Ex-Saosin guitarist speaks out about being removed from band for "questionable reasons"

November 23, 2015

Justin Shekoski was recently announced as a full-time replacement for the Used guitarist Quinn Allman after filling in for what was expected to be a temporary stint. With this news, the extent of Shekoski's involvement with his other band, Saosin, who he played lead guitar for since the band's inception in 2003, was mostly unknown. However, over the weekend, Shekoski posted a statement on his website that covers all the bases and reveals that he was “turned away” from Saosin for “questionable reasons,” seemingly related to his joining of the Used. You can read his full statement below.

“2015 has been an eventful year to say the least.

Above all else, I have been welcomed into a family of individuals who are more caring, inspiring, cooperative, and more supportive than I could’ve ever imagined. I started working with The Used in January on a temporary basis and, in a nutshell, it has turned into something more serious. Their new guitar player, I am. I couldn’t be more excited or feel more fortunate to travel and write music with this group of guys. Over the past year of touring, fans of The Used have treated me with an incredible amount of respect and love. It was truly touching and I really can’t thank you enough for the welcome thus far. As far as Jeph, Dan, Bert, and I, in addition to an incredible year of shows, we’ve been working on new music and putting together a bunch of ideas that I think are going surprise you in the best way possible.

In light of this news, after years of writing and waiting to produce a new record, some of the members of Saosin have decided to end our 13 year relationship for questionable reasons. This was a shock to me. Even though all of this happened a few months ago, I’m still processing it. I’m sure I’ll discuss this in greater detail at a later time. One thing I can be sure of is that I could not and would not have done anything differently over the past years. The shows were some of the best we have ever played. It truly seemed as if everyone was happy and positivity was at an all-time high. I was proud of the new music we were creating and to be turned away right before we tracked the record that we had spent years writing and our entire career working towards is saddening at best and angering at worst.

If anyone’s heart or commitment to Saosin could have possibly been in question, it certainly wasn’t mine, ever.

C’est la vie.

To all of the fans that have seen Saosin play, listened to our music, shared in the emotions, supported us or in any way—shared the ride, thank you. Thank you for everything.

Experiences: some joyful, some tragic, some trivial, and some life-changing. Saosin has taught me a lot, Thank you.

Back to present and—The Used. Never have I met a group of individuals that have inspired me this much, not only in the vein of music but also to learn more and do more for the people and world around us. I hope, as a group, we can inspire that exact sentiment inside you.”

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