If you've seen Thy Art Is Murder over the past year, you might've noticed founding drummer Lee Stanton wasn't playing with the band live. In his place has been Jesse Beahler (ex-Black Crown Initiate, ex-Jungle Rot), though no formal announcement was ever made.
Now Stanton has published a statement on his absence, citing mental health as the reason he's stepped down. No word on if Stanton is permanently out or if Beahler is just his live replacement.
G’day legends,
First off, I’d like to apologise for my absence in person and online as you may have noticed I haven’t been touring with TAIM for over a year now. Early last year I started noticing a shift in my state of mind which eventually resulted in me having a breakdown. As much as I would love to still be up there ripping gigs with the boys it is in my best interest mentally and physically to step back from everything and continue putting in work to get back to being 100%.
I can’t thank Sean, Kevin, Marshy & CJ enough for being extremely patient and very understanding during this whole process. My wife, family, friends & our fans who’ve reached out, checked in, gave me someone to speak to or offered advice and help, it really does mean a lot. It wasn’t easy coming to terms with what happened, and having to walk away from something you invested a large portion of your life into building, but I have lots of positives to take away with me.
I’ve built a lot of great relationships with people; I’ve been able to see the world & connect with people through music which couldn’t have happened if not for touring. I don’t want this to come across negative, I am in a much better headspace than before. I just wanted to let people know what’s been up and that if you do notice that something isn’t right within yourself or someone you know, don’t be afraid to have a conversation or to seek professional help.
Be honest & kinder to yourself & those around you, your body & mind will be grateful for it.
– Lee Stanton
Catch Thy Art Is Murder on tour with Cannibal Corpse and Perdition Temple starting this month.
Oct. 20 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall
Oct. 21 – Dallas, TX – Gas Monkey Live
Oct. 22 – Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live
Oct. 24 – Phoenix, AZ – The Pressroom
Oct. 25 – Ventura, CA – The Ventura Theater
Oct. 26 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
Oct. 27 – Reno, NV – Cargo
Oct. 28 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory
Oct. 29 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory
Oct. 30 – Vancouver, BC – The Vogue Theatre
Nov. 1 – Edmonton, AB – Union Hall
Nov. 2 – Calgary, AB – MacEwan Ballroom
Nov. 5 – Boulder, CO – The Boulder Theater
Nov. 6 – Fort Collins, CO – Hodi's Half Note
Nov. 7 – Omaha, NE – The Waiting Room
Nov. 8 – Kansas City, MO – The Truman
Nov. 9 – Des Moines, IA – Wooly's
Nov. 10 – Belvidere, IL – The Apollo Theatre
Nov. 12 – Joliet, IL – The Forge
Nov. 13 – Detroit, MI – St. Andrews Hall
Nov. 14 – London, ON – London Music Hall
Nov. 15 – Toronto, ON – Opera House
Nov. 16 – Montreal, QC – M Telus
Nov. 17 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
Nov. 18 – Boston, MA – The Royale
Nov. 20 – Providence, RI – Fete Ballroom
Nov. 21 – New Haven, CT – Toad's Place
Nov. 22 – Brooklyn, NY – Warsaw
Nov. 23 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
Nov. 24 – Philadelphia, PA – TLA
Nov. 26 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
Nov. 27 – Tampa, FL – The Orpheum
