Update – July 02nd 3:39pm:
Sumerian Records founder Ash Avildsen has spoken out on the so-called disappearance of Upon A Burning Body frontman Danny Leal. In his statement on the matter he basically spells out that the ordeal was a publicity stunt done by the band without his consent:
“I woke up to a ton of missed calls and just saw all this stuff about Danny Leal of UABB posing as that he’s been abducted or kidnapped. My phone hasn’t stopped ringing since. As a child, we all learn the story “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” and it sticks within our consciousness for a reason. I do not condone this type of publicity stunt. This was done behind my back and I am not OK with it.
In my eyes, there’s never a time to use the possibility of real-life abduction, injury or murder of someone you care about to promote anything, especially an album. If you need to resort to that, then you have lost the plot. We as a society should have evolved past that way of thinking by now and especially within the rock/metal community, given all the tragedy that has happened in our world over the past few years. There are some people who owe us an apology. –Ash Avildsen, Creator & CEO of Sumerian Records.
Original Story:
Upon A Burning Body singer Danny Leal has reportedly gone missing. The group said via their Facebook earlier today:
“Breaking News: Danny Leal (singer of Upon A Burning Body) has been reported missing. He was last seen in his home town of San Antonio TX on Monday, June 30th.”
Two previous tweets from the Leal made a few days back seemingly relate to his disappearance, they include:
This same sketchy car has been driving past my house over and over for the past 3 days straight.
— Danny leal (@Dannyuabb) July 1, 2014
Wide awake now… I could've sworn I heard someone in my house!!!!!
— Danny leal (@Dannyuabb) July 1, 2014
While it’s possible this could be some type of viral campaign leading up to the group’s new album that is expected out in mid-August, thus far no definitive sign has been given that it’s a marketing ploy. One would think that they would also provide a number to contact authorities should they spot him if the report is indeed genuine.
Update – July 02nd 2:49pm:
Alt Press have been using their considerable resources to chase down the validity of Leal‘s apparent disappearance. Thus far they’ve gotten word from Sumerian Records‘ publicist who claims to be “completely in the dark” on the matter.
They also spoke with a representative from the San Antonio, TX police department who have no missing persons report filed for Danny Leal. They did however note that it’s possible he could have been using a stage name or said report could have been filed in a smaller municipality.
Meanwhile, since Alt Press spilled the beans—as hinted at in the original story,—the band will release a new album titled “The World Is My Enemy Now” on August 12th. Advance materials for that album were given to the press as early as last week. That said, there was obviously no mention made of any potential marketing ploy, etc. regarding Leal.
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