Thy Art Is Murder singer CJ McMahon has left the band.
In a shock to their near half a million fans on Facebook, band mates wrote in a prepared statement that McMahon would no longer be a part of the band. “It is unfortunate that with our best year to date and our biggest paved out before us that he has decided to leave…All this being said, touring as hard as we do does take its toll on you physically, but more important mentally and emotionally.”
“We are an underground metal band, and have been so fortunate over the last two years to carve out a small income thanks to so many dedicated and generous fans around the world. For some people, it comes to a turning point in their life where that income is no longer enough for their personal goals, and that point has come for CJ.”
So where does that leave Thy Art Is Murder?
“The four of us are continuing forward into 2016 for some of the biggest and best tours of our lives. We won’t be slowing down or missing any shows. We head back out next month with Parkway Drive and Architects throughout Europe and the UK and will be taking one of our favourite vocalists with us, Nick Arthur from Molotov Solution.”
They ended by saying “…friendship and drive to create extreme music is what has kept us together through thick and thin. Unfortunately not everyone can share this fire.”
CJ has also posted a status on his Facebook page explaining his situation in much more detail. When you read it you completely understand why he is doing what he is. As much fun as it is to be in a touring band, at some stage life taps you on the shoulder and asks you to pay the next bill.
“…to put the finances into perspective for you I /we have earned between $16k-$18k each over 6-7 years, I feel there is something massively wrong with this, I will not live like this anymore. I’m sorry to my fans that I have to go, I have loved you all and I thank you for believing in me supporting me.”
Touring relentlessly and earning $16-$18K a year… there is something desperately wrong with the system.
Thy Art is Murder feature on the cover of HEAVY #15. You can get your copy here
