Tim Lambesis, the only remaining member of metalcore band As I Lay Dying, issued a detailed statement after his bandmates left, citing an “unhealthy environment” as the main reason for the departure.
This response follows the recent departures of guitarist Phil Sgrosso, bassist Ryan Neff, guitarist Ken Susi and drummer Nick Pierce, leaving Lambesis as the last remaining member of the San Diego-based band formed in 2000.
The exit began last month, with Neff, Susi and Pierce announcing their decision to leave the band due to “personal morals” on October 25. showing creative and personal differences with Lampesis.
In one statement posted on social media On November 4, Lampesis reflected on the internal issues that culminated in the band's dissolution.
“On reflection, I certainly agree that there was an unhealthy environment that made going on a new tour with the previous line-up unrealistic,” he said. He admitted it became “difficult to understand even the smallest details” as tensions rose within the team.
He noted, “I can stand firm in my vision for the future of AILD, even when others think it should go in a different direction.”
Lambesis also addressed his broken relationship with Sgrosso, saying the two were “no longer seeing each other personally, creatively or financially”. According to Lambesis, discussions with Sgrosso led to the guitarist's departure, which then prompted the rest of the members to follow suit.
He clarified that the band's statements were released “in response to rumours” amid what he described as a “chaotic time”.
In his exit statement, Sgrosso had expressed concerns about the band's atmosphere, stating that the band “no longer provides a healthy or safe environment for anyone involved—whether creatively, personally or professionally” and after “seeing some relevant patterns of behavior, The Grosso “realized that I could no longer, in good conscience, allow further actions that could adversely affect anyone working in this space.”
He added, “I feel it is in my best interest to distance myself completely, both creatively and personally, from As I Lay Dying.”
For Lampesis, the breakup does not mark the end of As I Lay Dying.
He expressed his gratitude to his former teammates, saying he “fully supports” their decisions and that “my door will always remain open to discuss anything directly.” Now, he's looking forward to building a new line-up and fostering “an atmosphere that's supportive, positive and fosters a creative environment.”
Despite the turmoil, his eighth studio album As I Lay Dying, Through the storms aheadwill be released as planned on November 15th. The album will feature contributions from the former members and guest appearances from artists such as Slaughter to Prevail's Alex Terrible and former Lorna Shore singer Tom Barber.
For longtime fans, the band's recent internal discord may come as little surprise. Lambesis has been at the center of controversy in the past, most notably in 2014 when he served a prison sentence after pleading guilty to attempting to hire a hitman to kill his then-wife.
Since his release, Lambesis has attempted to rebuild his career with As I Lay Dying, while reuniting with former members and releasing new music in 2018.
The upcoming album Through the storms ahead serves as both a farewell to the old line-up and an introduction to the next phase for As I Lay Dying.
Read Tim Lambesi's statement posted on Instagram in detail below.
Hi everyone,
I needed some time to process everything that happened recently with AILD. On reflection, I certainly agree that there was an unhealthy environment that made leaving for a new tour with the previous line-up unrealistic. It had become difficult to understand even the smallest details, and I confess that I can stand firm in my vision for the future of AILD, even when others think it should go in a different direction.
It saddens me to think about the behaviors, communication and interaction patterns that led to the cancellation of the tour. Phil and I no longer saw each other personally, creatively or financially. Discussions during this time led to his decision to leave first, with each of the tour members deciding to leave shortly after as they were not interested in continuing without him. Unfortunately, this was not the order in which everything was released, as some statements were rushed out during a chaotic period in response to the rumours.
I fully support any decision of the children to leave and believe that at this time it is best for everyone. That being said, my door will always remain open to discuss anything directly, as I believe that closing communication leads to many assumptions and problems of its own.
Now, as for what's next: AILD was founded on persistence and determination. For anyone familiar with the foundational years of 2000-2004, you know that over 20 people (for whom I am incredibly grateful) came and went to help bring to life this vision I had in mind since I was 19 years old. I look forward to building a new team and creating an atmosphere that is supportive, positive and fosters a creative environment.
“Through Storms Ahead” will also be released on November 15th. I'm proud of what we've created and can't wait to share it with you all.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/as-i-lay-dying-tim-lambesis-statement-bandmates-exit-1235820462/
