Cradle Of Filth Officially Welcome New Guitarist Joff Bailey

Cradle Of Filth have officially installed Joff Bailey as their new permanent guitarist, filling the spot left vacant by Marek “Ashok” Šmerda. The band’s announcement positions Bailey as the long‑term replacement in the gothic metal outfit’s lineup, moving on from the prolonged drama surrounding the abrupt exits of Šmerda and his wife Zoe Marie Federoff late last year.

Šmerda and Federoff parted ways with the band mid‑tour amid a very public feud with Dani Filth and the band’s management, a conflict that later escalated into a lawsuit filed in the fall of 2025 over copyright and financial claims. Bailey now steps into that reshaped environment as both a touring and recording member, already credited with contributions to Cradle Of Filth’s forthcoming 15th studio album.

Prior to joining the band, Bailey was known for his work in UK power metal act Savage Messiah and has now begun his first run with Cradle Of Filth on the “Majestic In Death Tour.” The North American trek sees the band headlining alongside Suffocation, Ghost Bath, and Cultus Black, giving fans a chance to hear the new lineup in action.

Majestic In Death Tour Dates (Current Bailey Run)

• 05/05 Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
• 05/07 Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome To Rockville
• 05/08 Pensacola, FL – Vinyl
• 05/09 Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
• 05/11 Washington, DC – Black Cat
• 05/12 Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian
• 05/14 Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple
• 05/16 Saginaw, MI – The Vault
• 05/19 Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge
• 05/20 Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater
• 05/21 Lawrence, KS – Granda Theater
• 05/22 Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theater
• 05/23 Denver, CO – Gothic Theater

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