We Are Harlot responds to Asking Alexandria’s news

Well, looks like the Asking Alexandria/Danny Worsnop return story continues. A couple of days after the band revealed that the former frontman had returned to the group, Worsnop’s other band, We Are Harlot has responded to the news. On Monday (Oct. 24), the group took to Facebook to address Worsnop’s return to his former band.

Like the AA Family, the guys from We Are Harlot found out about Asking Alexandria’s newest addition the same way everyone else did; though the Internet. “So, just like everybody else, we were pretty much blindsided by all this in the same way. We saw and heard bits of things but found out in about the same way you all did,” the band wrote in a lengthy Facebook post.

The band addresses the fact that things do tend to change quickly in the music world and that an artist, and everyone behind the scenes, needs to make split-second decisions in order to survive in that industry. “Everybody in the music industry – bands, labels, managers, agents, lawyers, you name it – are doing what they can to survive. Everything that is happening now is fully understandable, from behind the curtains.” While it looks like Worsnop left his band in favor or Asking Alexandria, don’t expect We Are Harlot to play the victim card in this story. “We in [We Are] Harlot will in no way act as though we are the victims,” they continue in the post.

Currently, it looks like their future might be a little murky, but the group assures fans that they have stuff in the works and to expect a new album in the new year. “But rest assured, Harlot will not be sidelined in ANY way and know full well that you will have a new Harlot album in your hands by Feb. One way or another.”

In his own statement, Worsnop did assure We Are Harlot fans that he would be involved in the band’s new record. We Are Harlot’s lengthy post can be read here.

Former Neck Deep Guitarist Cleared of Wrongdoing

It’s been a couple of months since former Neck Deep guitarist Lloyd Roberts had been accused of sexual misconduct and now, the musician has given an update on the case. On Tuesday (Oct. 13), Roberts took to social media to post a statement about the investigation. After a thorough investigation by the North Wales Police, the guitarist was informed that no case was found and that the case had been closed.

Read Roberts’ statement about the incident below.

“In August this year I stepped down from Neck Deep after serious allegations were directed at me online.

I was horrified and sickened by these accusations and in order to clear my name, I contacted the police myself and asked them to investigate.

Now, following a thorough investigation by North Wales Police, I received confirmation yesterday that officers have found no case for me to answer and that their investigation is now closed. 

It has been an immensely difficult time for both me and my family. When these claims surfaced I’d just become a dad for the first time and so the situation I found myself in with these accusations caused us all a great deal of emotional distress. 

I also felt the need to step down from Neck Deep just as we were beginning to get the recognition we’d all worked so hard to achieve. 

I’m now looking to put this horrendous chapter in my life behind me as I instead look forward to the future. For me, that means doing the one thing I love the most – writing and recording music. 

I’ve got some exciting plans in development, so watch this space. 

In the meantime I’d like to thank all of the Neck Deep fans who stuck with me and offered me support over the past few months. It meant a lot to me.

I’d also like to wish my Neck Deep comrades all the best for the future. I’m sure our paths will cross again soon.

Thanks,

Lloyd Roberts”

In August, reports began to surface that the musician had been accused of sexual misconduct with a female fan. The alleged victim had taken to her Tumblr to tell her story of what had happened. According to her post, the alleged victim was 15 years old at the time of the supposed misconduct which included Roberts sending her nude photographs of himself.

As soon as the allegations made news, Roberts took to social media to tell his follows that “if any one thinks I’ve done something wrong, please tell the police. I’ll be more than happy to help.” He later followed it up with the message: “My previous statement still stands, until the point I hear otherwise I’m going to carry on with my life. Outside the internet.” Roberts then took down his Twitter account and a few days later revealed that he, and Neck Deep, had parted ways.

At the same time Roberts was being put through the wringer, bassist Fil Thorpe-Evans was also accused of sexual misconduct, though no real proof ever surfaced.

Alexisonfire Clear Up “Officially Back” Declaration

When news hit that Alexisonfire had confirmed they were “officially back,” fans around the world rejoiced. Now, several days after the declaration was made at Riot Fest Toronto, the Canadian band is backtracking about the declaration. In a statement released on behalf of the group, it explains just what their version of “officially” being back means. Spoiler: it does not include a new album or a tour.

Read Alexisonfire’s statement below.

“It was an unforgettable summer. All of us are extremely grateful to have such loyal and dedicated fans who were willing to stick with us. That being said, we feel the need to clarify something.

‘Alexisonfire is officially back’ may well be true, but it seems some may be reading more into this than they should. The truth is, nothing has really changed. We all have our own careers and families which require our attention and as far as Alexisonfire is concerned, there are no immediate plans.

What ‘Alexisonfire is back’ does mean is that the 5 of us are back in each other’s lives and are as good friends now as we’ve ever been. If we’re lucky, we’ll see you out there again. Thank you for sharing in the moment with us.”

While the glimmer of hope that an immediate tour or album have been squashed, it might be a good time to point out that they said in the released that “there are no immediate plans.” Maybe, in the near future something will happen. Considering the group announced their breakup in 2011 and did their whole farewell tour thing in 2012, it’s good to know that there’s hope for new music and other things.

Slaves Issue Statement About Removal From Warped Tour

For anyone who attended the Vans Warped Tour during the past week, noticeably, there was a band missing from the line-up: Slaves.

The Jonny Craig-led group was quietly taken off the line-up and almost as fast as that hit the web, rumors began including the one in which the band was kicked off because they were caught selling drugs from their merchandise tent.

Turns out, the group was allegedly dismissed from the traveling rock show due to Craig harassing the band’s merchandise worker while drunk, which, reportedly, was in violation of their contract.

Instead of keeping the group on the tour, it was voted during the tour’s Town Hall Meeting that Craig and the rest of Slaves were to be removed from the remaining dates.

Slaves have now taken to the internet to issue a statement about their removal from Warped Tour.

“I’m going to keep this as short as i can, first i’m going to address the rumors that are NOT true.

There were NOT drugs involved nor was anyone in our band looking to buy, or sell drugs.

There was NO RAPE or any forceful sexual harassment, no woman was ever touched or even spoken to, just felt uncomfortable by our behavior.

We NEVER agreed to Warped Tour, Or to Colleen that we would not drink on this tour.

We did NOT empty our non existent sewage tank from our bus all over

Let me make it clear that we are not continuing Warped Tour because we were voted off because the opinions of certain people who believe that since Jonny drank, despite his success getting clean, will lead to his relapse.

This band has been under a microscope for everything we have done, we have had to bite our tongue for every completely twisted story that hits the internet, and are now being called rapists for something the internet doesn’t know about, all of this is because of what people have read about Jonny’s past instead of what people KNOW about who Jonny is.

We aren’t the people you have read about, if you would take the chance to get to know us you would see that every situation isn’t what you read of it online.

Our first merch person was a very attractive girl whom remains to be our very good friend. You can read her statement here: http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1sn3q90

We stood by jonnys side the last year, we stood by his side last night and we will stand by his side this morning. because we KNOW the truth.

This is all we are going to say about this situation.

cheers”

From Autumn to Ashes Frontman Releases Statement About Alleged Sentencing

It’s been couple of weeks since From Autumn to Ashes revealed they were dropping off their own reunion tour due to a “personal emergency.” Soon after, Lambgoat unveiled that the real reason behind FATA’s departure from the tour stemmed from frontman Francis Mark being allegedly “sentenced in Michigan for maintaining a drug house.”

Over the weekend, the band, or more specifically Mark himself, released a statement to fans about the situation. As it turns out, what Lambgoat had reported at the beginning of the month was closely accurate to what had happened. Mark revealed in his brief statement that he was not arrested, but rather he turned himself into the police. Also, the supposed drug house that was being reported by many outlets, including ourselves, was actually a medicinal marijuana facility. Like the first statement the band issued when they revealed they were leaving the tour, Mark promises that he and the rest of From Autumn to Ashes will make it up to their fans as soon as they can.

Mark’s full statement about the incident can be read below.

“I wanted clarify a few things in the press and express my gratitude to the fans who continue to stick by us in these trying times.  I turned myself in and was not arrested. The alleged drug house in question was merely a medicinal marijuana facility. I speak not only for myself but on behalf of From Autumn To Ashes that we will make up the dates as soon as we possibly can. Thank you for the years of support and see you soon.

Francis Mark”

Enter Shikari Frontman Addresses Incident at Recent Show

Things did not turn out so good for Enter Shikari frontman Rou Reynolds.

During a show at Plymouth Pyramids last Monday (Feb. 16), the frontman had decided to go into the crowd during “Radiate”/”Gandhi Mate” and something led to another and Reynolds punched someone in the crowd.

In a fanshot video, which only lasts five second and is really dark, you can kind of make out Reynolds punching said person.

Instead of letting the incident get a life of its own (even if it’s been over a week),Reynolds has taken to the web to clarify what went on and led to his decision to knock someone out.

Sadly, it’s something that has become a major problem at shows when band members go into the crowd or even when fans decided to jump on the stage. According to Reynolds, while he was in the dense crowd, some audience members decided to start pulling his pants down and feel his “undercarriage.”

He said he tried to get them to stop by being a “big man,” but that plan failed and led to what happened in the video.

Read his full statement below.

“Hi all, Rou here.

Just seen this video and in order to stop speculation just thought I’d clear up what happened.
After performing the end of ‘Radiate’ in the crowd some people behind me began trying to pull my trousers down . I tried to push them away a few times but due to the density of the crowd this didn’t work. It then progressed (perhaps fuelled by some sort of stubborn oneupmanship) and I began to have my buttocks and my… er, ‘undercarriage’ groped. At this point I spun round pretty shocked and intimidated and asked angrily if they “wanted a punch” – lighter approaches having not worked! – hoping his would stop it.

That seemed to do the opposite and gave them more vigour. I defy anyone to have their scrotum grabbed and not lash out instinctively…

Obviously violence is never the answer and I’m very unhappy personally with how I acted. I should have left the crowd and headed back to stage immediately when this started happening but due to the density of the crowd and the intensity of the situation things played out differently, I’m only human.

The rest of the show was thoroughly enjoyable and the audience overall were great. Everyone else we met before and after the show was absolutely lovely too. It’s a shame but obviously because of this incident I won’t be heading into densely packed crowds in the near future.

P.S. To address the “they paid to see you, so it doesn’t matter what they did…” argument; the ticket price for an Enter Shikari show doesn’t include free access to my gonads I’m afraid. You’re not a doctor. And I’m not a prostitute.

We appreciate & respect every single person that supports us and all we ask in return is respect back. The way this person/people acted was not respectful whatsoever.”

Bayside Frontman Issues Statement About New Song Diss

Yesterday afternoon, Bayside released a scathing new song titled “Dancing Like an Idiot.” In conjunction with the song’s release, they had an interview with Billboard about the idea behind the track.

In the interview, frontman Anthony Raneri revealed how it was inspired by bands who like to lead fake rebellion, or “mall rebellion” like he said. Apparently, not a lot of people were happy about the message of the song and began to call out the band about the lyrics including one part where they say, “you’re basically One Direction of they had throat tattoos.”

Feeling the fire from listeners, Raneri responded, clearing up the message of the song and even taking those bashers calling the group’s lyrics “violent and misogynistic.”

Read the full message below.

“Yesterday, we debuted a new song that we wrote called “Dancing Like an Idiot”. I want to clear a few things up.

Let me first be clear that I’m not intending to backtrack or soften any criticism. We meant what we said in the song and it came out as we intended and we’re proud of it and its message. Dialogues are great and important. I said what I wanted in the song, a lot of people had responses, and now I want to continue the discussion and anyone is free to respond to this should they feel so inclined.

The song is not about good bands or bad bands. We all have bands that we like and don’t like. We may be one you don’t like. It’s all open to your tastes and opinions and that’s a great thing. It also isn’t about the Warped Tour. The Warped Tour is an institution that we are proud to have been aligning with for over a decade. The reason Warped Tour comes up when I talk about the song is because it is the setting for the story. It is where you can see and experience a lot of new things and you may not like it all. It also is very purposefully not about “kids these days”. I wrote the song from a perspective of being tired of hearing about “kids these days”. The song is about the people responsible for being a bad influence on “kids these days”. I’ve walked around Warped Tour and heard sexist and homophobic slurs come from the stage. I’ve heard front men implore girls to take their tops off. I’ve heard not giving a fuck championed and encouraged. I do give a fuck and I want kids to give a fuck about what they do and say and become. I want to challenge people to be better and I don’t know if I am doing that but I can be proud to say that I take my responsibility seriously and try everyday to at least not make it worse.

Which brings me to a really interesting point. I have seen some interesting and poignant comments about past Bayside lyrics being violent and misogynistic. I’m not going to deny it. I have always written songs from the top of my head. I write journals and then I turn them into lyrics. Literally. I wrote some songs when I was younger in which I was venting and at the time, it was a cathartic experience to get the crazy thoughts out. A lot of people do this in their heads and in private journals and my journals have been published. I think it goes without saying that I never intended to encourage anyone to put their ex lover’s head on a stick, but the misogynistic undertones aren’t lost on me looking back 10-12 years later. I am obviously a smarter, more mature and most importantly, more stable person these days. If you have listened to Bayside since the beginning, you have watched me grow up. I’m not looking to gain favor from anyone who felt like I was a hypocrite. I read some people say it and thought they had a good point and that if I was going to call out anyone else, then I owe everyone full disclosure. I knew that I had become better and more responsible in my life and my lyrics and I suppose I assumed that people would just know and I understand how they wouldn’t.

Selling fake and misguided rebellion is not only cheap, but dangerous. I’m not saying that I’m selling real rebellion or any, for that matter. I’m not the best role model, singer, songwriter or example that ever lived. But I try my best and in 15 years, I’ve never tried to sell a lie to anyone to sell an extra t shirt. I’m not a rebel. I’m not a punk. I just say what I’m feeling and I do my best to not hurt anyone in the process.
And yes, I know. Breathe.”

No Devotion Drummer Leaves Band

No Devotion drummer, Luke Johnson announced earlier in the day that he has departed from the band. In a statement to fans, the drummer revealed that after two years with the group, who have yet to release a debut album, just a couple of tracks since their formation, he had decided it was his time to leave.

“No Devotion has been an integral part of my daily life for the last two years. It comes with great sadness to announce that after the NYC show on October 28th 2014 I parted ways with No Devotion. This was a very difficult decision to make; we have been through a lot together. Love ‘em like brothers! I’d like to say a big thank you to all the people that continue to support me, especially the Fans! Much love and Respect!”

A few hours after Johnson announced the news, the rest of No Devotion took to Facebook to release their own joint statement about the departure. In the statement, they reveal Johnson had gone to them a while back to tell them that he would not be able to fulfill his commitment to No Devotion.

Matt Tong, formerly of Bloc Party will be replacing Johnson for the remainder of the recording sessions while Phil Jenkins of Kids in Glass Houses will take over the drum kit during upcoming shows.

Read the band’s statement below.

“To clarify this morning’s news: A few months back, Luke approached us with the concern that he would be unable to fulfill commitments to No Devotion moving forward. It was sad to hear, because we’ve obviously been on quite the journey together over the past five years. We didn’t say anything publicly, because deep down we hoped he’d change his mind.

Matt Tong (formerly of Bloc Party) stepped in to fill in on drums for the remainder of recording, and Phil Jenkins from Kids in Glass Houses will be joining us for our upcoming shows.

We wish Luke all the best, and are looking forward to seeing everyone in this new year.”

No Devotion formed after the demise of Lostprophets two years ago with the remaining members of the defunct band and Thursday frontman, Geoff Rickly. As of now, the band have only released a handful of song while a debut record is currently in the works, like the band statement hints at.

Set Your Goals Vocalist Updates Fans on Band’s Current Status

Earlier this week, Set Your Goals vocalist Matt Wilson revealed he had formed a new band named Chains. chains, like Wilson revealed, would be his outlet for songs he had written that did not have the Set Your Goals sound.

Apparently, their fans were not happy with his new project announcement.

According to Wilson, fans had taken to the web to flood him with angry messages demanding an update on the band and whether or not they have officially split up.

In order to inform those angry fans about the status of the band, Wilson posted a lengthy update on their Facebook page, giving them a little bit of insight on what each individual member has been up to.

“On a related note, I’ve gotten a ton of angry messages asking for an answer on the status of the band. The truth is, we just don’t know the future for certain and don’t want to get people’s hopes up or give any information that could end up being untrue. As a band, we are laying low for a while and busy individually with our adult lives. We haven’t “broken up” per se, we’re just focusing on other things for the time being. Here’s what we’ve been up to:

-Dan got married and will be moving to Atlanta, GA, next month.

-Joe recently moved to Portland, OR, and plays in a band called Great Collapse

-Jordan returned to school and is pursuing film. He still needs another surgery before he can resume full use of his Achilles’ tendons again, as far as I know.

-Mike started ambrosewoodworks.com and builds high end tables, and plays in U.S. Light Brigade and What’s Eating Gilbert.

-Audelio had a daughter named Olivia, works for Glad Rags, and plays with What’s Eating Gilbert.

-I run a record label called Calaveras Records and started a band called Chains. I also work for Snoop Dogg doing tour merchandising and production.

Hope that answers some of your questions.

-Matt”

Well Matt, we hope that answers their questions as well.

Mikey Way (ex-MCR) Reveals Battle with Addiction, Rehab Stint

We will admit to being one of the first to joke about how all the member of My Chemical Romance have been able to transition to their own solo musical endeavors, but how we’re still waiting for former bassist Mikey Way to put out his new album.

Earlier in the year, Alternative Press had written that Way’s new project, electro-duo Electric Century was one of the year’s “most anticipated” groups, but that was at the beginning of the year. 2014 is quickly wrapping up and we still have no album or new songs since their first song was revealed at the beginning of the year.

Turns out, things were a lot more serious than what anyone thought. Today, Way acknowledged the repeated questions about EC’s new album, but due to personal demons, that was not happening anytime soon.

In the post, Way writes how he had been battling addiction for years and when MCR broke up, it got worse and even with a fresh slate in the form of a new band, things did not get better. Under a false pretense, Way was led to the recording studio to finish recording Electric Century’s debut album, only to come to the realization that it was an intervention for rehab.

Read the full statement below which also touches on the subject of touring, something Way says he is not completely interested in doing, at least not at the current moment.

“It’s been a minute since the last time we talked. There’s something I have needed to get off of my chest for quite some time – Because most of you have stuck by my side and supported me for over a decade now and you deserve the truth. The program is about brutal honesty, not only with your self but with others too.

I can’t tell you how many times I have opened Twitter or Instagram over the past 7 months to see someone asking about Electric Century and what is next for the band. I want you all to know why I went dark earlier this year and why I haven’t addressed any of your questions about the band up until this point.

In February of this year, I flew to the East Coast to finish up the EC record. Upon my arrival, I was told “you aren’t here to record” and I instantly knew what was going on. I was going to rehab. I felt an odd sense of comfort and thanked my friends for doing this for me. In the months prior I had come to realize that my addiction was far past me being able to beat it alone. In all honesty, at that point I was lucky to be alive. I have talked about sobriety in the past but frankly it was all just wishful thinking, I could talk with the best of them but now it’s time to do the real work or as they say in the program, “walk the walk”.

Physically entering the rehab facility was one of the most terrifying yet rewarding things I have ever done. Getting onstage and playing in front of tens of thousands of people used to be the most frightening thing for me, but getting the help I knew I needed made that look relaxing. During my 31 plus days of treatment, I learned a lot about myself and a lot about what I needed to do to never go back down that path I had been stumbling upon.

I had been self medicating for more than half my life. And as the band grew, so did the introduction of more drugs and more alcohol. Each time I thought I had hit rock bottom I really hadn’t seen the worst yet. When the band broke up, my using had intensified and I fell into total darkness. In the true form of an addict, I disconnected from everyone I knew and pushed away every one I loved. At that point in my life, I was not only lost but in complete self-destruction mode. In February, I was told I should never have woken up.

Electric Century started because I still had something I wanted to share with the world. I wanted it to be a special project that showed another side of me, and told a story I had wanted to tell for quite some time. During my stay in rehab, I was finally ready to admit something I hadn’t said out loud yet – Touring was just not something I was ready for or wanting to do. I was going along with everything up to that point because that is what I had always done. But, I no longer want to be that person, and I am trying to learn to say no and to put myself, and my mental health first. Will I ever tour with EC… maybe? Where I am in life right now, I want to continue to create and release music. For now, I am letting the chips fall where they may and I am hoping to get this music to all of you as soon as humanly possible.

You don’t really believe them when they warn you about the difficult road ahead. You think it will be easier than it really is. They were right. A few months ago, I was afraid to leave my apartment, afraid to drive my car- afraid of absolutely everything.

But now I can say it’s getting better every day and for the first time in my life I am saying that in all honesty. 8 months in I have more clarity than I have had in decades.

The only thing I am still working on getting past are the decisions I made when I wasn’t me. I still have to own up and take responsibility for these things. I lost friends and I lost time, but those closest to me have accepted my apologies are still by my side and that means so much to me. There are still friendships I am mending to this day, but that is all part of this new life I am creating for myself. You can’t un-ring the bell, but you can always learn to ring it better.

I learned through all of this that it’s okay to ask for help. So for all of you struggling – seek help. Tell someone close to you that you are struggling and allow the program to do it’s work. It saved my life and I am eternally grateful for that. You will be hearing much more from me and EC in the coming months, that I can promise you. Here is to the next chapter in my life and to taking things one day at a time…because that is all we really have.”