Five Finger Death Punch part ways with drummer Jeremy Spencer—UPDATED
UPDATE: DEC. 18, 2018, 1:42 P.M. EST
Following the initial statement, Spencer took to his Instagram story to relay the news, expanding on what was revealed in the press release.
He reflects on his time in the band and tells fans to keep watch of what he has planned next. He also asks that they support whomever replaces him.
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Check out his full statement below:
“It’s with mixed emotion that I share with you the following news: I regret that I’ve decided to step down as the drummer of Five Finger Death Punch. This decision has been weighing on me for months. Now the time has finally come. I’ve been playing drums since I was six years old. After years of the physicality leading to surgeries, I feel it’s best to step down.
“As with professional athletes, when the body and mental state don’t achieve the standard required to meet the rigorous demands necessary to perform at a high level, the choice is clear. I feel fortunate that my body has provided me with several decades of doing what I love: playing double-bass and shredding the drums. However, the rigorous physical wear and tear has worn down my body to the point where I feel I can no longer deliver a performance you great fans deserve and one that brings me satisfaction and joy.”
“I sincerely wish nothing but the very best for my brothers in Death Punch family. And I encourage our fans to continue supporting whoever replaces me. We decided early on to do everything possible to make you fans feel special. As a result, we’ve always had the most supportive and dedicated Knuckleheads. I know I speak for everyone when I saw we’re grateful beyond words. Personally, you have made these years the highlight of my life. Thank you for helping make this dream a reality. Please know I am eternally grateful. Thank you for everything.”
ORIGINAL STORY: DEC. 18, 2018, 1:19 P.M. EST
Drummer Jeremy Spencer announced he is parting ways with Five Finger Death Punch.
The band hit the road with Breaking Benjamin in the summer then announced a second leg of their co-headlining tour. The fall run just wrapped last week.
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Back in November, Spencer announced he would not be joining the band on the fall tour as he was slated to undergo back surgery. Scale The Summit’s Charlie Engen filled in for Spencer during FFDP’s fall run.
Now, Spencer is announcing his departure via a statement, explaining “the physical wear and tear” is affecting his performances:
“This decision has been weighing on me for months; and now the time has finally come. I started to play when I was 6 years old, and I feel fortunate that my body has provided me with several decades of doing what I love most: drumming.
“However, the rigorous physical wear and tear has got me to the point where I feel I can no longer deliver a performance that brings me satisfaction and joy. I feel the band deserves to get someone with the fire and energy, capable of delivering the performance that the fans deserve.
“Like you, I will be cheering them on to continue making great music as they tour the world and bring exciting shows to all our cherished fans.”
The press release also states Spencer needs a “significant amount of time to recover” from his back surgery, and “the band fully supports his decision.”
Spencer has drummed with the band for 14 years. FFDP haven’t announced who will be replacing him.
The band dropped a video for “Blue On Black” last week. The single is taken from their latest And Justice For None, which is available here. Check out the video below.
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