As I Lay Dying's Tim Lambesis responds to venue cancellation
As I Lay Dying’s Tim Lambesis has responded to the cancellation of his band’s show in Memphis, Tennessee. The show cancellation follows the venue’s (Growlers) decision to pull the plug on the show due to a community outcry regarding Lambesis’ past involvement with domestic violence.
In 2014, Lambesis was sent to prison for two years after being convicted of hiring someone to kill his wife. Luckily, the conspiracy was never completed.
Read more: Venue cancels As I Lay Dying gig amid city’s outcry over Tim Lambesis
However, because of the crime’s severity, many people are not excited for As I Lay Dying’s spring tour dates. In this instance of community outcry, the Memphis venue decided to replace the show with a benefit for domestic abuse survivors.
Now, the time has come for Lambesis to shed light on his thoughts regarding the situation. In a statement that spans over two full Instagram posts, Lambesis says that he understands people’s resentment toward his actions.
“While I’m disappointed by the cancellation of our show in Memphis, I understand and accept the resentment some people have towards who I used to be,” Lambesis says in an Instagram post. “I stand against that person I became during the darkest period of my past, and it is part of my life’s work to prevent others from going down destructive paths.”
Additionally, in the rest of the post, Lambesis went over the steps he has taken to address his past. Lambesis hopes that As I Lay Dying can soon become a part of the conversation surrounding abuse and domestic violence.
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You can read Lambesis’ entire statement, from both Instagram posts, below:
While I’m disappointed by the cancellation of our show in Memphis, I understand and accept the resentment some people have towards who I used to be. I stand against that person I became during the darkest period of my past, and it is part of my life’s work to prevent others from going down destructive paths. It’s now been almost six (6) years since I made the biggest mistake of my life, and I consider each day an opportunity to do something positive to turn my life around and to use my experience to help others.
As I move forward with this purpose I know there will be obstacles. However, I wish we could have come up with a more meaningful solution for the fans in Memphis rather than just cancel. Perhaps I could visit a recovery center in Memphis, a free event to our fans + those being served at the center, where I can open up for Q&A and all questions are welcome. I look forward to continuing this conversation around recovery, how to prevent others from ending up in a bad place, and how to facilitate healing in the lives of people who have been hurt by others. I welcome the opportunity to address the topic of domestic violence and how I am not on the opposing side of this critical issue.
Since serving my time I’ve been involved in the following:
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Completed all of the courses necessary to become an addiction treatment counselor in the state of California with hopes of helping others who are struggling with addiction and mental health.
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Worked for a year as a case manager at an addiction treatment facility.
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Spent two years tutoring inmates who never finished high school. Education is the greatest tool we currently have for breaking the criminal cycle of repeat offenders.
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I currently visit prisons quarterly to help inmates without job skills train for their release so that they can become productive neighbors and not a burden on society. Most end up back in prison due to lack of hope or a support system.
Through AILD, our recent tours have allowed us the opportunity to donate proceeds of sales to organizations that help others—notably Heart Support and families affected by the California fires.
Thanks to our fans connecting with this message, we were able to become one of Heart Support’s main contributors. We strongly believe in their objective to offer emotional support and counseling to young adults caught in cycles of depression, abuse, and addiction, and will continually support charities that further the process of healing for others.
By listing all of the above, it’s not my intention to gain praise or recognition. I simply want to make sure it’s clear how seriously I take all of these issues.
Throughout my four year incarceration and release, I’ve sought meaningful personal change and surrounded myself with family, friends, and counsel. I’m grateful to have earned the support of my bandmates, my wife, family, and fans who’ve also given me this chance. I will continue to move forward in my personal mission to help others and make a positive impact in the world around me, knowing there will be challenges, and believing that the next half of my life will be more meaningful than the first.
I look forward to continuing a discussion around recovery, mental health, domestic violence and prisoner reform for many years to come.
However, the instance in Memphis isn’t the first show As I Lay Dying have received backlash over following their return. In October, Spain’s Resurrection Festival set for this July removed the band.
As I Lay Dying’s tour will continue as planned this March, and you can view dates and pick up tickets here.
As I Lay Dying and Tim Lambesis’ past few years
The singer was arrested in May 2013 after being accused of hiring a hitman to kill his estranged wife. After a delay in his trial, Lambesis pleaded guilty to a felony charge of soliciting the murder of his wife of eight years in Feb. 2014.
While he would have faced up to nine years in prison, it was revealed in May 2014 that Lambesis was only sentenced to six years. However, Lambesis received an early release in Dec. 2016. He finally broke his silence in Dec. 2017 with a lengthy statement.
The band confirmed they were returning with their original lineup, including Lambesis, in June 2018 by releasing a new track, “My Own Grave.” They performed their first show together since Lambesis’ release a few weeks later. The band announced a European tour in July followed by news of a North American one and many dates have already sold out despite venue upgrades.
