Close Menu
    News

    ASKING ALEXANDRIA’s Sam Bettley Responds After Danny Worsnop’s ‘Warped Tour’ Set Draws Heavy Criticism

    SenecaBy 208 Comments2 Mins Read

    It’s been a tense week among fans of Asking Alexandria, as criticism continues to swirl around the band’s recent performance at the Vans Warped Tour event held at RFK Stadium Grounds in Washington, DC. The set, which was livestreamed and widely circulated afterward, has sparked significant backlash, particularly focused on frontman Danny Worsnop.

    The performance has drawn harsh comparisons to some of the more infamously shaky live moments in rock history, with multiple fans likening Worsnop’s vocals and stage presence to that of Vince Neil (Mötley Crüe) in recent years. Many pointed to a perceived lack of energy and heavy reliance on vocal backing tracks—especially during the band’s closer, “The Final Episode (Let’s Change the Channel)”—as reasons for their disappointment.

    Worsnop doesn’t appear to have publicly commented on the situation, though he has been active on social media recently promoting his country rock solo output and shows. It remains unclear whether the Warped Tour set was an off-day for Worsnop or a worrying sign for what’s to come. It’s worth noting that Worsnop previously quit the band back in 2015 before rejoining in 2016.

    With comment sections and the band’s subreddit lighting up with complaints, longtime bassist Sam Bettley took to Instagram to issue a public apology. While he didn’t directly reference the performance in his initial statement, sources and fan responses suggest the message was indeed meant to address the Warped Tour set and the controversy surrounding it.

    The band has yet to issue an official statement as a group, but the conversation online continues to grow, fueled by the widespread availability of the livestreamed footage.

    You can watch the full set and read fan reactions via YouTube to judge for yourself.

    Do you love independent bands, or are you in one? The Mosh Network is not just a rock/metal news website, but it doubles as an independent band directory, designed so that visitors can browse independent bands by not just subgenre, but location as well. It’s perfect to keep your finger on the pulse of your area’s hottest and newest bands or if you’re in a band, it’s a great way to find bands to network with! Click the banner below and start discovering bands all over the world, now!

    Share.

    Related Posts

    208 Comments

    3. Scotty Oates on

      Was waiting for the band playing next to them at Welcome to Rockville and the backtrack for the screams was just sad imo.

      Reply
    7. Thee Max on

      Bro I saw the YouTube of there set and as a fan I’m disappointed and that shit was straight fucking trash, I would have been pissed seeing that live

      Reply
      • Andrew Wohlschlegel on

        Thee Max I was excited to see them live a few years ago but I was so disappointed they didn’t even play a single song from stand up and scream

        Reply
      • Kyle Hunt on

        went and saw them a few months ago headlining..absolutely horrendous and terribly disappointed. they played some of their older heavier songs with Dennis as their lead, danny refused to hit a single scream, his singing voice is cock water, and the energy is completely non existent on stage. anyone who thinks they sound good live is absolutely brain dead

        Reply
      • Jesse Bean on

        Thee Max i said the same exact thing. Glad i didnt spend money on them. We might have had to fight over that one

        Reply
      • Nicole Bowen on

        Thee Max they were good in 2018? When I saw them. Or whenever shortly after alone in a room and into the fire came out. I was so hyped after seeing them! They did suck last year at one of the 93x fest things here in MN. No stage presence , no effort in singing.

        Reply
      • Joey Cupp on

        Miguel Martinez I was there as well. Mind you I don’t know a lot abiut this band. Why dors he cover his whole body and face?

        Reply
      • Danny Voustros on

        Miguel Martinez was there too I was extremely disappointed in the set. Understand they didn’t play any older bangers but he just sounded bad in my opinion.

        Reply
      • Shawn Woodard on

        Miguel Martinez they sacked ass at rockville too, I walked away after like 3 songs. I just couldn’t take it 😅

        Reply
    14. Zach Dattoli on

      Worsnop hates the first 3 albums. Only wants to be play the new stuff, it wouldn’t surprise me if he did lip sync so he can be his baby ass self.

      Reply
      • James Franzio on

        Conrad Sims it wasn’t him, they had to get a last minute replacement and the best idea was to hide it and try to get away with it but it failed miserably

        Reply
        • Danny Gibson on

          James Franzio no, it was Danny. He’s been dressing like this for their entire tour run in 2025. He’s preforming to backing tracks. Danny has GOT to go.

          Reply
        • Sebastian Sebo on

          James Franzio thats Dannys Voice and he can only good sing country songs, his voice is damaged, on Youtube is a Video about his voice

          Reply
        • Nik Loncar on

          James Franzio brotha look at the other videos it clearly shows his face 🤣🤣 he’s covering his face because he’s lip syncing the screams lmao

          Reply
    16. David Katie Racine on

      I seen them in 2018 with crown the empire and black veil brides. Danny had just rejoined the band and the set was awesome. He actually sung and screamed, didn’t use backing tracks and had the crowd in the palm of his hand from start to finish. I was at the warped tour and didn’t catch their set (was watching Avril Lavigne) but I guess I’m glad I didn’t catch their set after all because my wife wouldn’t budge from Avril. As a fan of AA hearing all this is disappointing.

      Reply
      • Stuart Monroe on

        David Katie Racine I saw them in Nashville on that same tour and yeah Danny was energetic and happy to be playing all their older stuff. After Ben left all of Danny’s tiktoks have been like “I’m not a part of the band, I’m a fill in, they pay me to be there.” He doesn’t care anymore and its really disappointing. AA was my favorite band for the longest time, but seeing him do this makes me wish they’d stop making music and touring or kick him out for good and get back to their roots with a new lead singer.

        Reply
      • Jon SlayPttv Peters on

        David Katie Racine Avril was dope as fuck! I screamed slayer at the beginning of the set cuz she was coming out heavy as fuck lol also my GF was moving either 😆 very glad we didn’t! As we left watching AA drown was kinda like having to put Ole yellar down. Tuff but needed to happen.

        Reply
      • Jeremy Smith on

        David Katie Racine I saw that same set in Atlanta it was amazing! Went and saw them again 2 years ago and was so disappointed.

        Reply
    17. Josh Miller on

      Asking Alexandria was by far best with Denis and no one will change my mind. Ben was smart enough to get out, but it’s really time for them to hang it up. Danny is horrible

      Reply
      • Adam Lynn on

        Josh Miller saying they were at their best with Denis when Stand Up and Scream and Reckless & Relentless both exist is crazy. The black was subpar even with Denis on vocals.

        Reply
      • Eric Scott Burlock Holt on

        Josh Miller denis was trash and couldn’t compare to Danny original sound before he hurt his vocal cords

        Reply
        • Eric Scott Burlock Holt on

          Dylan Rogers Josh Miller maybe now that Danny can’t scream like he use to 😂🤣 but that’s my opinion and I know there was a lot of people that liked having him has the singer I just didn’t like that he went poof

          Reply
        • Dylan Rogers on

          Eric Scott Burlock Holt nah Dennis is even better than Danny on Stand up and scream. He’s phenomenal in Drag Me Out.
          I do wish Asking Alexandria would’ve kept Dennis as a second vocalist honestly.

          Reply
        • Eric Scott Burlock Holt on

          Dylan Rogers see from what I knew Dennis just quit the band one day which is why they brought Danny back because he was basically don’t with heavy metal not being able to scream like he use to

          Reply
      • John Mays on

        Josh Miller tf they were dude was lip singing all of his shows lol their first three albums will forever be better than anything after

        Reply
    18. Slayde Yarbrough on

      My best friend and I went to welcome to Rockville and saw Asking Alexandria. We were really pumped to see him and it was our first time seeing him! we’ve listened to them since the first album.. he wore that same coat and hid himself and literally gave 0 effort, played 5 songs and dipped out 😭

      Reply
      • Kaitlin Giannone on

        Slayde Yarbrough legit same experience at warped tour. I didn’t see his face once. He was the closer for the second night and while all the other bands who were closing played encores and well passed the time they were booked for, Danny dipped before the music was even done. We changed encore for 5 minutes and nothing. I am so heartbroken, they were my favorite band for the last 14 years and he just seems like he doesn’t care anymore 🥺

        Reply
        • Johnny Leonardelli on

          Kaitlin Giannone right we were already half frozen from being wet and the wind in DC excited to see them play.

          Reply
        • Kaitlin Giannone on

          Johnny Leonardelli legit missed simple plan and magnolia park to see AA and I’m so mad I did 😭

          Reply
    22. Crystal Lynn Bokay on

      Everyone has a bad night. I’ve seen them 4 times and have never once been disappointed. Give the guy a break.

      Reply
      • Lincoln Caldwell on

        Crystal Lynn Bokay idk what your metric is for a good live show but they have been pretty consistently terrible for ages. I’ve seen them live many times and the energy they gave was like a nursing home

        Reply
    24. Todd Wallace on

      I seen them back 2013-2014 ish when reckless and relentless dropped that was one of the most stacked metalcore shows ever. It was a crazy time. But idk if I would go now a days. Especially them claiming they will never play there “heavy” stuff again.

      Reply
      • Christian Reynolds on

        Todd Wallace The tour with Whitechapel, Motionless In White, I Killed The Prom Queen and Chimaira I think it was?

        Reply
        • Todd Wallace on

          Christian Reynolds you’re good. Yeah I had to check the poster I have LOL from 2014. I remember we were supposed to be done at 11:00 p.m. but we just kept going by the time we left that show it was like 3:00 in the morning. I’m sure the fire marshal had a fit 😭

          Reply
      • Lincoln Caldwell on

        Todd Wallace I thought they sucked live back then too. The only time they had a solid live set was right after he got sober the first time

        Reply
        • Todd Wallace on

          Lincoln Caldwell I only ever seen him at that show so I can’t really speak on it but they were phenomenal every band at night was phenomenal

          Reply
    29. Lincoln Caldwell on

      I like the part where he is like, “You are solely responsible for having a good time tonight.” I’m like bro, isn’t that your JOB? Lmao

      Reply
      • Everything Is TokSik on

        Lincoln Caldwell technically… they are having a good time. We are watching them have a good time.

        It’s up to us to have a good time, watching them have a good time.

        Reply
    33. Justin Michael on

      I saw them back in 2010 at a small venue in Syracuse and they were fucking amazing! Then saw them again at mayhem fest in Saratoga and they were trash. Danny is the issue. Denis was a perfect fit for the fans.. unfortunately his home country was dealing with war and couldn’t continue.. Danny came back and ruined AA for the OG fans.. the ones that got them where they are now.

      Reply
    34. Alec Sarcevic on

      He literally has stated numerous times he hates metal and always has. He hates the old music and doesn’t want to play it anymore. Time to replace him

      Reply
        • Alec Sarcevic on

          Jay Rose 1 song. Last time I saw them, less than a year ago he said he’s been playing this one for 15 years and hates it. They play at least 1 because deep down he knows that’s all people want to hear

          Reply
        • Jay Rose on

          what is it the final episode? They always try to hype themselves up online saying they’re playing a lot more older songs because those are only the ones people wanna hear and I thought it was a couple 

          Reply
    35. Nick Stephens on

      They were absolutely horrible when we saw them last year in Birmingham. Memphis May Fire, The Word Alive, and Archers put them to fckn shame lol

      Reply
      • Michael Callahan on

        Eric Wiaderny yea but nobody else does. That’s why he killed his shot In the industry. He’s and egotistical asshole who got the opportunity of a lifetime for someone in the genre and fucked it up

        I dug the album with him but everyone talks about what a piece of work he was in every band he was in

        Reply
      • Steven Labruna on

        Eric Wiaderny no, no we don’t. Denis left the band on bad terms because his ego got in the way and demanded more money and basically threatened the band. Which is the same thing he did with his old bands prior to joining AA. The dude might be talented but he’s extremely problematic. AA needs to either replace Worsnop or just call it quits entirely.

        Reply
    37. Michael Callahan on

      I don’t understand Danny. If you look at his instagram you would have no idea he’s in AA. He has nothing about it on his page or pics or anything. It’s all his country stuff and tequila tastings

      Almost like AA is the job he’s embarrassed for people to know he’s doing

      Feels like AA might be ending sooner rather than later. Feel bad for the rest of the dudes. I feel like they want it to work so bad but Ben left and now they have Danny who doesn’t give a shit

      Reply
      • Mandy Baumann on

        Drew Thomas nahh dudes just big butthurt he is nothing without their old music.
        He keeps trying to hang it up and change the band but they will be totally forgotten if they do that so he’s gotta hide that he’s lip syncing the hits lol

        Reply
    46. Drew Peck on

      I’ma just say it; it should have never been Danny from the start. He’s never even been a fan of the type of music Asking Alexandria got famous for to begin with. His voice isn’t unique and literally all the lyrics from SUAS are made up gibberish he’d write down in the notes app on his phone.
      Imagine if AA got a vocalists from that start that actually cared and liked doing it. Then maybe they’d still be as good as their first 2 albums.
      Danny needs to step down. You can tell from his performances his heart isn’t in it and he just doesn’t care.

      Reply
    49. Keith Early on

      Sam, cam, and James always put on a amazing show. And this was no different. I am really concerned about Danny. AA is and will always be on my favorite list. I am able to separate a bad vocal performance and still enjoy a show, as vocals are not really important to me… “kennye westnop” is fucking hilarious though. Im 86% sure it was him though lol, I was close enough to catch a glimpse of his face lol.

      Reply
    50. Alex Marr on

      Saw him at Knotfest 2024 Australia….he couldnt hit any key notes or screams for 75% of his set, the other 25% was backing tracks and crowd participation moments.

      Reply
      • Gabriella Angelucci on

        Alex Marr it was so bad. I haven’t been a fan of them for a while but that show straight up killed any potential of becoming a fan again.

        Reply
    53. Carly Campbell on

      We saw them in IN a couple of months ago, he came out with royal Lynn and did a song with her, no costume, full voice, everything. Then when AAs set came on, he was in that -4° weather outfit and had the overlay track do most of the singing. Big disappointment. What Lies Below and From Ashes to New fully saved that experience from being a full on waste of time.

      Reply
    54. Morgan Allen on

      Upon seeing them before he was ABSOLUTELY doing all those vocals. He’s been doing vocal distortions for decades, he’s learned how to do it correctly so he doesn’t ruin his voice. It would be GONE by now if he wasn’t. Also, flipping between Frye screams and a head or chest singing belt takes INCREDIBLE control. Don’t believe me? Try it. I’m classically trained and have been learning how to properly do these screams and I’m on year 2 of this and just now starting to feel comfortable with it. It’s HARD. I see them in Sept with Chevelle and Dead Poet Society, I’m interested to see them. Maybe it’s a festival circuit thing. But backing tracks have become more popularly used and sometimes are necessary when lyrics overlap, and I’m sure a variety of other reasons.

      Reply
    55. Whitnie O'Brien on

      They’ve drawn heavy criticism for a few years now. Danny needs to retire and AA needs to find a new singer. Fans are wasting their money at this point.

      Reply
        • Christian Bryant on

          John Mays that’s what I’m saying dude how many are in denial that Danny fuckin sucks now. That is absolutely him you can tell when he actually does sing or say something.

          Reply
        • John Mays on

          Christian Bryant definitely bro I had a dude earlier told me he was their sound engineer and that they last minute replaced Danny 😂😂

          Reply
    59. Kris Jones on

      Let’s be honest, he’s never really been good live. Saw them at Peabody’s in Cleveland back when Stand Up & Scream had just come out, and he was TERRIBLE back then too.

      Reply
    64. Hornyák Robi on

      I mean… I love the first 3 records. I grew up listening these mfs.
      The Black was such a fresh sound for me, and i loved it. Danny came back to AA and went downhill. They should be disbanded for good.

      Reply
    68. Tanner Ray on

      AA started in 2008. Danny is 34 years old with vocal surgeries. Yall sound like democrats, always bitching about things that literally do not affect you. Danny has been very public about his wants for himself and music. Why is this such a big deal?

      Reply
    69. Larz Laboosh Richtofen on

      It’s sad that it’s gotten to this point you can clearly see that Danny is embarrassed and hiding under his hoodie dude should had stayed in his solo shit

      Reply
    Leave A Reply

    The Mosh Network

    THE MOSH NETWORK

    THE MOSH NETWORK is an online community for every rocker or metalhead, whether they’re here as a listener or a musician, providing the latest news on their favorite bands and allowing visitors to discover new ones.

    © 2026 Echols Media Group. All Rights Reserved.