Three more members have departed from the controversial band As I Lay Dying citing their “personal morals” as a reason.
Frontman Tim Lambesis was sentenced to six years in prison for plotting to kill his wife back in 2014. He was sentenced after pleading guilty to paying a police officer posing as a hitman $1,000 (£630) to kill his then wife, Meggan Lambesis.
After being released in December 2016, Lambesis took to the band’s official Facebook page to post a lengthy statement, “apologising to everyone” for his actions.
The vocalist then reunited with the San Diego band in 2018, who released their first new song in six years with ‘My Own Grave’ and announced details of a homecoming show that summer.
Now, bassist Ryan Neff, guitarist Ken Susi, and drummer Nick Pierce — all of whom joined As I Lay Dying in 2022, following the departure of longtime band members Nick Hipa, Josh Gilbert and Jordan Mancino – have split from the band.
Neff shared a post of himself on his official Instagram account last Friday (October 18) with a caption that read: “As of today, I have made the decision to leave As I Lay Dying. This choice comes after much reflection, and I believe it is the right step for my personal and professional journey.
“I am grateful for the experiences and connections I’ve made during my time with the band. Thank you to all the fans for your support.”
Today (October 24), Susi and Pierce have shared their own posts each, revealing that they have made the decision to also part ways with the band.
“My time playing with As I Lay Dying has come to an end today. I leave with so much gratitude for everyone who followed and supported me from my days in Unearth to this era of my career. I jumped into the AILD camp with full knowledge of the heightened dramatic history but had a drive to just play great music with great friends,” began the caption of his Instagram post.
He continued: “Unfortunately, my personal morals have recently been tested to a breaking point, and it’s now the saddest ending to what could have been the greatest second chance for this band.”
Susi added that he regretted not sharing his decision to leave the band sooner and standing confidently with his Neff, his bandmate and friend, following the loads of backlash he was receiving for sharing he’s out of the band first. “He’s a flawless musician and an even better person,” Susi wrote. “I’ll miss you all on this stage, and I look forward to seeing you on the next one. Anyone looking for a guitar player? My resume is ready.🤘🏼”
Pierce also shared his own Instagram post revealing his departure form the band and wrote: “This is far from being the ending I anticipated, and I feel I need to distance myself from the band in an effort to retain my personal health and integrity. I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who followed and supported me throughout this journey.”
He concluded his post by saying: “Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue my drumming career and pursue what I love most which is making music.”
Earlier this week, the band’s touring manager Alex Kendrick also announced that he had quit his role. In a now-deleted tweet, Kendrick wrote: “I no longer work for AS I LAY DYING – I do not wish to be asked questions nor will I answer any. I’ve made life long memories that will never be forgotten but my chapter of the book has completed. I wish everyone the best of luck and clearly I’m still rocking with Phil out here,” (as per BraveWords).
At the time of writing, As I Lay Dying consists of two members, Lambesis and guitarist Phil Sgrosso. The band’s eighth album ‘Through Storms Ahead’ is set for release on November 15.
