Killswitch Engage joined onstage by former vocalist Howard Jones
Former vocalist Howard Jones rejoined Killswitch Engage Friday night in a surprise performance of the band’s hit “The End Of Heartache,” but it was Jesse Leach’s Instagram post after the performance that really hit fans hard in the feels.
Read more: KILLSWITCH ENGAGE FRONTMAN JESSE LEACH RETURNS TO THE STUDIO FOR NEW ALBUM
Jones, who currently fronts Light The Torch, joined KSE onstage Friday night at the O2 arena in London, dueting the track with current frontman Jesse Leach.
After the show, Leach took to Instagram to spread some positivity and shed some light on the “nonsense” that bands often go through when parting ways with a member.
“I challenge you to re post this and share this. If you are a media outlet then why not help spread some positivity today? First of all I’ve watched the members of Killswitch live above the nonsense that most all bands go through when dealing with parting ways with a band member. There weren’t headlines about their issues or personal brawls & disrespecting anyone’s character. They had their issues Howard had his & they parted ways.
Here we are over 6 years after my return & I’ve seen those issues dissolve, be forgiven & friends reuniting behind the scenes. This level of respect & friendship is admirable & I’m honored to be a part of it. I wasn’t close to Howard during all of this & it wasn’t my business to talk about it. However now I consider Howard a friend. So I decided to shine light on the positive aspects of this history & relationship by extending a hand of solidarity & recognition. So I asked him to sing on a song for the new album (which he did) & now to join us on stage to sing a song with us. I understand we are different vocalists & some people have a preference. Hell prior to my vocal surgery I wasn’t sure about my vocal performances, it was rough. However I’ve learned a great deal since then not just about proper technique but about the power of words, music & having a voice.
After having a second chance at this as a career I decided to use this voice for what it was intended for, to bring people together. I also feel I have to recognize all of the hard work Howard put in for 9 years with KSE. I am a fan of his work and now his friend & I want him to do well with his band @lightthetorchband and his career. THAT is what this is about, respect and solidarity, not division & comparison. Killswitch isn’t changing its line up & my ego or insecurities will not dictate how I carry myself in my career. My friends have overcome & forgiven so I take this opportunity to show my solidarity and respect for that. Support both bands, focus on the beauty of friendship and stop wasting time on comparison and a possibility that has no bearing on reality. Make this about what it is, the power of friendship, forgiveness, humility and respect! Music is Life! All hails!”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmVavI3g4S5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
You can check out the fan-shot footage of the incredible performance, below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK7OjmGm8-w#action=share
Faith in humanity, restored.
Let’s continue to spread those positive vibes today. What other positive and uplifting moments have you witnessed in the scene lately? Sound off in the comments below!
