Cradle of Filth have announced the immediate departure of guitarist Marek “Ashok” Smerda from the band.
In a statement released today (August 27th), the band confirmed that Smerda has been fired, describing the decision as made with “a grave heart.”
“Despite all attempts to illegally defame and derail the band, Cradle Of Filth WILL NOT cancel any of our South American shows,” frontman Dani Filth said, noting that upcoming performances on The Screaming Of The Américas tour will go ahead as planned.
The band acknowledged that for a short period they will perform with only one guitarist until a temporary replacement is flown out to join the tour.
Cradle of Filth described themselves as “in a state of shock over proceedings,” adding that more details will be shared in due course. They also urged fans to avoid speculation and to “respect our decision to part with Ashok now rather than at the end of the tour.”
“The rest of the band are cool, even if taken aback, and accusations toward management, who work very closely with me and the band, are completely unjust and unfounded,” the statement continued.
Cradle of Filth are currently on tour in South America, with upcoming shows in Uruguay and beyond.
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The full statement reads:
It is with a grave heart that Cradle Of Filth officially announce the firing of guitarist Marek ‘Ashok’ Smerda from the band, effective immediately.
Despite all attempts to illegally defame and derail the band, Cradle Of Filth WILL NOT cancel any of our South American shows, though fans will have to bear with us being a band with only one guitarist live, that is of course until Ashok’s temporary replacement is flown out to join the tour in a few days time.
Thankyou for your understanding in this horrible matter, we are all in a state of shock over proceedings and will share our side to these unfortunate events in due course. Please, respect our decision to part with Ashok now rather than at the end of the tour and avoid speculation as more clarity on the situation will be provided.
The rest of the band are cool, even if taken aback, and accusations toward management, who work very closely with me and the band are completely unjust and unfounded.
Patience is a virtue and the truth will always out.
Thank you once again fellow Filthlings and we look forward to the rest of ‘The Screaming Of The Américas’ tour here in Uruguay and beyond.
