While I was dying, Tim Lambesis, the frontman of the band, responded to the recent departure of his fellow band members. In a statement posted on Instagram, Lambesis said he supports “each of the players’ decisions to leave,” adding that he agrees that “at this time it’s best for everyone.”
In October, guitarist Ken Soucy, drummer Nick Pearce, and bassist Ryan Neff – all recent additions to the band – separately said they were leaving the hardcore band. Shortly thereafter, guitarist Phil Sgrosso announced that he was leaving the band amid a “difficult and dangerous situation.”
Lambesis spent nearly three years in prison after pleading guilty to luring an undercover cop to kill his then-wife and relaunched the band in 2018 after his release from prison. He is currently the sole member of As I Lay Dying.
Lambesis wrote on Instagram: “I needed some time to process everything that happened recently with AILD.” “As I reflect, I definitely agree that there was an unhealthy environment that made leaving for a new tour with the previous lineup unrealistic. It has become difficult to know even the smallest details, and I admit that I can hold on to my vision for the future of AILD even when others think it should go in another direction.
“It saddens me to think about the behaviors, communication, and interaction patterns that led to the cancellation of the tour. Phil and I no longer see eye to eye personally, creatively or financially. The discussions during this time prompted his decision to leave first, with each of the touring members deciding to leave shortly afterward, as they were not interested in continuing without him. Unfortunately, this was not the order in which everything was announced, as some announcements were rushed out during a chaotic time in response to rumors.
Regarding the future of As I Lay Dying, Lambesis said that the band will release their eighth studio LP. Through the Coming Stormson November 15. He added that he looks forward to “building a new team, creating a supportive and positive atmosphere and fostering a creative environment.”
In announcing his departure from As I Lay Dying, Sgrosso said: “Simply put, recent actions have shown that As I Lay Dying no longer provides a healthy or safe environment for anyone involved – whether creatively, personally, or professionally. Having witnessed some disturbing patterns of behavior, I realized that I could no longer, in good conscience, enable further actions that could negatively impact anyone working in this space.
“Over time, as I was dying, I was disabled by the dysfunction, and I feel it is no longer my responsibility to carry that burden.”
A source