Coalesce Part Ways With Guitarist Jes Steineger, European Tour Canceled Amid Controversy

Coalesce have officially parted ways with guitarist Jes Steineger following allegations involving an inappropriate relationship with a former student. The split has forced the band to cancel their upcoming European tour, including their scheduled performance at Roadburn Festival 2026.

The controversy began after Steineger acknowledged to the band that he had engaged in a mutual but inappropriate email exchange with a 24-year-old student during his time as her professor. In a statement shared on December 23rd, Coalesce addressed the situation:

“We’re aware of a Reddit post and related comments making accusations toward our guitarist Jes and, by extension, the band. Earlier this year, Jes informed us that he had engaged in a mutual but inappropriate email exchange with a 24-year-old student at his university. Given the obvious concerns around power dynamics, we asked to review all correspondences and evidence. We went through everything thoroughly.

The physical contact referenced publicly consisted of consensual interactions, including student-initiated ‘pinky swears’ and two non-sexual hugs, after which he did not pursue or encourage further physical contact. Nothing resembling sexual misconduct, predation, or assault occurred. No sexually explicit images or materials were exchanged or solicited.

Jes has consistently acknowledged fault for initiating private email contact and for not immediately alerting the university, which contributed to his personal resignation from the academy… Jes fucked up. He has repeatedly owned his part. But the narrative now being circulated goes far beyond the facts. After reviewing the evidence ourselves, we stand behind Jes and reject these mischaracterizations.”

Despite the band’s statement, the former student publicly described the relationship as “grooming”, creating a stark contrast in accounts.

Following the controversy, Coalesce announced the cancellation of all upcoming European dates:

“Coalesce have cancelled their upcoming European tour and sadly that includes their planned performance at Roadburn 2026. The band commented: ‘Coalesce has parted ways with their guitarist and, as a result, will be unable to fulfill the upcoming shows.’”

Jes Steineger also issued a personal statement, taking responsibility for his actions and explaining his decision to step away from public life:

“I made the choice to step down as guitarist of Coalesce. The public attention surrounding my personal failures has become too heavy a burden for my family and loved ones, and I need to step away from public life to focus on accountability, repair, and healing, which I am now doing professionally.

I accept responsibility for my choices and for how they have impacted others. At the same time, the matters that have been made public deserve to be addressed in a private, professionally mediated setting, with restorative healing and reconciliation as the goal, not public spectacle.

I ask, unequivocally, that no one harass or attack any individual connected to this situation. Please do not contact them to direct anger or cruelty in my name or the name of the band. That behavior is unacceptable and serves no constructive purpose.

I am grateful to my former bandmates for their honesty and care in handling a difficult and painful situation. My choices are mine alone. I wish them well in continuing on without me.”

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