Three members of San Diego metalcore band As I Lay Dying have abruptly left the band, citing conflicts of personal morals amid the band's tumultuous history.
Guitarist Ken Susi, bassist Ryan Neff and drummer Nick Pierce shared statements this week detailing the reasons for his departure, leaving only controversial frontman Tim Lambesis and guitarist Phil Sgrosso in the lineup.
In a statement posted on social media on October 24, Susi explained that his ethics had been “tested to the breaking point”.
“My time playing with As I Lay Dying came to an end today. I leave with so much gratitude for everyone who has followed and supported me from my Unearth days to this time in my career,” wrote Susi. “I jumped into the AILD camp fully aware of the heightened drama story, but had the desire to play great music with great friends.”
He added, “Unfortunately, my personal ethics were recently tested to the breaking point and it's not the saddest end to what could have been the greatest second chance for this band.”
This follows a post by bassist Ryan Neff, who left on October 18, calling it “the right step for my personal and professional journey.”
Susi noted in his statement that Neff had received “a lot of backlash for resigning first.” He added, “I regret not sharing this decision sooner and standing confidently with my friend – he is an excellent musician and an even better person. I will miss you all on this stage and look forward to seeing you on the next one. Anyone looking for a guitarist? My resume is ready.”
Neff reflected in his own statement: “As of today, I have made the decision to leave As I Lay Dying,” Neff wrote via Instagram. “This choice comes after much consideration and I believe it is the right step for my personal and professional journey. I am grateful for the experiences and connections I made during my time with the band. Thanks to all the fans for their support.”
Drummer Nick Pearce joined them in their departure, also citing personal reasons in his own statement. “As of now, I am no longer playing drums for As I Lay Dying,” Pierce wrote. “This is far from the end I expected and I feel I must distance myself from the band in an effort to maintain my personal health and integrity.”
Next up is the band's tour manager, Alex Kendrick, who also announces his departure from the group.
In a now-deleted tweet, Kendrick wrote: “I no longer work for AS I LAY DYING – I don't want to be asked questions nor will I answer any. I have made lasting memories that will never be forgotten, but my chapter in the book is complete. I wish everyone the best of luck and I'm clearly still rocking with Phil out here.”
Founded in 2000, As I lay Dying emerged as a Grammy-nominated act, but became embroiled in controversy in 2013 when Lambesis was arrested and later sentenced to prison for attempting to hire a hitman to kill his then-wife, Megan Lambesis. Lambesis pleaded guilty to the case and served a two-year, six-year prison sentence.
After its release in 2016, the band reunited in 2018 with a mix of original and new members. However, tensions remained. Former guitarist Nick Hippa, along with drummer Jordan Mancino and bassist Josh Gilbert, previously left in 2020. Since then, Susi, Pierce and Neff have joined the lineup, only to now announce their departure.
At the time of writing, Lambesis has not dealt with his departures and his future As I lay Dying remains uncertain. Their eighth album, Through the storms aheadit is still expected to be released on November 15th.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/as-i-lay-dying-members-quit-personal-morals-1235811054/