Kevin Lyman Responds to Front Porch Step Performance

We’re pretty sure that at this point in time, everyone has heard that Front Porch Step (Jake Mcelfresh) was allowed to perform at the Acoustic Basement stage on the Vans Warped Tour in Nashville yesterday (July 1). This resulted in several artists dropping off the stage (Aaron West) and others telling attendees to stay clear from that stage during the set (Senses Fail).

Almost as quickly as it was revealed that he would be performing, the internet went crazy over his presence at the festival. Accusations began that it was all a stunt to sell more tickets to the show that day or it was the festival condoning the presence of an alleged pedophile at a show full of minors.

To say that Warped Tour concert-goers (or now former concert-goers?) were upset about the singer’s inclusion on the line-up would be one of the biggest understatements of the decade. We’ve read too many articles from writers giving their opinions about the situation in the last 24 hours.

Things definitely got heated with many commentators on those posts repeatedly calling Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman an “asshole” and telling him to “go fuck himself” and straight up telling him he needs to be “kicked out of the scene.”

Around the time that the video footage of Mcelfresh surfaced online, Lyman went to Alternative Press and spoke to them, exclusively, about letting Mcelfresh onto the Nashville line-up. We’re sure that just ignited people even more than before.

According to Lyman, it was part of Mcelfresh’s “therapy.” Lyman claims he spoke with Mcelfresh’s counselor who recommended that playing a set at the festival would help with the singer’s recovery.

“He was only supposed to be here long enough to play his show,” Lyman revealed to Alt Press.

“[But] the weather today has been putting us behind schedule. He wasn’t added to the tour, so those claims that he was ‘added to sell tickets’ are completely groundless.”

Lyman also pointed out that Mcelfresh still has not been formally charged with any misconduct, which led to him agreeing with the performance.

“If he was a legitimate danger to anyone, he simply would not have been here.”

We beg to differ and apparently the court of opinion has already ruled him as guilty.

Allison Weiss and Rob Lynch to Resume U.K. Tour Sans Front Porch Step

After announcing she would not be touring with Front Porch Step following the allegations against him, Allison Weiss has now let her fans know that the tour will go on as planned, but without Jake Mcelfresh.

Taking to Facebook earlier in the day, Weiss revealed that thanks to some serious behind-the-scenes work, she and fellow tour mate, Rob Lynch, will be going forward with the United Kingdom tour that they thought had been derailed by all the controversy.

Read her statement below:

“After some hard behind the scenes work by some very god people, I’m SO happy to announced Rob Lynch and I will still be touring the UL together as originally planned!!

Unfortunately, our former tour mate Jake McElfresh (Front Porch Step) has dropped off the dates due to a very sensitive personal situation. Though this news almost derailed the whole tour, Rob and I have just learned that the two of us will still be able to play the originally scheduled shows*.

Despite the upsetting nature of the recent events, Rob and I feel that these shows will be even more special than before. We’ve chosen to celebrate the power and unity of live music, and focus all of the positive energy brought into our lives through this scene.

We would love if you would join us to make these 10 days the best they can be!

Lastly, we’d like to thank everyone for all of the support you’ve sent our way in the past week.

We could do this without you.

Love,

Allison (and Rob!)”

As for Mcelfresh, last weekend the musician voluntarily suspended all of his upcoming tour dates following the petition against him for allegedly sexual harassing underage girls. These suspended dates include the Vans Warped Tour which means the petition accomplished what it set out to do.

Front Porch Step Suspends Upcoming Tours, Tourmates Speak Out

There have been major developments in the Front Porch Step controversy over the last few days, some that will majorly affect those who had tickets or were planning to see shows where he would be performing at.

Allison Weiss announced she would no longer be touring with Jake Mcelfresh on the United Kingdom tour they were scheduled to be on, but she did say that there was hope the tour would go on without Mcelfresh.

Now, Mcelfresh has spoken out once again, revealing that he has suspended not only the U.K. tour, but has also, willingly, dropped off this year’s Vans Warped Tour.

“As I posted 3 days ago, I am taking the appropriate time to assess these very serious allegations against me and I am not taking them lightly. Until I can do that in a complete manner with all the information I have at my disposal, I will not be continuing with any current touring activities for the time being.”

But Mcelfresh isn’t the only one speaking out against the allegations and the impact it’s had on his tour schedule. Have Mercy and Head North have released statements about the issues at hand.

From Have Mercy:

“We have been receiving your emails, tweets, and posts regarding us not responding to the allegations brought upon Front Porch Step.  While we have been planning to disassociate ourselves from FPS for several days, we have been working very hard behind the scenes to book our own tour so we are not left stranded for the spring. 

We, Have Mercy, in no way condone the alleged actions that have come to light over the past week, and hope that message above all is clear to our fans. Safety in music, and life, should never be risked for selfish decisions. We were incredibly excited at the opportunity to hit the road this spring, and that is still our top priority.

Over the coming weeks, we hope to have news about a new tour with Head North and other trusted friends.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

From Head North:

“We are sorry to have remained silent about this issue for so long.  We do not in anyway condone the situation at hand with Front Porch Step regarding the recent allegations that presented themselves this past week.  

The whole situation is incredibly upsetting and our thoughts go to anyone at all affected by this. We are very sorry to anyone planning on coming to a show, but have been working on an alternative plan to make sure we can still come to towns this spring with new music in hand.

We will post more information about that as it becomes available.”

The petition on Change.org against Mcelfresh has received over 12,000 signatures from supporters since it was started last week.

Warped Tour Founder Speaks About Front Porch Step Controversy

As the Front Step Porch accusation controversy keeps progressing, Vans Warped Tour founder, Kevin Lyman, has once again taken to the internet to speak about the petition started to get Jake Mcelfresh (aka Front Step Porch) taken off the tour due to allegations of sexual harassment against underage girls.

Lyman, who had previously posted on Twitter that the situation at hand would be examined and addressed when he returned from his vacation, has revealed that he would be returning earlier than expected to “deal with the situation that had been brought” to his attention.

I will be back to work earlier then expected to deal with the situation that has been brought to my attention.

— KevinLyman (@KevinLyman) January 1, 2015

As if having to cut your holiday vacation short to deal with a major controversy wasn’t bad enough, it looks like a lot of bands are trying to cash in on the drama by asking him if they can replace Mcelfresh on the tour.

So many have been taking advantage that Lyman has had to ask them to stop asking and posting request to do so on his social media accounts.

We should also point out there has been no official word on his decision or towards which side he’s leaning towards.

Please don't ask to have your band replace FPS if he is not on the our, iI am in no mood for it right now

— KevinLyman (@KevinLyman) January 2, 2015

A few days ago, Mcelfresh posted statement online in which he said that he was aware of the accusations against him and would be taking step to address the situations at hand. As for his record label, Pure noise Records which were the first to comment on the matter, they have not released any statement since their initial response a few days ago.

At current time, the petition against Mcelfresh has reached over 10,000 supporters.

Front Porch Step Issues Official Statement About Allegations

It’s been more than 24 hours since news broke that a petition had been started to get Front Porch Step taken off of the 2015 Vans Warped Tour line-up.

Now, Front Porch Step himself, Jake Mcelfresh, has issued a formal statement about the matter at hand.

“I am aware of the serious allegations and sensational things being posted on the internet about me and my personal life. While this is personally difficult to experience, I am taking the appropriate, meaningful, and objective steps to address the severity of these things and the horrendous words being used. I would truly hope that others who have or will propagate these serious allegations will do the same.”

For those not familiar with the situation, the petition on Change.org was started to get Mcelfresh taken off the 2015 Vans Warped Tour after allegations were made against the musician that he had sent vulgar messages to underage girls. The accusation also states that once the girls had asked Mcelfresh to stop, he would continue with the sexual statements and harassment.

Mcelfresh’s record label, Pure Noise Records released a tweet yesterday informing followers that they were not at liberty to speak about the situation because of the legality of the issue.

Kevin Lyman, founder of the Warped Tour also tweet late in the evening yesterday, advising followers that at that precise moment, he could not speak about the matter because he was on vacation, but once he returned to the States, he would make sure that the issue would be examined, thoroughly.

Currently, the petition has garnered almost 8,000 electronic signatures as can be seen below.

Petition Issued to Get Front Porch Step Off Of Warped Tour 2015

UPDATE 2: 

In the early morning hours, Jake Mcelfresh tweeted his followers that he was aware of what was happening and that he would be making a statement about the accusations.

I am aware of everything going on right now and will be addressing it soon. I'm so sorry this happened.

— FRONT PORCH STEP (@Frontporchstep) December 31, 2014

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UPDATE 1:

Kevin Lyman has issued a quick tweet about the allegations against Jake Mcelfresh. Don’t expect any answers because the Warped head honcho is currently on vacation with his family.

I am on vacation and when I get home #frontporchstep allegations will be completed vetted. I deserve a few days off to be with my family.

— KevinLyman (@KevinLyman) December 31, 2014

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While Pure Noise Records were riding a high yesterday with the release of their Winter Sampler and new album announcements from some of their acts in the new year, today brings some bad news for the record label.

A petition was started on Change.org asking Vans Warped Tour creator Kevin Lyman to drop the act from their 2015 line-up. Lyman and company posted on the official website that Mcelfresh would be one of the acts next year.

According to the description of the petition: “There have been multiple instances of Jake Mcelfresh talking to underage girls and sending them vulgar photos. He has been asked to stop by these girls every time and continues with the sexual statements and harassment.”

In a tweet to their followers, Pure Noise has issued a simple statement that they are not able to speak about the matter due to the “serious legal nature” of it.

Read a tweet from the record label below.

Yes, we're aware of the rumors. Due to the serious legal nature of them this will not be handled over night. Thank you for your patience.

— Pure Noise Records (@purenoiserecs) December 30, 2014

As of now, Mcelfresh has not responded to the accusations, but considering Pure Noise has already announced they cannot further discuss the matter, we don’t think he’ll be commenting on the accusations any time soon.

Being that it is not our place to take sides, only report the story as it happens, we will be leaving the link to Change.Org here and if you feel the need to add your name to the growing list of backers, you are more than welcomed to do so.

Vans Warped Tour Announce First Five Artists for 2015

With the announcement that they will be giving fans the change to join the Vans Warped Tour fan club, which will give those who join the chance to get tickets and merchandise at discounted prices, the festival also revealed plans to unveil the first five artists of next years event.

Last year, the festival decided to unveil the names of the artists performing at the 2014 shows through their reality TV show on Fuse, Warped Roadies (every week five bands were announced during the show).

Last night, the festival announced the Neck Deep, Front Porch Step, Handguns, Palisades, and Kosha Dillz are just five of the musicians hitting the road in the Summer of 2015 for the annual traveling rock show.

As always, tour dates were announced months ago with pre-sale of the tickets beginning yesterday. For more information about the 2015 Vans Warped Tour, check out their website.

As for the line-up, we will be keeping the line-up up-to-date as they continue to release more names.

Line-Up for Glamour Kills Holiday Showcase Unveiled

Last week, Property of Zack announced they would be working with Glamour Kills to present this year’s Glamour Kills Holiday showcase in honor of the music news blog’s fifth anniversary.

At the time of the announcement, the only thing that was known was the price ($25), that it would take place at all three stages at Webster Hall, and that the line up would be very special for fans of the pop-punk genre.

Today, the official line up for the annual event has been revealed which includes some heavy hitters from the aforementioned genre including The Wonder Years, Handguns, Transit, Man Overboard, State Champs, and more. Buddy Nielsen from Senses Fail has also been tapped to host the event.

Not too shabby. Check out the full line-up below as well as the official flyer which also reveals the date of the showcase (spoiler: it’s Dec. 14). To purchase tickets, head on over here before they sell out.

GLAMOUR KILLS HOLIDAY SHOWCASE LINE-UP:

Hosted by Buddy Nielsen (of Senses Fail)

The Wonder Years
State Champs
Have Mercy
Handguns
Transit
Candy Hearts
Man Overboard
Crime in Stereo
Front Porch Step
Light Years
No Good News
Seaway
Head North
The Sixties
Young and Heartless

South by So What? Unveil Third Wave of Artist

South By So What? will be hitting Texas in March and today, the festival has unveiled the newest wave of acts on the line-up. Joining previously announced acts such as Chiodos, Atreyu, Motionless in White, Mayday Parade, The Maine, We Came as Romans are A Skylit Drive, Memphis May Fire, Vanna and many more.

Like during the second waves of announced performers, South By So What? revealed that Cartel would be performing 2005’s breakout record Chroma in its entirety. With this third wave of artists, the festival have announced Hawthorne Heights will be doing the same with their debut record, The Silence in Black and White.

Check out the newly added artists to 2015’s edition of the festival below.

THIRD WAVE OF ARTISTS:

After the Burial
A Skylit Drive
Beartooth
Betrayal
Born of Osiris
Boymeetsworld
Chelsea Grin
Front Porch Step
Hawthorne Heights (performing The Silence in Black and White)
Memphis May Fire
My Body Sings Electric
Sirens & Sailors
Texas in July
This Legend
Upon a Burning Body
Vanna
Veil of Maya
Youth in Revolt

South By So What? will take place during the weekend of March 20-22 at the QuikTrip Park in Grand Prairie, TX.