Pentagram's troubles with frontman Bobby Liebling all started coming to light earlier this year when the band announced it would play shows without him. The reasons given were Liebling's "personal actions" and nothing more. Then this month, Liebling was arrested for first-degree assault of a vulnerable family member and was sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty.
Bassist Greg Turley now confirms the "vulnerable family member" was Liebling's mother, and addresses the fact that the band plans to continue on without him for the time being. Turley says Liebling was also having continuing problems with drugs at the time. As far as Pentagram being Liebling, Turley says he doesn't see it that way at all, though he says he is in contact with Liebling and says he seems to understand that this was a pretty big fuck up on his end.
“2015 and 2016 were the busiest years ever for Pentagram. New album and a full tour cycle kept us busier than ever and taking us to places we’ve never been and playing bigger shows than I ever imagined. November 2016, Gothenburg, Sweden I knew something was ending, I just didn’t know what…. Dealing with Bobby and his reoccurring demons was bringing us all down.
Same story from the past, I know. Honestly, I thought Bobby would end up dying before we played another show. Turns out, he didn’t die, just went off the rails (drug induced) and ended up assaulting his mom. Pretty much the worst thing someone could do in my opinion. He assaults the one and only person that has always taking up for him? Wow! Just horrible.
He’s now serving time in prison. Looks like he’ll be there for the next 12-18 months. That’s a lot of time to reflect on bad decisions and bad habits.
The last six months have been quite a ride, continuing on without Bobby was an easy decision. Fans, investments and commitments all needed to be satisfied so we marched on. The positive support we received, especially from those who have attended the live shows has been truly amazing. Sucks to be put in this situation but we’ve made the best of it and exceeded even our own expectations.
Don’t know exactly what the future holds BUT the music of Pentagram is much larger than the individuals. Just look at the list of people that have been involved!!! Not only have I had the opportunity to be a part, I’m also one of the biggest fans. I mean, I truly never get burned out on these songs, from Forever My Queen to the last note on Curious Volume. I love them all…
The “Bobby IS Pentagram” argument baffles me. There is and has always been a great team behind Bobby steering this whole ship and moving things forward, so there is definitely light beyond this. Sorry to disappoint everyone who thinks Bobby steers the ship… I’ve been fortunate to be the constant for the last 8 years and involved since 1993.
There still is an inner drive to move forward and bring the music to whoever will listen. I would love to have Bobby at the front of the stage more than you know, but by his own actions/mistakes, he’s removed himself.
I’ve been to visit Bobby and keep in regular contact with him. He seems to understand that he “messed up”. Now, he’s got some time to clean up, work out his demons and try to make things right.
What’s next for us? I look to keep moving forward…Thanks for reading and THANKS for your support.”
Pentagram's vocals live are currently being handled by guitarist Victor Griffin.
