Underoath have parted ways with longtime guitarist James Smith, as Smith explained in a statement.
The rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist had been part of Underoath since 2003, apart from a brief hiatus Smith took midway through his tenure with the prominent metalcore band. He’s played on all Underoath albums since 2004’s They’re Only Chasing Safety.
“After 20 years of music and friendship, I was informed that I’m no longer a member of Underoath,” Smith said on March 28, as Lambgoat first reported.
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Smith continued, “This saddens me to say, but unfortunately is where we have ended up. I appreciate everyone who at any moment in their lives [has] felt inspired, accepted, comforted and energized by the music we created and the shows we performed.”
He said it’s his “honor and privilege to be a part of your lives … though we may have never met or shared our stories face to face. Your dedication, grace and love for this band have allowed us to exist this long.”
Smith added, “The memories I have from this ride are more than anyone could ever expect in a lifetime, and I genuinely thank you all for being a part of it.”
Underoath Are Currently on Tour
The split comes amid Underoath’s ongoing U.S. tour with Periphery and Loathe. A subsequent update from Lambgoat suggested Smith was let go before it started.
See Underoath’s current tour dates here, and get Underoath concert tickets here.
Underoath released the single “Let Go” earlier this month; the album Voyeurist in 2022.
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James Smith Underoath Split – March 28, 2023
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