Tim Lambesis, the lead vocalist of As I Lay Dying, has publicly addressed the band’s current situation following the recent departures of all other members last month. This announcement marks a significant moment in the band’s history, as Lambesis is now the sole remaining member, navigating through a period of transformation and renewal.

In a heartfelt post shared on his social media on November 4, he discussed the “unhealthy environment” that led to his bandmates’ exits, as well as his future plans to recruit new musicians to reinvigorate the group. Additionally, he provided updates on the band’s highly anticipated new album, Through Storms Ahead, which is set to be released soon.

Read his full statement below.

Hi everyone,

I’ve taken some time to process the recent events surrounding As I Lay Dying. Reflecting on everything, I can clearly see that there was indeed an unhealthy environment which made it unrealistic for the previous lineup to continue on a new tour. It became increasingly challenging to manage even the smallest details of our plans. I recognize that I tend to remain steadfast in my vision for the future of AILD, even when others feel it should take a different direction.

It truly saddens me to think about the behaviors, communication breakdowns, and interaction patterns that culminated in the cancellation of our tour. Phil and I no longer found common ground on personal, creative, or financial matters. The discussions we had during this tumultuous period ultimately led to his departure, followed closely by the other touring members who decided not to continue without him. Regrettably, the order of these public announcements did not align with the actual timeline, as some statements were hastily released amidst the chaos of rumors.

I fully support the decisions made by each of the guys to leave and believe that this is the best course of action for everyone involved at this time. With that said, my door will always remain open for direct discussions, as I believe that closing off communication has led to many assumptions and issues of its own.

Looking ahead, I want to emphasize that AILD was built on a foundation of persistence and determination. For those familiar with our early years from 2000 to 2004, you know that more than 20 individuals—whom I am incredibly grateful for—have contributed to realizing this vision I’ve held since I was 19. I eagerly anticipate building a new team and fostering an atmosphere that is supportive, positive, and conducive to creativity.

Our album “Through Storms Ahead” is still set for release on November 15. I take immense pride in what we’ve created, and I look forward to sharing it with all of you.

 

Significant Departures Shake the Foundation of As I Lay Dying

Bassist Ryan Neff was the first member of As I Lay Dying to announce his departure from the band last month. On October 21, he shared a statement indicating that his decision came “after much reflection, and I believe it is the right step for my personal and professional journey.” This marked the beginning of a series of significant changes within the group.

Just two days later, As I Lay Dying’s tour manager, Alex Kendrick, also parted ways with the band, opting not to address any inquiries surrounding the situation. There were subsequent reports of canceled European shows, which prompted speculation about the overall viability of the tour—a cancellation that was later confirmed by the supporting acts.

READ MORE: 10 Times All But One Member of a Band Quit At Once

On October 24, guitarist Ken Susi revealed his departure, expressing, “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.” His statement reflected the internal struggles and conflicts brewing within the group.

Later that same day, drummer Nick Pierce announced his exit, emphasizing his “need to distance myself from the band in an effort to retain my personal health and integrity.” This series of departures left only Tim Lambesis and guitarist Phil Sgrosso, who had been with the band since 2003. On October 24, Sgrosso indicated in a now-deleted social media post that he would provide more clarity regarding his status once a clear path forward was established.

Phil Sgrosso Becomes the Fourth Member to Exit As I Lay Dying

Phil Sgrosso officially announced his departure from As I Lay Dying on October 31, leaving Tim Lambesis as the sole remaining member of the ensemble. In his statement, Sgrosso confirmed the cancellation of the band’s European tour and acknowledged the unhealthy dynamics that had developed among the musicians.

He stated, “Recent actions have shown that As I Lay Dying no longer offers a healthy or safe environment for anyone involved—whether creatively, personally, or professionally.” This sentiment echoed the concerns raised by other members and highlighted the pervasive issues within the band.

Moreover, Sgrosso added, “After witnessing some concerning patterns of behavior, I’ve realized that I can no longer, in good conscience, enable further actions that could negatively affect anyone working within this space.” His decision was rooted in a commitment to fostering a healthier creative environment.

Addressing Unfounded Rumors About Tim Lambesis and His Marriage

Tim Lambesis’ wife, Dany, issued a statement earlier today to address the “unfounded rumors” circulating online, which suggested that the singer had caused her harm. She firmly stated, “It has come to my attention that false claims have been made, suggesting that my husband has harmed me.”

She continued, “I want to make it unequivocally clear that these allegations are completely false. My husband has never caused harm to me in this manner, and I am deeply saddened by the unfounded rumors that have emerged during this challenging time for his band. There has never been an incident that warrants such accusations.” Her statement serves to clarify the situation amidst the ongoing turmoil surrounding the band.

The Complicated History of As I Lay Dying and Tim Lambesis

In 2013, Tim Lambesis faced serious legal troubles when he was arrested for an alleged murder-for-hire plot against his estranged wife, Meggan. Initially, he entered a “not guilty” plea but eventually changed his plea to guilty for solicitation of murder in 2014, resulting in a six-year prison sentence.

During his incarceration, the remaining members of As I Lay Dying—Nick Hipa, Jordan Mancino, Josh Gilbert, and Phil Sgrosso—distanced themselves from him, ultimately forming a new band called Wovenwar as a means of moving forward creatively.

Lambesis was released from prison in December 2016, and approximately two years later, As I Lay Dying made a return, reuniting with all the members who had been involved during the time of his arrest. They announced their comeback album in 2019, titled Shaped By Fire, and embarked on a successful tour to support it.

However, over the next couple of years, Hipa, Mancino, and Gilbert all chose to leave As I Lay Dying. Lambesis later acknowledged that it was incredibly challenging for them to overcome the past events and rebuild trust within the band.