Guitarist Jeff "Mantas" Dunn has parted ways with Venom Inc. due to a combination of health reasons and personal issues. Mantas suffered a heart attack earlier this year, and notes in his statement that he's still planning on returning to music post-heart attack despite quitting Venom Inc.
Venom Inc. was originally founded in 2015 by former Venom members Mantas who just quit, drummer Abaddon who left in 2018, and bassist and vocalist Demolition Man who is still in the band. So y'know – Venom Inc. is hardly the Venom offshoot it used to be.
Venom Inc. has not yet announced a replacement for Mantas, but they probably should considering they're kicking off a North American tour on January 8, 2025. Get those dates below and get your tickets here.
"Greetings my friends, the last few months have been incredibly difficult on every level and to cap it all only a few days ago one of my most beloved cats, Spooky, passed away in front of me after a short but very aggressive illness," wrote Mantas. "I was with him every step of the way.
"After I suffered the second heart attack the outpouring of love and concern from you guys via a multitude of messages and calls has been overwhelming and a simple thank you seems so insignificant.
"So my friends it is now time to address the situation. I wish to inform you all that I will not be returning to Venom Inc. Obviously my health and wellbeing are of paramount importance to myself and my family, however, there are also more personal issues which have influenced my decision. To be absolutely clear, I will not be appearing at any advertised shows.
"On a far more positive note there is new music and a return to social activity on its way. As I have said so many times, music is my therapy, my release and my connection with all of you who have supported me over the years and for that I am eternally grateful. So here's to Cats and Heavy Metal. I will see you all soon my friends. Much love and respect, Jeff."
1/8 Santa Ana, CA Observatory OC
1/9 W. Hollywood, CA Whiskey A Go Go
1/10 Brentwood, CA Brentwood Emporium
1/11 Fresno, CA Full Circle
1/12 San Francisco, CA DNA Lounge
1/14 Denver, CO Oriental Theater
1/16 McHenry, IL The Vixen
1/17 Chesterfield, MI Diesel Concert Lounge
1/18 Columbus, OH The King of Clubs
1/19 Cleveland, OH No Class
1/20 West Chicago, IL WC Social Club
1/22 Cambridge, MA Middle East
1/23 Brooklyn, NY The Meadows
1/24 Waterbury, CT Elite 23
1/25 Clifton, NJ Dingbatz
1/26 Newark, DE Halftime Sports Bar
1/28 Atlanta, GA Masquerade
1/30 W. Palm Beach, FL Banyan Live
1/31 Mount Dora, FL Mt. Dora Music Hall
2/1 Tampa, FL Brass Mug
2/4 Knoxville, TN Open Chord
2/6 Houston, TX Warehouse Live Midtown
2/7 Dallas, TX Trees
2/8 Corpus Christi, TX House of Rock
2/10 Albuquerque, NM Sister
2/11 Glendale, AZ The 44
2/12 Las Vegas, NV Usual Place
2/14 Roseville, CA Goldfield Trading Post
2/15 San Luis Obispo, CA Libertine Brewing
2/16 San Diego, CA Brick by Brick
