In a recent turn of events, Phil Sgrosso, guitarist and vocalist of the San Diego, CA metalcore band As I Lay Dying, has issued a statement regarding his departure from the group. This follows a tumultuous week for the band, which saw bassist/vocalist Ryan Neff exit on October 18th, followed by guitarist Ken Susi and drummer Nick Pierce on October 24th.
The individual statements from the departing members highlighted underlying tensions within the band. Susi expressed his discontent, stating, “Unfortunately, my personal morals have recently been tested to a breaking point, and it’s now the saddest ending to what could have been the greatest second chance for this band.” Similarly, Pierce conveyed his sentiments, saying, “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.”
While Neff, Susi, and Pierce joined As I Lay Dying in 2022, Sgrosso has been a long-standing member, originally part of the lineup from 2003 to 2014. He later rejoined the band after vocalist Tim Lambesis served time in prison for a murder-for-hire plot involving his then-wife in 2013.
With Sgrosso being the last member of the classic lineup to remain alongside Lambesis, his departure marks a significant turning point for the band. Last week, Sgrosso noted that business matters and “bureaucracy” had been hindering his ability to clarify his position within the band.
Now, it appears those issues have been addressed. On October 30th, Sgrosso took to social media to share the following statement:
“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.
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 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.
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.
After all that’s been put into this, I believe that with the right adjustments and restructuring, our music can continue to thrive and explore new possibilities in a healthier environment.
Over time, As I Lay Dying has been held back by dysfunction, and I feel that it’s no longer my responsibility to bear that burden.
Thank you to everyone who has shown support for me and the music of As I Lay Dying. I’m looking forward to putting my energy and creativity into new, more positive ventures in the near future.
–Phil Sgrosso“
This latest exodus of the band’s roster came ahead of a now cancelled European tour, which the band themselves have yet to comment on. However, the opening bands and venues involved have confirmed its cancellation. Additionally, a November 15th release date for the band’s eighth studio album, Through Storms Ahead, had also been set.
With Sgrosso out, the group is now down to only vocalist Tim Lambesis, who has yet to issue a proper statement regarding As I Lay Dying‘s current situation.
Last week, rumors of domestic violence and infidelity surrounding Lambesis and his current wife, Dany, spread like wildfire in light of all the departures and tour cancellation. Dany has since denied those rumors in a statement of her own issued on October 24th.
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