Why did members of As I Lay Dying leave? Controversial history explored as guitarist Phil Shrosso quits amid Metal Core band mates exit

Why did members of As I Lay Dying leave?
As I Lay Dying album 'Through Storms Ahead' image (Image via official Facebook @ As I Lay Dying)

As I Lay Dying member Phil Shrosso has left the band just a week after three other band members, Ryan Neff, guitarist Ken Susi, and drummer Nick Pierce, also left the band. Shrosso announced his departure from the band via a post on his official Instagram page on October 31, 2024:

"Hey everyone, thank you for your patience as I took time to gather my thoughts before speaking on the current state of As I Lay Dying. 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."

The guitarist continued, explaining the reason why he was leaving the band:

"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 behavior, I’ve realized that I can no longer, in good conscience, enable further actions that could negatively affect anyone working-"

The guitarist stated that he was leaving the band and that he supported the decision of the three other members who recently left the band:

"-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."

The guitarist went on to say:

"With 21 years that I have dedicated to this band, it does not sit well with me to leave or abandon what I’ve considered to be my “life’s work.” I don’t feel that I, or others, should be forced out like so many have in the past."

The guitarist ended the statement by saying that he believed that he and the others who have left can continue with their music in a healthier environment after restructuring and stepping away from the band.

He also stated that, over time, he came to realize that the band was being held back by dysfunction and that he no longer felt the responsibility to bear the burden of said dysfunction. Finally, Phil Shrosso thanked his fans and supporters and stated that he was looking forward to putting his energy into newer, more positive ventures.


As I Lay Dying controversy explored

As I Lay Dying's controversy surrounds its singer, Tim Lambesis. The singer was arrested and convicted for attempting to hire a hitman to kill his estranged ex-wife, Meggan-Murphy Lambesis.

He was arrested in Oceanside, California, on May 7, 2013, after approaching an undercover detective known in the court documents only as 'Red,' and providing them $1000 as well as pictures of his wife, the address, and directions to her house, and code to get into her house, along with the date she was to be killed.

The singer was discharged in 2017, having served three of the six years of his sentence. More recently, allegations of domestic violence have emerged once again on social media against the As I Lay Dying vocalist, which has been dismissed by the vocalist's current wife, Dany Lambesis. However, this did not stop the departure of the band members.

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Edited by Priscillah Mueni