Artist Vs Poet Vocalist and Drummer Leave

Artist vs Poet vocalist Tarcy Thomason and drummer Joe Westbrook have left the band. Guitarist Joe Kirkland will take over as frontman and new guitarist Dylan Stevens has also been added.

Thomason posted the following statement:

"There is not an easy way for me to start this… This is to anyone who has ever supported me, or Artist Vs Poet. First of all… I truly believe that i’ve come to know, and become friends with, some of the most genuine fans ever. And that is why this is so hard for me to say:

Shortly after the Fearless Friends tour i made the decision to part ways with Artist Vs Poet, i know… I got to the point before i explained myself, well here it is folks. I made my dream come true and married my best friend Heather early last year and also had my first born child Lennon Cody Thomason. This has been the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me, just seeing my wife and baby boy everyday means the world to me, which is why i had to make the decision to stay at home for good. Quitting something that was my life for so many years, meeting such amazing people like (to name a few) Canada, Devin, Brooke, Amanduhhhh, Maddie, Brittni, Laura, Fat Kat, Laura not to mention my new family that i had the pleasure of touring with, and the best label out there, Fearless Records, has has been hard for me…. but i gained so much more, there is no way i could put into words how happy i am. I could not be any more lucky to have the family that i have.

On that note i want nothing but the best for Joe Kirkland and Jason Dean continuing with Artist Vs Poet. I love those guys and hope nothing but the best for them!
In no way, shape, or form done with music. If you would like to keep in touch with me, my family, and new beginnings, stay tuned.

In the words of John LENNON: “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans”

I love you guys and thank you for everything!
Tarcy Thomason"

Screeching Weasel Members Quit After SXSW Incident

Several members of Screeching Weasel have resigned from the band, after vocalist Ben "Weasel" Foster attacked to female fans at SXSW in Austin, TX last weekend.

The band gave the following message to PunkNews.org:

"The members of Screeching Weasel (Dan Schafer, Adam Cargin, Justin Perkins, and Drew Fredrichsen) would like to offer a sincere apology to our fans, our management (Ben Perlstein @ Motivation Management), Chad and Vanessa @ Fat Wreck Chords, Deborah Toscano @ Devil Dolls Booking, The Scoot Inn and it's employees, all the support bands, and anyone else negatively impacted by the scene that developed in Austin last Friday night, March 18th.

The un-calculated act put forth by Ben Foster leading up to and including the violence that erupted on stage is seen by the band as shameful and embarrassing. The sentiments and actions expressed were completely out of our control and in no way represent the band members' view points or moral compasses. As a result, the band has discussed at length and has come to the conclusion that as a group we will not likely be able to muster the dignity to attempt a live performance as "Screeching Weasel" in the for-seeable future. We each look forward to re-evaluating our involvement in the band as we move forward if we are given the opportunity.

Collectively, as musicians, we feel that it is imperative that the music do the talking. We have made every effort as a group to ignore the gossip, Internet feuds, and general negativity that has (at times) overshadowed what we believe being in a band is really about. It is pointless to try to place the blame where those actions are concerned and we don't care to get involved other than to say we don't condone or support any of it. We are very proud of the effort we put forth in creating what we believe to be a fantastic new album in "First World Manifesto" and it deeply saddens us that we will not be able to bring that excitement to audiences around the world in the form of a live show in the coming months.

We all feel extremely deflated following this public spectacle and would no doubt be doing the music an injustice if we were to force a performance. As friends and band mates, we are absolutely positive that Ben regrets his actions last Friday night. We have no doubt that his apology is sincere and that if he could take it all back, he would. We don't wish to place any more hardship upon him with our decision to discontinue our involvement at this time, but it is something that can not be avoided.

In the future we would love to see these wounds heal and for the opportunity to play together in a positive light materialize. If Ben feels the need to immediately carry on with a new cast of characters--we support his right to do so. Again, we would like to thank our fans for all of their past support and hope that they will continue to support us should the opportunity to perform as "Screeching Weasel" present itself again in the future.

Thanks for everything,

Dan, Adam, Justin, & Drew"

Josh Farro and Zac Farro Leave Paramore

Paramore have announced Josh and Zac Farro have left the band.

The band released the following statement:

"Over the past 6 years, our band has been through some of the most intense and incredible experiences of our lives. None of these things have been without trial. We've worked so hard to get to where we are and the fact that you are all still here with us says something about you that we will never be able to truly understand. You have stuck with us through thick and thin and we are so grateful. A couple of months ago, Josh and Zac let us know they would be leaving the band after our show in Orlando last Sunday. None of us were really shocked. For the last year it hasn't seemed as if they wanted to be around anymore. We want Josh and Zac to do something that makes them happy and if that isn't here with us, then we support them finding happiness elsewhere. But we never for a second thought about leaving any of this behind. We really hope that you can be encouraged by the fact that the three of us who are still here are ready to take on another chapter of our journey together. You have always been what keeps us going so why would we stop now? We want to stick by you. Knowing that we have a unified passion and a clear vision makes us feel stronger than ever.

The "blog" that was posted regarding everything that is going on with our band was a fake. We aren't sure who did it or why... And we aren't sure how they timed it this way. This is the first time that we have spoken out about what's going on and we wouldn't have released an official statement that important through a personal blog. So, we're sorry for any confusion and just to remain clear, this is the first time we have spoken out about this.

We have some amazing things lined up for next year starting with our tour in South America. We are still coming to you and we are excited about who we are bringing with us! The tour is still on and we can't wait to see you all.

As we look back, and now as we look with excitement to the future, in all of this what truly matters are the good times. The pictures of us with our arms around each other, the long van rides, your faces while you sing along as we play. Thank you for getting us right here to this very moment. We look forward to our best times. And we hope you will go there with us.

Love,
Hayley, Jeremy & Taylor
Paramore"

Closure In Moscow Announce Drummer and Bassist Departure

Closure In Moscow have announced the departure of bassist Brad Kimber and drummer Beau McKee.

The band released the following message:

"A lot of you are asking why Brad and Beau are not in the latest video released. To clear things up, as of a few months ago, Brad Kimber and Beau McKee are no longer members of Closure In Moscow.

Brad departed from the band in the hopes of pursuing a future in the United States with his dearest fiancee.

In the case of Beau; after years of playing and travelling together it became apparent that he was, unfortunately, not the right fit for CIM and our plans for the future.

These two gents are still and will always be close friends and we wish them the best in all future endeavours. For the future, Salvatore Aidone will be replacing Beau as CIM’s new drummer – a relationship which is already working out incredibly. We can’t wait for you all to see (and of course hear) him in action. Our bass position is currently being filled for shows by close friends, of which Joshua Collard is kindly helping us out on our current tour of Japan. We hope to have news of the new bassist soon. Stay tuned.

With all the changes, it’s an exciting era for Closure In Moscow and we have a lot of grand plans up our sleeve."

Mike and Johnny Leave The King Blues

Mike (Fruitbag) and Johnny Rich have left The King Blues a lengthy statement can be viewed by clicking read more.

Source: Punktastic

Manny and Durijah Leave Saves The Day

Chris Conley has announced Manny and Durijah are leaving Saves The Day, as they want to concentrate on their Glassjaw duties.

Spencer Peterson (formerly of Hidden In Plain View) will join on drums and Rodrigo Palma will play on the bands forthcoming US tour supporting New Found Glory.

A message from Chris Conley can be seen by clicking read more.

You, Me, and Everyone We Know Members Leave?

According to You, Me, and Everyone We Know's MySpace, Augustine Rampolla (guitar/vocals) and Aaron Stern (drums) have left the band.

Freshman 15 Lose Members

Freshman 15 have parted ways with Jeremy Smith (guitar/vocals) and Breck Blanchard (drums).

Messege from the band:

Hey guys as you may know we need some new members in our band after the departure of Breck and Jeremy. So if you play guitar and sing or play drums send us a video! Make sure to subject the message Audition seeing as we get alot of messages and it helps us search for them!

Secondly we need a new van seeing as the other one was owned by Jeremy! So if you have a van or SUV that has a hitch that can pull a trailer and you want to tour for the Months of August, Sep, and October hit us up!

Thanks everyone!

Ryan Ross Comments on Decision to Leave Panic! At The Disco

Ryan Ross has commented on his and Jon Walker's decision to leave Panic! At The Disco in an interview with MTV.

Ross said:

It's been a little while, a few months since we started thinking that this might be the best thing to do. Jon and I had been writing a bunch of stuff on the road, and it just got to a point when we were off tour, when we were talking about getting together and working on this stuff, that it became pretty apparent that we all weren't wanting to go in the same direction. There was a period where we weren't really talking to each other all that much, and Jon and I were just living at my house and continuing to write. And we kind of realized we needed to get over not speaking and figure out what was actually going on. So we all sat down and pretty much came to the conclusion that the best thing for everyone was to do what we did."

The full article can be read here.

Remaining Panic At The Disco Members Comment on Exit

Panic At The Disco Brandon Urie and Spencer Smith have released a statement commenting on the news earlier today that, Ryan Ross and Jon Walker are to leave Panic At The Disco.

We just wanted to let you know, that the news of Ryan and Jon leaving the band is unfortunately true. It's been an amazing journey being in a band with them, but sometimes individual tastes take friends in different directions and you can't ignore it. They are some of the most talented guys we know, and we're sure that whatever they do next will be great. That said, Panic At The Disco is alive and very very well. We are working on new songs that we are excited for you to hear. Our dates with Blink and Fall Out Boy start in a little less than a month, and we wouldn't miss those for the world. We know everybody has a lot of questions at this point with everything being so out of the blue, most of those should be answered in the coming weeks. We appreciate every one of you, and hope you continue with us on this incredible ride.

Pay attention we have a surprise in store for you.

-Brendon and Spencer

Jon and Ryan Leave Panic At The Disco

Ryan Ross and Jon Walker have announced they are to leave Panic At The Disco. The pair will be starting a new music project, whilst Brandon Urie and Spencer Smith will continue with Panic At The Disco.

Messege from the band:

"Ryan Ross and Jon Walker will be leaving Panic at the Disco to embark on a musical excursion of their own. Though the four of us have made music together in the past, we’ve creatively evolved in different directions which has compromised what each of us want to personally achieve. Over the years, we have remained close and honest with each other, which helped us to realize that our goals were different and that parting ways is truly what is best for each of us. We are all excited for the future, you should be too. -Ryan & Jon"

Tonight Is Goodbye Lose 2 Members

Tonight Is Goodbye have parted ways with Callum and Tom.

Messege from the band:

"Last night we all met to discuss the future of our band. We’ve been together for 3 years, 5 friends playing music that we love and have made countless friendships around the country, with people that we will never forget. However for Callum and Tom being in a band is not the direction that they want to head in. We’ve had the most incredible time with them. Being around the same 5 people in the back of vans, sharing stages, sharing memories has really shaped us into the band and the people that we are today.

This is the end of the line for Tonight is Goodbye as you know it. But that’s not it. Writing this is the most excited that I’ve been for years, the prospect of sharing our new songs with you feels amazing. The easiest thing for us to do would be to call it a day, give up. But that’s just not in our nature, we’ve spent so long putting everything into our new record and we want it to be heard and experienced live. We will come back with new members and we will be playing shows again alot sooner than you think.

We will be playing a final show with Callum and Tom on 11th July in our home town, High Wycombe. It will be held at the Nag’s Head, right where it all started. We’ll be playing as many songs as we can remember through the years, at your request.

All we can do is ask you to keep believing, that’s what we’re doing.

Ant, Casey and George.!

Emmure Members Depart

Ben and Joe Lionetti have left Emmure.

Joe Lionetti said:

""I want to clear the air now since no one is really doing it. Recently, as you may have heard, me and my brother Ben left the band for what they said was a family emergency. That night there was an altercation in the band that really spilt us down the middle even more that we had been in recent months. But to be clear, me and Ben have officially left Emmure. We started this band in our basement in the beginning of '03, however, it seems that it has gotten away from us. I do cherish the time we spent on the road with these guys creating something out of nothing. I'm very proud of what we have accomplished but it is time to move on. Thanks to all the bands and fans that we have made friends with. Thank you so much. We are both already working on other projects. We will keep everyone posted as things progress."