The pandemic years have been a challenging time for San Diego based metalcore outfit As I Lay Dying, with their lineup having been whittled down to just two members: vocalist Tim Lambesis and guitarist/vocalist Phil Sgrosso. Guitarist Nick Hipa was the first to confirm his exit from the group last year, while bassist/vocalist Josh Gilbert followed this past May.
The band’s lineup issues continued earlier this month when drummer Jordan Mancino announced he would be sitting out the group’s immediate touring, citing unspecified “internal issues” within their roster. In light of all the departures, Unearth guitarist Ken Susi, Miss May I bassist/vocalist Ryan Neff and ex-Unearth drummer Nick Pierce were hired onboard as touring musicians for their summer touring
Earlier today, June 17th, Lambesis took to social media to address his side of the fractured relationship with Mancino. Here’s what he had to say of the matter:
“There was a public statement recently made by Jordan Mancino regarding “internal issues within AILD”. We feel that it’s necessary to share a little more information with the fans on the matter in order to better understand the situation and avoid making any wrongful assumptions.
For about the past 2 years, Jordan has ex-communicated himself from the remaining members of AILD informing us that he wishes to only speak through lawyers moving forward.
There have been numerous attempts by the remaining members to reconcile with Jordan to find common ground in how to continue AILD in a healthy and positive manner.
In preparation for post-pandemic band activity, the remaining members felt it unfair to have our ambitions hindered by someone who refused to contribute or communicate openly. We feel this is not an efficient way for a band (or business) to operate productively.
We offered Jordan the chance to get together and jam old songs, or even just get into a room together to talk weeks prior to an established deadline before needing to find a fill in drummer for the upcoming tours. We had no response until we were met with legal documents that Jordan wished to move on from the band and expected a payment in return.
The remaining members feel that we must find other solutions to keep AILD moving forward without Jordan Mancino involved. There is nothing personal with this situation in any way. We want to continue playing music and we cannot be an effective team if a member wants to limit all progress and productivity by refusing to communicate.
The remaining members who write the songs, handle touring logistics, merchandise, etc feel confident that we can pursue our creative ambitions moving forward with greater ease knowing that all members, producers, agents, crew members, etc are enthusiastic to be involved. The driving force of AILD is still well in tact.
Jordan has had a long career of performing AILD songs very well, and his drumming on our earlier records in particular really pushed the genre as a whole. We’ll forever be grateful for his contributions and the good times we shared.”
As I Lay Dying‘s currently booked tours include:
With Whitechapel, Shadow Of Intent & Ov Sulfur:
06/18 Myrtle Beach, SC – House Of Blues
06/19 St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Landing
06/20 Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore
06/22 Richmond, VA – Brown’s Island
06/23 Stroudsburg, PA – The Sherman Theater
With Whitechapel, Shadow Of Intent & Brand Of Sacrifice:
06/24 Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
06/25 Hartford, CT – Webster Theater
06/26 Elmira, NY – The L
06/27 Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian
06/29 Louisville, KY – Paristown Hall
06/30 Columbus, OH – Kemba Live
07/01 Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection
07/02 Ft. Wayne, IN – Pierre’s
07/05 Moline, IL – The Rust Belt
07/06 Green Bay, WI – Epic Event Center
07/07 Omaha, NE – Admiral
07/08 Des Moines, IA – Val Air
07/10 Billings, MT – Zoo Montana
07/11 Great Falls, MT – The Newberry
07/12 Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory
07/14 Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater
07/15 Colorado Springs, CO – Sunshine Studios
07/16 Wichita, KS – The Wave
07/17 Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
As I Lay Dying:
08/04 Feldkirch, AUT – Poolbar-Festival
08/06 Wacken, GER – Wacken Open Air
08/09 Dublin, IRE – Academy
08/11 Josefov, CZE – Brutal Assault
08/12 Frankfurt, GER – Batschkapp
08/13 Kortrijk, BEL – Alcatraz
08/14 Koln, GER – Essigfabrik
08/15 Munchen, GER – Backstage
08/16 Lyss, SWI – Kulturfabrik
08/17 Padova, ITA – Dissonance Festival
08/19 Sullingen, GER – Reload Festival
08/20 Trier, GER – Summer Blast
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