As I Lay Dying's frontman, Tim Lambesis, pleaded guilty to all charges relating to hiring a hitman to take out his ex-wife, Meggan, in 2014. He was sentenced to six years in prison in 2014 but was released in December 2016 on parole and reunited with the band in 2018. In 2022, bassist Ryan Neff, guitarist Ken Susi, and drummer Nick Pierce joined. However, the trio has since decided to part ways with the band.
Ryan Neff was the first to announce his departure on Instagram, and like dominoes, Susi and Pierce followed suit on October 24. All three cited reasons like their personal morals being tested and wanting to retain their integrity without alluding to the exact reasons behind their departure.
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Tim Lambesis' As I Lay Dying bandmates take their leave, all three of them pen heartfelt statements
Neff posted an image of himself on October 19, and the caption 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."
Susi also equipped Instagram to reveal the change of direction:
"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."
He continued, noting that his "personal morals have recently been tested to a breaking point," culminating in "the saddest ending to what could have been the greatest second chance for this band." He also stood up for his friend and As I Lay Dying bandmate, Neff:
"Ryan Neff is receiving a lot of backlash for stepping down first, and I regret not sharing this decision sooner and standing confidently with my friend -- he's a flawless musician and an even better person."
He ended the post with a quippy remark:
"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."
As for the As I Lay Dying's drummer Pierce, here's how he bid adieu:
"As of now, I am no longer playing drums for As I Lay Dying. 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."
He went on:
"I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who followed and supported me throughout this journey. My goal has and always will be to create unforgettable memories with my friends and write music that will truly resonate with our fans. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished on the road touring, as well as writing and recording drums for the new album. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue my drumming career and pursue what I love most which is making music."
Like Susi, he also announced that his "touring and session schedule is now actively open for new opportunities."
Tim Lambesis, now married to Danny, separated from his ex-wife Meggan in September 2012. The two share two daughters and a son, all adopted from Ethiopia. According to The Guardian, Meggan alleged that Lambesis was "obsessed with bodybuilding" and failed to fulfill his fatherly duties.
She also claimed that he was a philander*r and would spend exorbitant amounts of money on tattoos. Hence, according to the prosecution, the allegations prompted Tim Lambesis to put a hit out on her.
Since then, speculations have been ongoing about Lambesis allegedly being abusive to his current wife. However, Danny took to Instagram just last week to clear the air as she vehemently refuted all such doubts. It remains to be seen whether the real reasons behind the trio's departure from the band come to light.
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