A few days ago, we reported about the band Slaves calling it quits in a sudden way by simply announcing that their next scheduled shows in Sacramento and Santa Cruz were the last ones from the band. Not many details came up about the reasons why the decision was made, although guitarist Alex Lyman posted about it saying “I’m in debt, have hundreds of tickets sitting at my house and I’m still trying to figure out what life has in store for me at 26,” making it seem like one of the main reasons for the split.
Now, it’s frontman Jonny Craig who’s coming out with some of the struggles he’s facing and the future of Slaves. Craig said the following:
“To all my faithful fans,
“It’s time I set the record straight. Please know this is me talking: not a publicist, not a manger, it’s just me. For years I have fought hard to escape my past and everything that comes with it. I have continually gotten clean, and then fallen right back into the same ruts. As most of you are aware…I have a problem: I am an addict. I have entered rehab twice. I have sought help multiple times. It just keeps happening. My choices and my struggles have cost me many things: relationships, loved ones, friends, bands, and much more. For letting any of you down, I’m truly sorry.
“This is an open letter to everyone to let you know I’m struggling. No excuses. I want you, the fans, to know that I’m doing my best to get through these current tours. I will try my best to stay clean and finish these. To help get me back on track I am going back on the medicine I was on for 4 years that helped me stay clean. After the U.S. solo tour and the European Slaves dates (with select members), I am going to take some time and get the help I really need. I am also going to take money from the solo tour to put towards the help I need. I know it’s not optimal for my health to be out on the road, but I really want to finish these tours for you guys.
“I am going to be working on new solo material with Kyle Lucas. Colin Vieira and I will eventually continue on as Slaves, and there will be more good news to come.
“Thank you for staying with me all of these years. You guys are what keep me going.”
It’s been a turmoil for Slaves for the past year with all the problems they went through at last year’s Vans Warped Tour and the sexual harassment allegations against their Craig, their label and agent dropping them off, Lyman getting stabbed by an armed robber, and who knows what else. We’ll have to wait and see who Craig and Vieira recruit to fill in the remaining positions on the band. More news as we get them.
