Black Veil Brides ex-bassist Ashley Purdy says he "technically" didn't leave
Former Black Veil Brides bassist Ashley Purdy reveals in a new interview that he didn’t choose to depart from the band back in November.
In an interview with Sonic Perspectives, Purdy says “Technically, I didn’t leave; I’m just not in the band anymore. I have to talk in those terms right now.”
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Back in November, the band hit social media to announce the departure of bassist Ashley Purdy after 10 years with the band.
Black Veil Brides and Ashley Purdy have mutually agreed to part ways. We have enjoyed a wonderful run together and both parties wish one another continued success moving forward.
— Black Veil Brides (@blackveilbrides) November 15, 2019
Purdy’s exit came shortly after spending time in a psychiatric hospital to go through grief counseling and therapy.
“What sucks was the timing of it all,” says Purdy. “They didn’t have anything to do with each other. There are legal aspects of what I can say about the departure.”
Purdy goes on to explain his side of things as best he can without breaking legal agreements.
“Black Veil Brides is a corporate business, and there are legal rules,” he explains. “It’s like a divorce, and we are working it all out.
“People can make their own assessments about things, but when you make a record, don’t tour for two years, only to make another record, don’t tour for two more years, the morale of the band starts to go away. The band is a job, and it’s how you pay your bills and put food on the table. When it doesn’t happen, you have to start looking for other things to do.”
The musician also provides an update on his health.
“It just had to take its course, but at least I was strong enough to know I needed to seek help. I was trying to be a tough guy and deal with it on my own until one day I broke. I went to a physician to get some meds after telling him my story, and he was, like, ‘No, you need more treatment.’ I was admitted to a psychiatric hospital for a week to get medicine, therapy, and grief counseling. At the group sessions, I heard other people’s stories and knew I wasn’t alone,” the musician says.
Just a month after his exit from the band, Purdy dropped his first solo track “Nowhere” which you can hear in the player below.
What do you think of Ashley Purdy’s comments on his departure from Black Veil Brides? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
