approached Hot Water Music ‘s bass guitarist, Jason Black , who agreed to take up the same position in As Friends Rust. Inspired by the band’s proposed line-up, Moyal dubbed a new batch of As Friends Rust demo tapes with updated liner notes announcing its new members, to take with him on Culture’s first European and British tour and secure a record deal. Culture’s Belgian record label, Good Life Recordings , showed immediate interest in signing As Friends Rust and plans were made for the band to become active again before the end of 1997. However, Culture and Hot Water Music’s busy touring schedules and recording agendas kept As Friends Rust on the back-burner for several months, and neither Dooley nor Black took active parts in As Friends Rust’s eventual activities.