Earlier this week, Philadelphia hardcore band Jesus Piece introduced they had been breaking apart after greater than a decade collectively, citing the abrupt departure of a core member. The band’s official farewell assertion notably didn’t identify vocalist Aaron Heard, however his absence from the accompanying picture instantly sparked hypothesis that he was the one to stop.
That suspicion grew stronger when, simply minutes earlier than the breakup announcement, Heard shared a pageant lineup on his Instagram tales that includes a band billed as JE$US PIECE — a rebranded model of the band with himself nonetheless on vocals. Heard‘s Instagram bio now reads “Proud papa & vocals for JE$US PIECE“, and the band’s reserving agent has already up to date their website to mirror the brand new identify.
On August 27, Heard issued his personal assertion on Instagram, confirming his break up from his former bandmates and explaining why: “Sure it has been 10 years however these males aren’t mates and so they have not been for nearly everything of us being a band. Simply because we’re a band doesn’t suggest we’re finest buddies. I’ve acquired love for Lu however that is actually it.”
Heard accused members of making an attempt to interchange him a number of instances — together with on tour with Sepultura and Present Me the Physique — and claimed they disrespected his determination to prioritize time together with his younger son: “Throwing the delivery of my son in my face throughout an argument. Saying my son is ruining issues for the band? Fuck that. ‘We admire you inviting us to your son’s delivery however he is acquired nothing to do with us.’ Would you need to work with individuals who suppose this manner?”
Heard concluded by thanking followers and stating he would proceed to play reveals beneath the brand new JE$US PIECE identify: “I really like the folks and mates I’ve made via this shit. … However I simply will not ever work with them once more.”
Jesus Piece drummer Luis “Lu” Aponte straight challenged Heard‘s claims within the feedback of the publish: “Initially nobody can or desires [to] change you on this band… ever. If you mentioned you stop, you mentioned we might transfer on with out you and none of us needed to. We had been comfortable to let it relaxation in peace.”
He additionally denied ever asking Heard to not prioritize his son: “By no means in my total life would I ever ask you to not be together with your son, for any circumstances. I am nonetheless pleased with the video I made for you and him once we had been there the night time he was born.”
However Lu alleged Heard was dishonest with the band about his intentions: “You instructed us you had been executed to be together with your son, then went behind our again with the label/cash to do that and make a fast buck. I simply needed the band to finish on the legacy we created collectively.”
When a fan requested for readability, Lu replied: “A lot extra to be mentioned however that is nobody’s enterprise however ours.”
What was meant to be a dignified ending for one in all hardcore’s most acclaimed fashionable acts has become a extremely public dispute. Jesus Piece‘s official assertion instructed closure, whereas Aaron Heard has chosen to hold the torch ahead with JE$US PIECE — a transfer that each confused and divided followers.
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