A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

So Long And Thanks For All The Fish

After a personally difficult legal dispute over BME, I’ve had to face the potentially insurmountable reality of being massively in debt, and I have chosen to transfer the business to Rachel (the details of this deal are sealed, so please don’t ask). Within the month my role at BME will come to an end, and new staff (made up largely of people who’ve been working on BME for some time as well) will be taking over. I will no longer be writing online about body modification, although I will be maintaining my regular blog and other projects of course, as well as working on several body modification book projects which I am eager to complete.

It’s definitely a very strange and mixed set of feelings, having run this site from the very beginning, over nearly a decade and a half. On one hand I’m very much looking forward to having the opportunity and time to paint and tackle new adventures, and on the other hand I will very much miss both the people and the subject in general that I came to know through BME. That said, when I grew up and fell in love with body modification — and later built BME — this was a very different and much more “outsider” culture, so maybe now, as not just tattooing but body modification as a whole enjoys unprecedented levels of popularity and acceptability, it is a good time to pass the torch on to a new generation. It’s my hope that they maintain the site in the spirit that it was begun, while taking on the challenges of a new environment.

I have very much enjoyed being a part of BME and I leave it with good memories. Thank you to everyone who’s been a friend of the site, and everyone who’s helped bring it to this point. I hope you’ve enjoyed my contributions — I know I’ve enjoyed yours — and I hope that you continue to enjoy what BME brings in the future.

See you in hell! 😛

         Shannon
         [email protected]
         zentastic.com

 

Comments

760 responses to “So Long And Thanks For All The Fish”

  1. ronin_kid Avatar
    ronin_kid

    #23 – couldnt have said it better myself…

  2. ronin_kid Avatar
    ronin_kid

    #23 – couldnt have said it better myself…

  3. KaitieKhaos Avatar

    I think that it’s pretty safe to say that you’re going to be sorely missed by all, Shannon. Marcus mentioned guest appearances on BME, and I think that’d be a wonderful idea.

    It’s rather sad, and though all I know of you is the words and pictures that I’ve read and seen on a screen, it feels a lot like losing an old friend. For the ‘kids’ like me that have pretty much grown up with this site, it’s not going to be an easy transition.

    Good luck Shannon, remember that everyone here on BME, ModBlog and IAM are thinking about you and wishing you well.

    “© Shannon Larratt | All rights reserved | Return to BME | Submit your picture”

  4. KaitieKhaos Avatar

    I think that it’s pretty safe to say that you’re going to be sorely missed by all, Shannon. Marcus mentioned guest appearances on BME, and I think that’d be a wonderful idea.

    It’s rather sad, and though all I know of you is the words and pictures that I’ve read and seen on a screen, it feels a lot like losing an old friend. For the ‘kids’ like me that have pretty much grown up with this site, it’s not going to be an easy transition.

    Good luck Shannon, remember that everyone here on BME, ModBlog and IAM are thinking about you and wishing you well.

    “© Shannon Larratt | All rights reserved | Return to BME | Submit your picture”

  5. eatyrspleens Avatar
    eatyrspleens

    it’s probably already been said, but bme/modblog is not the same without shannon. i don’t read modblog just for the content. shannon’s an excellent blogger/interviewer and his style of writing is synonymous with body modification because of bme. i’ll be reading his other blogs still, of course, but i’m saddened to see him leaving this community.

  6. eatyrspleens Avatar
    eatyrspleens

    it’s probably already been said, but bme/modblog is not the same without shannon. i don’t read modblog just for the content. shannon’s an excellent blogger/interviewer and his style of writing is synonymous with body modification because of bme. i’ll be reading his other blogs still, of course, but i’m saddened to see him leaving this community.

  7. tanya Avatar

    I really almost cried when I read this…Shannon…I don’t know you, but as many BME-ers might agree, I sure feel like I do. You’ve done so much for the body modification world, and your ever-articulate and visually stimulating ModBlog posts have kept me enthralled since the very first time I stumbled upon this glorious page. Your interviews have always been so fascinating, and are arguably the absolute best resources for gaining a glimpse into the subculture, the people, the struggles, and the triumphs of body modification. You have changed lives. You have opened eyes. For all this, and so much more, you will be sorely missed here. I can’t even believe this is happening…
    In any case, thank you for everything, and good luck to you in all your future endeavors. Not that you need it. <3

  8. tanya Avatar

    I really almost cried when I read this…Shannon…I don’t know you, but as many BME-ers might agree, I sure feel like I do. You’ve done so much for the body modification world, and your ever-articulate and visually stimulating ModBlog posts have kept me enthralled since the very first time I stumbled upon this glorious page. Your interviews have always been so fascinating, and are arguably the absolute best resources for gaining a glimpse into the subculture, the people, the struggles, and the triumphs of body modification. You have changed lives. You have opened eyes. For all this, and so much more, you will be sorely missed here. I can’t even believe this is happening…
    In any case, thank you for everything, and good luck to you in all your future endeavors. Not that you need it. <3

  9. MissJanet Avatar
    MissJanet

    Oh fucking hell! Shannon, I’ll miss you.

    BME and ModBlog were no good when you were shut out. The spirit was missing and I expect it to get lost again, permanently now. Like everyone else I’m looking forward to hear about your new adventures in the future. Take care.

  10. MissJanet Avatar
    MissJanet

    Oh fucking hell! Shannon, I’ll miss you.

    BME and ModBlog were no good when you were shut out. The spirit was missing and I expect it to get lost again, permanently now. Like everyone else I’m looking forward to hear about your new adventures in the future. Take care.

  11. Kayla Avatar
    Kayla

    Thank you for everything, Shannon. BME’s helped me understand a ton about mods and such that I didn’t before, and Modblog has made me laugh, gag, applaud, and stare at people several times over. You really gave them hell. 🙂
    Best of luck in everything.

  12. Kayla Avatar
    Kayla

    Thank you for everything, Shannon. BME’s helped me understand a ton about mods and such that I didn’t before, and Modblog has made me laugh, gag, applaud, and stare at people several times over. You really gave them hell. 🙂
    Best of luck in everything.

  13. deadlypoison Avatar

    it’s not going to be the same without you Shannon.
    good luck with everything!

    xxx

  14. deadlypoison Avatar

    it’s not going to be the same without you Shannon.
    good luck with everything!

    xxx

  15. sheldo Avatar

    I’ve only been following BME for 6 years, and when I found it I realized I wasn’t alone and gained some wicked ideas.

    Aw, goodbye Shannon! I wish you all the luck in the future!

  16. sheldo Avatar

    I’ve only been following BME for 6 years, and when I found it I realized I wasn’t alone and gained some wicked ideas.

    Aw, goodbye Shannon! I wish you all the luck in the future!

  17. Oliveira Avatar

    I imagine the only reason why Shannon would stop “writing online about body modification” altogether is that he was legally obliged to, and the reason why he would be legally obliged to would be that new owners of bmezine would like to avoid competition, and if that is the case, I wish them all the worst. Unless proven wrong, I will believe that the above is correct because I can’t believe Shannon suddenly lost all interest in body modification and decided to instead pursue other subjects such as life of birds and medieval music.

  18. Oliveira Avatar

    I imagine the only reason why Shannon would stop “writing online about body modification” altogether is that he was legally obliged to, and the reason why he would be legally obliged to would be that new owners of bmezine would like to avoid competition, and if that is the case, I wish them all the worst. Unless proven wrong, I will believe that the above is correct because I can’t believe Shannon suddenly lost all interest in body modification and decided to instead pursue other subjects such as life of birds and medieval music.

  19. blasphemouskell Avatar
    blasphemouskell

    This site has helped me become the person I’ve always wanted and knew I should be. Thank you shannon for ur commitment and for everything this sight has taught me. Im trying to have faith this site won’t change but I know it will never be the same without you moderating it. Im gonna miss ya…ur my favourite person I’ve never met 😉

  20. blasphemouskell Avatar
    blasphemouskell

    This site has helped me become the person I’ve always wanted and knew I should be. Thank you shannon for ur commitment and for everything this sight has taught me. Im trying to have faith this site won’t change but I know it will never be the same without you moderating it. Im gonna miss ya…ur my favourite person I’ve never met 😉

  21. MissBeth Avatar
    MissBeth

    This is all very very gash!! :o(

  22. MissBeth Avatar
    MissBeth

    This is all very very gash!! :o(

  23. Vladimina Avatar

    As many have already stated you will be dearly missed by me and the whole community. It’s not going to be the same without you.
    Bmezine helped me realize who I am, and who I want to be over the many years. That’s all thanks to you, Shannon. I hope life treats you well,
    Cheers!!

  24. Vladimina Avatar

    As many have already stated you will be dearly missed by me and the whole community. It’s not going to be the same without you.
    Bmezine helped me realize who I am, and who I want to be over the many years. That’s all thanks to you, Shannon. I hope life treats you well,
    Cheers!!

  25. Alicia Avatar
    Alicia

    Well…wow. Unexpected, and sad. I wouldn’t be half the person I am now without Shannon’s input into BME. I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like without him.

  26. Alicia Avatar
    Alicia

    Well…wow. Unexpected, and sad. I wouldn’t be half the person I am now without Shannon’s input into BME. I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like without him.

  27. xDeviant Avatar
    xDeviant

    Oliveira, he never said he completely lost interest in body modification.. he did however say he was going to work on more books about body modification.

  28. xDeviant Avatar
    xDeviant

    Oliveira, he never said he completely lost interest in body modification.. he did however say he was going to work on more books about body modification.

  29. Smutty Avatar
    Smutty

    I dont know about you guys… but the site was shit when Shannon wasnt around. I dont care for Rachel… i think shes kind of a bitch. Comments were cencerd when she was running it. It is a bunch of bullshit. This looks like another case of gold digging. Someone couldnt get a life of their own so they took someone elses. I doubt i will remain a member of the BME community. This is not whats its about. Shannon made me realize that im not alone, im not different. and Holy Hell i havent tried to kill myself since my discovery of BME. wow. Im done. Farewell BME.

  30. Smutty Avatar
    Smutty

    I dont know about you guys… but the site was shit when Shannon wasnt around. I dont care for Rachel… i think shes kind of a bitch. Comments were cencerd when she was running it. It is a bunch of bullshit. This looks like another case of gold digging. Someone couldnt get a life of their own so they took someone elses. I doubt i will remain a member of the BME community. This is not whats its about. Shannon made me realize that im not alone, im not different. and Holy Hell i havent tried to kill myself since my discovery of BME. wow. Im done. Farewell BME.

  31. rachel Avatar
    rachel

    thank you for everything Shannon! you couldn’t have done a better job, and i agree with the others. this site has changed my life and the way i view myself for the better. i’ll make this quick, before i start to tear up…bye Shannon! 🙁

  32. rachel Avatar
    rachel

    thank you for everything Shannon! you couldn’t have done a better job, and i agree with the others. this site has changed my life and the way i view myself for the better. i’ll make this quick, before i start to tear up…bye Shannon! 🙁

  33. possessed Avatar

    Wow. I feel a little like crying; this is really sad. Since finding BME, my life has changed. The website helped me to accept things about myself, to find other people with whom I can talk about body modification, and to learn more than I ever would have thought was possible about it before finding this place. I will miss your modblog posts enormously.

    BME wasn’t the same when you were gone before, and it will certainly never be the same again now. I never new you personally, but it feels like losing a friend. Good luck with whatever comes next.

    x

  34. possessed Avatar

    Wow. I feel a little like crying; this is really sad. Since finding BME, my life has changed. The website helped me to accept things about myself, to find other people with whom I can talk about body modification, and to learn more than I ever would have thought was possible about it before finding this place. I will miss your modblog posts enormously.

    BME wasn’t the same when you were gone before, and it will certainly never be the same again now. I never new you personally, but it feels like losing a friend. Good luck with whatever comes next.

    x

  35. xeightx Avatar
    xeightx

    little part of me feels like it just rolled over and died, much luck to all your future endeavors, this site has been a part of me since i stumbled across it when it was just bme.freeq 🙂 much love to you
    < 3

  36. xeightx Avatar
    xeightx

    little part of me feels like it just rolled over and died, much luck to all your future endeavors, this site has been a part of me since i stumbled across it when it was just bme.freeq 🙂 much love to you
    < 3

  37. SpiraetSpera Avatar
    SpiraetSpera

    Best of luck and thanks for everything. I really enjoyed reading this blog. 🙂

  38. SpiraetSpera Avatar
    SpiraetSpera

    Best of luck and thanks for everything. I really enjoyed reading this blog. 🙂

  39. Dylan Avatar
    Dylan

    Sad to hear shannon wont be posting anymore. BME/modblog has helped the body modification community so much, and he created a community that truly became part of people’s lives. glad to hear it will be left in trusted hands

  40. Dylan Avatar
    Dylan

    Sad to hear shannon wont be posting anymore. BME/modblog has helped the body modification community so much, and he created a community that truly became part of people’s lives. glad to hear it will be left in trusted hands

  41. scenic solitude Avatar

    So long, and thanks for all the fish! 🙂

  42. scenic solitude Avatar

    So long, and thanks for all the fish! 🙂

  43. Christian Avatar
    Christian

    SOOOOoooo.. Does this mean Bodytwo will come back?

  44. Christian Avatar
    Christian

    SOOOOoooo.. Does this mean Bodytwo will come back?

  45. rjhjr Avatar
    rjhjr

    Sooooooo sad. This was daily dose of I am not different, there are a lot of “me” out there. I have met and talked with lots of people because of this site. I related to shannon easily, and enjoyed his comments.

    Alas, I will let my subscription run out, and bme will be left behind. I could always take or leave Rachel til this last batch of trouble. I will always think she was the last nail in the coffin of BME.

    Goodbye bme, Goodbye shannon, goodbye my modified friends. And now to go clear my iam page. Just wished I could delete the pics I let Shannon post. Who knew it would come to this?

  46. rjhjr Avatar
    rjhjr

    Sooooooo sad. This was daily dose of I am not different, there are a lot of “me” out there. I have met and talked with lots of people because of this site. I related to shannon easily, and enjoyed his comments.

    Alas, I will let my subscription run out, and bme will be left behind. I could always take or leave Rachel til this last batch of trouble. I will always think she was the last nail in the coffin of BME.

    Goodbye bme, Goodbye shannon, goodbye my modified friends. And now to go clear my iam page. Just wished I could delete the pics I let Shannon post. Who knew it would come to this?

  47. Futzzz Avatar
    Futzzz

    “you built an excellent fjord slartibartfast.”
    Heard! and you should rightfully be proud of it!

  48. Futzzz Avatar
    Futzzz

    “you built an excellent fjord slartibartfast.”
    Heard! and you should rightfully be proud of it!

  49. ciderspiller Avatar
    ciderspiller

    if shannon goes, i go =(

  50. ciderspiller Avatar
    ciderspiller

    if shannon goes, i go =(

Latest Tattoo, Piercing, and Body Modification News

  • Skin and Strings: The Art of Human Puppetry
    One of the most powerful things about being at a convention like OSC is the sheer concentration of experience, creativity, and capability in one place. When you’re surrounded by people who not only understand the technical complexities of suspension but are excited by the challenge… Read more: Skin and Strings: The Art of Human Puppetry
  • Twelve Points to the Sky
    There’s a particular kind of magic that happens at your first big suspension gathering when you arrive with nerves, an open heart, and the quiet hope of flight. Guided by the encouragement of mentor Lynn Loheide and driven by the quiet confidence of belonging, Alex… Read more: Twelve Points to the Sky
  • Ontario SusCon 2025
    In March 2025, BME attended the Ontario Suspension Convention in Hamilton, hosted by the Kevin Donaghy and the Ontario Suspension Collective. We had the pleasure to take part and help document the event, but also run a booth to sell a bunch of old (but… Read more: Ontario SusCon 2025
  • Welcome Back to Body Modification Ezine
    Dear BME Community, We’ve been gone far too long, but BME is back to give people a voice, a space, a community. With time everything evolves, and BME may be different than you remember. Our goal is to stay true to Shannon and Rachel’s values… Read more: Welcome Back to Body Modification Ezine
  • BME Social Media
    Word of mouth has been our method of reuniting the community, and it has brought a substantial amount of us together. I am inspired by your loyalty and I want to remind more people of BME’s existence. In 2020 we gained control over @bmezine on… Read more: BME Social Media
  • BMEShop
    Despite the hurricanes in 2015 which destroyed almost all of what Rachel owned, she managed to save the original inventory from BME. We have relisted some of the stock on BMEShop.com with the hopes you may be interested.  Our first drop includes a selection of… Read more: BMEShop