Recently American Head Charge guitarist Ted Hallows and drummer Chris Emery announced their departure from the band. Well, as these things can often play out, a bitter war of words soon erupted in the wake. Vocalist Cameron Heacock vented on Facebook:
“For The Fucking record. Ted ‘Hallows’ quit literally hours before we could fire him. So, thanx, ted…. Legally, you quitting, is a hell of a lot simpler than the alternative. Christopher, I love that you say amicably split when you haven’t spoke to a single remaining member of the band…. Before you quite, and, unless I’m mistaken, since…. Mind you, those of you (being everyone/anyone) privy to this conversation, BOTH TeD AND ChriS QUIT VIA FUCKING FACEBOOK.
Ted, I could care less, but Chris? Over 15+yrs playing all over the world. And you couldn’t give me the courtesy of a heads-up? Ladies and gentlemen you can expect a detailed press/public statement regarding these lineup changes as well as other announcements to be released post-haste. Fear not (or maybe be afraid) there are some remarkably stunning things on HEAD CHARGES horizon, stay tuned”
Band bassist Chad Hanks followed with the below statement regarding the fan speculation over the initial departures:
“You know what? If the current status of my band drives you to speculate, prophesize, or be a bleeding, driveling axe wound, THEN GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. I’ll tell you what’s up when I’m good and goddamn and ready. Jesus fuck…
– Chad Hanks, bassist/co-founder”
Earlier today (July 16th) guitarist Karma Cheema weighed in on the matter as well:
“I think it goes without saying that in many ways a band is very much a family.
Personally I would rather not have these types of band issues discussed or hashed out in public. The same way that I wouldn’t want people sitting in on my actual family discussionsYes , it is unprofessional, and even though many of you care about the band in a way that sparks these types of emotions, it’s not something you should be involved in this intimately.
I would normally sit this out and let people say what they want or need to say and try not to let it bother me, however, I can’t sit back and let Cam and Chad take the onslaught of insults and accusations from people that in reality have no idea what they’re talking about.
To be fair I only read a handful of comments from people upset about Cameron‘s response to Ted and Chris‘ choice to make this a public spectacle.
If you knew Cameron like we do, you would know him to be a man of very few words. When he does speak up, he cuts to the heart of the matter. That type of leadership has made him valuable to us on many occasions.
The point is, the choice to make this public by both Ted and Chris was unprofessional. It was selfish, disrespectful, and totally unnecessary. Cam‘s reaction to that was completely warranted, and wether you agree with what he said or the way he said it, he was at least real.”
