Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Jason Hook recently made it known he had parted ways with the band, and was essentially under a gag order until a statement was released. Now the band and Hook have officially announced their parting of ways. Hook also revealed he's not really leaving for any specific reason other than it's simply time for new challenges.
"I have had the pleasure of meeting so many of you in person," said Hook. "Thank you for the endless stories of how our music has touched your heart in some way! But the best part of being on tour the last 12 years, by far, has been playing my guitar and seeing the joy on your faces every night. I will miss that more than anything.
"As far the reason I'm leaving… well, there really isn't just one," he continued. "I've been in bands my entire life and I feel like I've done all the good that I can here. It's time to pass the baton and move on to new challenges."
Hook is replaced by guitarist Andy James, who was previously Hook's live fill-in. Both guitarist Zoltan Bathory and vocalist Ivan Moody have also wished Hook well.
"Jason is an incredible guitar player so we had to find someone on the absolute top of their game," said Bathory. "Someone like Andy James who was already a well-known virtuoso and had the chops to step into Jason's shoes. Andy completed our European tour with us back in February so he was already tried by fire. We instantly clicked both musically and personally so he was the obvious choice. We even have the same birthday… Some things are just meant to be."
"I just congratulated Jason on his recent wedding, and I hope he finds peace and happiness," said Moody. "As for us, I'm really excited to keep working with Andy and I just can't wait for this COVID madness to be over so we can go back out on the road."
