Spineshank are moving forward with a lineup change, officially announcing the departure of longtime bassist and vocalist Robert Garcia while confirming Jay Mills as his replacement.
Garcia’s exit follows his absence from the band’s recent touring activities. A member of Spineshank since 1997, he remained with the industrial nü-metal group through their 2016 hiatus and returned as part of the band’s ongoing reunion.
In a statement announcing the change, the group expressed their appreciation for Garcia’s three decades of contributions while explaining that he has chosen to step away to spend more time with his family.
The band shared:
“After 30 years together, we’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve accomplished with Rob. As life and priorities change, Rob has decided to stay home with his family. We fully support his decision, and he will always be a part of the Spineshank family.
As for the rest of us, we’re not done yet. With extensive touring and new music in the works, we’re looking at Spineshank’s future.
With that being said,
We would like to officially welcome @jayhostileuk to Spineshank.
Jay has stepped up for us time and time again. From filling in for Jonny for a few shows with zero rehearsals, to crushing these last few tours on bass/vocals, he has proven himself every step of the way, and we can’t be happy enough to have him.
We believe we have the right four people in place (Jonny Santos, Tommy Decker, Tommy Decker Jr. & Jay Mills) to carry Spineshank forward for years to come.
See you in 2027!”
Garcia also addressed his departure, reflecting on his 30-year run with the band and the memories made across their four studio albums.
He stated:
“For 30 years I played bass in Spineshank. We’ve put out 4 albums which I’m proud of and we’ve made some amazing memories together.
It’s time for me to finish my chapter like I intended. I will no longer be able to be with the band. I want to be home with my wife and family. What can I say, it’s been one hell of a ride.
I love everyone in the Spineshank family, past and present. We did some awesome shit together. Thank you to all the fans that stuck around all these years.
Cheers
Rob Garcia”
For Mills, the official addition marks the next step after spending recent months filling in on bass and vocals. He shared his excitement about joining the group permanently while also offering his support to Garcia.
Mills commented:
“I’m very happy to officially join Spineshank, I’ve always been a fan so it’s pretty surreal.
I sincerely wish Rob all the best, I love him and hope to do him proud.
These past few months of touring have been a blast and I’m happy to know there will be more to come.
The Spineshank family and fans have been so welcoming, I can’t wait to meet more of you on the road.
A huge thank you to the guys in Spineshank for bringing me in, see you all soon!
Jay Mills”
With Mills now officially in the lineup alongside Jonny Santos, Tommy Decker and Tommy Decker Jr., Spineshank say they have extensive touring and new music in the works. The band have pointed toward a return to the road in 2027.
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