Three members of As I Lay Dying abruptly quit the band in a controversial move
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Three members of metalcore band As I Lay Dying have abruptly quit, leaving behind singer Tim Lambesis who was convicted in 2014 of hiring a hitman to kill his wife.
The three departing band members, bassist Ryan Neff, guitarist Ken Soucy, and drummer Nick Pearce, all joined after their release from prison in 2022.
Neff was the first to announce he was leaving, writing on Instagram on Friday: “As of today, I have decided to leave As I Lay Dying.
“This choice comes after much thought and I believe it is the right step for my personal and professional journey. I am grateful for the experiences and connections I have made during my time with the band. Thanks to all the fans for your support.”
Guitarist Susie wrote in her own Instagram post: “Playing with I Lay Dying is over today. I am very grateful to everyone who has followed and supported me since the days of Unearth in this era of my career. I jumped into AILD camp with a complete knowledge of high drama history but the drive to play great music with great friends.
“Unfortunately, my personal morals have recently been tested to a breaking point, and this is now the saddest end to what could have been a great second chance for this band.”
Susie went on to defend Neff, who she said “had a lot of backlash for resigning in the first place.” Susie added: “I regret not being able to share this decision sooner and stand by my friend with confidence — he's a perfect musician and an even better person.”
In his own post, drummer Pearce said: “As of now, I'm no longer playing drums for As I Lay Dying. This is far from the ending I expected, and I think I have to distance myself from the band in an effort to maintain my personal health and integrity.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to those who have followed and supported me throughout this journey. My goal is to create unforgettable memories with my friends and write music that will truly resonate with our fans. I'm proud of what I've achieved road touring, as well as writing and recording drums for the new album.
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“Looking forward, I am excited to continue my drumming career and pursue what I love most which is making music. My touring and session schedule is now actively open to new opportunities.
The band's eighth album, Through the storm aheadTo be released on November 15.
Although they previously promoted the group as a Christian rock act, they were previously controversial after Lambesis admitted that he was an atheist.
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