SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL Crew Member Alleges Tour Mismanagement: “No Pay, No Support, No Respect”

Veteran drum technician Thomas Finch has gone public with serious concerns about the crew treatment and internal disarray behind Slaughter To Prevail’s current tour. While making it clear that the band members themselves were not to blame, Finch claims the tour management and leadership created a hostile and unsustainable work environment — citing unpaid invoices, disorganization, lack of food and lodging, and financial chaos.

Finch shared a lengthy public post (embedded below) on July 24, warning fellow touring professionals about what he experienced, including being dismissed for requesting payment and watching fellow crew members struggle to cover basic costs on the road.

“After years of touring… I’ve never felt the need to post something like this — until now.”

Key Allegations Include:

• Weeks-long delay in payment, no contract or bank details collected
• $128,000 spent on inflatable props while crew struggled for meals
• Crew forced to cover their own return travel and hotel stays
• Tour manager reportedly told Finch to “get f***ed” for asking for payment
• Other crew (including lighting and truck drivers) allegedly went unpaid

Finch ultimately walked away from the tour, saying he could no longer work under the conditions. He shared that he was finally paid — minus the cost of food he purchased for the crew — but says crew are now being asked to sign NDAs to prevent further public disclosures.

“This isn’t bitterness. It’s a warning to protect others.”

Full Statement from Thomas Finch (Posted July 24th):

A Word of Caution to My Fellow Crew, Techs, and Industry Colleagues Regarding Slaughter to Prevail

This isnt about the band personally – they are all WONDERFUL fun loving humans . This is about the current leadership set in place. New band manager and current TM.

After years of touring, working hard, and running a business that supports artists and musicians, I’ve never felt the need to post something like this — until now.

I recently stepped away from a tour with Slaughter to Prevail as a drum technician due to an overwhelming amount of disorganization, mismanagement, financial instability, and blatant disrespect toward crew members. I’m sharing this not out of bitterness, but out of responsibility to protect others in our community who might be approached by this camp for future work.

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It Started With Red Flags

I was never asked for my banking information before being flown out. I had toured with them while with Marilyn Manson, so there was a bit of history, trust and friendship there. When I sent my invoice and banking info after the first few shows, I received zero response. I was told the manager was “traveling” and didn’t have email access.

After weeks, eventually I was promised payment by the business manager. It didn’t show. I made it clear I would not continue working for free. The tour manager (TM) brought that to the band’s manager, whose response was:

“Tell him to get f***ed.”

And that I was “unprofessional” for demanding payment and being willing to walk away.

I then approached the band’s guitarist and owner directly (as instructed)— and suddenly, payment showed up. I chose to stay and honor my commitment, but unfortunately, the problems only escalated.

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What Followed Was Complete Breakdown

• Crew forced to book their own return flights

• TM using the cheapest, failing transportation available

• No working band credit card on days off — no food, no support, nothing

I bought pizza for the crew out of my own pocket, which was expressed as gratefulness by TM, as all they had was a bag of left over popcorn. Then was told by the TM that the band would likely refuse to reimburse me. And I am now battling them via email over PIZZA, in order to get my invoice paid.

• $128,000+ blown on inflatable stage props that were never used because they didn’t fit the venues. Meanwhile, the crew was left with no food, no basics and worry about receiving pay.

Hotel rooms on a day off promised for crew were taken by the band and manager after the bus broke down

When the TM confronted management, he was told: “If crew needs a room that bad, they can go get their own $100 hotel somewhere.” Or so the TM told us, was said.

Only after multiple crew members (myself included) threatened to exit the tour did rooms “miraculously” appear.

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No Pay Schedule, No Clarity — Just Excuses

One of the most dangerous aspects of this operation is the lack of any clear pay schedule. You’re told to submit your invoices by Thursday for payment the following Monday. And Monday never comes. Other crew were told different dates to submit and the confusion set in. So while you’re on the road, it becomes clear that you are expected to float your expenses — flights, hotels, food — with no contract, no payment timeline, and no accountability. All PDs are put into your paycheck, which seemingly never arrives And when you ask the TM when you’re getting paid? You’re told:

“You’ll get paid when they’re dam good and ready to pay you.”

This is exactly what was told to our lighting tech (infront of the entire crew) who recently stood up for the box truck driver — a vendor who STILL hasn’t been paid and has been covering tour costs out of pocket, went into the negative… and another truck driver helped him financially with gas and food. The TM’s response?

“That’s his problem. He should’ve been prepared financially.”

After speaking with the truck driver, it was made clear that he was never told he would have to front money and invoice for it. He was expected to be paid like everyone else.

This kind of thinking is not only disrespectful — it’s dangerous.

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To the Touring Community

I’ve worked with dozens of bands, venues, and crews around the country and the world. I know how hard we all work to keep the wheels turning, and how important trust, communication, and professionalism are in this industry.

If you’re approached to work with this camp:

• Get a contract

• Demand a written payment timeline

• Do not pay out of pocket unless you want to fight for reimbursement

• Walk away if you sense even a hint of the behavior described above

There are too many great artists out there who DO take care of their people.

⸻

After a very heated and firey conversation with the bands manager, everything became very clear and the writting was on the wall. I could not and will not move forward another day swimming in this chaos.

I’m now heading home to my girlfriend, pups, and business — with peace of mind knowing I stood my ground and did what was right. I have no regrets about leaving, only a broken heart for leaving the drummer as he is an amazing person and I liked him very much. Even helped land him an Evans endorsement.

I’ll continue supporting artists who treat their crew with the professionalism and respect we all deserve. With that said, if you need help with gear, a rack build, endorsement guidance, or just support as a fellow crew member — I’ve got your back.

Much love and respect,

Finch

PS – Yes, I sufficient undismissable proof of everything stated above. Upon my exit of the tour, they are now making people sign NDAs as to not have this information out there. And I have been paid, minus the pizza/crew food purchase since my convo with management and making this post. and

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