Longtime As I Lay Dying guitarist Phil Sgrosso now also quits, citing “concerning patterns of behaviour”
It’s been a long week for As I Lay Dying. Following the abrupt departures of three members Ryan Neff, Ken Susi, Nick Pierce (all of whom cited personal reasons) and tour manager Alex Kendrick — and the consequent cancellation of the controversial metal band’s European tour — longtime guitarist Phil Sgrosso has announced that he, too, has quit the band.
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The move comes amid what Sgrosso describes as a “difficult and serious situation”.
Addressing his exit via a statement on Instagram, Sgrosso states: “With recent events, including the departure of band members and the cancellation of our European tour ahead of a new album release, it’s clear we’re in a difficult and serious situation.”
“Simply put, 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. After witnessing some concerning patterns of behaviour, I’ve realised that I can no longer, in good conscience, enable further actions that could negatively affect anyone working within this space.”
“For these reasons, I feel it’s in my best interest to completely distance myself, both creatively and personally, from As I Lay Dying. I also want to share my full support for Ryan, Ken, and Nick, who made the choice to step away recently. I’m grateful for our accomplishments and friendship over the past 3 years.”
Sgrosso adds that the band has been “held back by dysfunction” over the years, and that he no longer feels like it’s his responsibility to “bear that burden”.
“Thank you to everyone who has shown support for me and the music of As I Lay Dying. I’m looking forward to putting my energy and creativity into new, more positive ventures in the near future.”
With Sgrosso’s departure, vocalist Tim Lambesis is now the sole remaining member of the San Diego metalcore outfit. The band previously went on an indefinite hiatus in 2013 after Lambesis was jailed for hiring a hitman to kill his ex-wife, but reformed upon his release – though longtime members Nick Hipa and Josh Gilbert would leave the band in 2020 and 2022 respectively.
Read Sgrosso’s full statement below.
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A post shared by Phil Sgrosso (@philsgrosso)
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