Recent years have seen the lineup of Flaw remain volatile to say the least, with the band having gone through at least two drummers a guitarist and a bassist. Now word arrives that one of their more recent additions—ex-Tantric guitarist Tommy Gibbons—has exited the band mid-tour, due to the alleged addiction issues of Flaw frontman Chris Volz.
Motograter drummer Noah “Shark” Robertson—whom Volz publicly clashed with late last year after touring together—spoke publicly about the matter, calling for Volz to get help. He penned the following open letter on that:
“I’m traveling home from the recent Motograter tour as I type this message. Ironically enough I was listening to the latest Flaw album and felt compelled to pull over and get this out. I’m almost certain I will receive some sort of backlash from this, but I can’t say that I care. I can no longer stay silent…
My intention here is not to slander anyone or call anyone out. I’m hoping that by saying something it will shine a light on the matter and he will get the help that he needs. And I certainly don’t want to roll Tommy under the bus, but something tells me he will understand. Yesterday I received a random Facebook message from Tommy Gibbons… he proceeds to tell me I was right about Chris and that he has left Flaw, mid-tour, due to Chris Volz‘s problems with addiction.
As many of you may remember Motograter recently toured with Flaw. As a long time fan of the band, it was one of the highlights of my music career. After the tour, Chris and I had an unpleasant public exchange through the media… He was randomly talking shit about Motograter and my record label, Zombie Shark Records. It took me by complete surprise.
Mostly because I have been massively inspired by Chris and his music, for as long as I can remember. I’m speaking out about this because I truly wish him the best and I’m hoping that my words today will somehow bring him one step closer to seeking help and conquering his demons. His beautiful voice and powerful lyrics inspire many other people, just like me, all over the world… and I’d love to see him recover so that he can continue to make music that changes and saves lives. His friends, family, and fans need him well!
This is my letter…
In your own words Mr. Volz,
“I’m trying to save you from a fatal fall
‘Cause I don’t think that you can take it
You gotta stop before you lose it all
And find the strength so you can make it”Sincerely,
Noah “Shark” RobertsonP.S. This isn’t the first time I have been contacted by ex-members of Flaw. Among others, I was recently contacted by Chris Ballinger, former drummer of Flaw. He had some harsh words but underneath it all, it only eludes to the fact that Chris needs help.”
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