Tim Lambesis has released a new lengthy statement, almost another apology of sorts, and the type of statement that would've been better served coming out before their quiet, controversial return.
To recap, As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis was released from prison in late 2016. Lambesis was sentenced to six years imprisonment in May 2014 on a felony charge of solicitation of murder after attempting to hire a hitman to kill his then-wife. He served about two and a half years and was released right at the end of 2016, and has since remarried. We covered this story exhaustively in 2013 and 2014. Tim is now making strides to move on with his life.
The band has been touring, and by all accounts, the shows are doing well. Lambesis, grateful for the turn outs and the opportunity to play live again, posted a new statement saying the band will "actively back and work with organizations who offer support to those who are emotionally suffering and in pain," whether it be addiction or abuse.
I stand against who I became in my past and am pursuing a new purpose in the rebirth of AILD. We collectively are.
People who support AILD are not supporting the person I once was, because part of my life’s work now is to undo the hurt I’ve caused and to help others in addiction. Instead, I think AILD fans are supporting the belief that people can change.
I will never be able to undo my greatest mistake, but I believe it’s better to do something rather than give up.
AILD collectively condemns all forms of domestic abuse and violence. Its aftermath is one of pervasive, long-lasting hurt and there is no acceptable excuse or defense for such behavior. Our agenda as a band is to actively back and work with organizations who offer support to those who are emotionally suffering and in pain. Whether it be from a history of abuse, hardship, or mental illness—pro-activity in healing and recovery is at the core of what this band is now.
Tonight we’ll play the biggest headline show of our career (topping our second biggest headline show earlier on this same tour). Our fans in Germany did not know this when they bought their tickets, but we will be donating a portion of proceeds from our show to HeartSupport; an organization we believe in that functions to provide emotional support and counseling to young adults caught in cycles of addiction, depression, sexual abuse, and family turmoil. Our mission is to continually seek and implement ways to facilitate positive, meaningful change in the world around us.
For now, we don’t want to miss out on bringing purpose into our biggest moment yet. We’ve been given a second chance we thought we’d never have again and we certainly don’t take it for granted.
Sincerely,
Tim
Previously, Lambesis revealed he's studying for a career in social work.
At this point, it seems a statement like this won't really change anybody's mind. Those who have decided to forgive Tim, will think its nice, and those who cannot forgive him will be unfazed.
If nothing else, at least some charities are given a much needed boost.
