update:2007/5/8
Rocky: ROCKY GRAY LEAVES EVANESCENCE
2007/5/5/16:00
Soul Embraced, Machina, Other Projects Coming Soon
Rocky Gray, longtime drummer for multi-platinum rockers Evanescence, has quit the band.
Best known prior to Evanescence as the guitar player for seminal Christian metal bands Living Sacrifice (a band whose members went on to join P.O.D., Norma Jean and more) and Soul Embraced, Rocky joined Evanescence shortly after the recording of their debut album, Fallen. The album featured a reworked version of a Soul Embraced song written by Rocky, "Tourniquet," and sold over 12 million copies worldwide.
Rocky is the third band member to leave Evanescence since the recording of their second album, The Open Door. Unfortunately, at this time, Gray doesn't have anything to say about his departure from the group.
"Amy Lee's management emailed me last night to tell me that, in their view, the contract I signed to record, perform and tour with the group says that I'm not allowed to have any free speech in regard to Evanescence," Gray said from his home in Arkansas. "The way they spin it, I'm not even allowed to say I quit the group, I guess. But the news is out there, so, there ya' go. I need to have a lawyer read over all that mess to tell me what, when and how I can tell you all -- the REAL FANS -- what really went down, if I ever can, haha."
In the meantime, there is plenty to report about Rocky that does not involve Evanescence.
Originally formed ten years ago, the newly reinvigorated Soul Embraced (which reunites Gray with Living Sacrifice drummer Lance Garvin) has a wealth of new material. The band is finalizing a new recording agreement to release their next album. New songs include "Kill This," which is on their MySpace now.
In addition to Soul Embraced, Rocky will continue playing with Machina alongside former Evanescence guitarist John LeCompt. And there are a couple more projects which will be announced soon.
"Ya'll ain't ever heard the last from me until the good Lord decides to take me home," Rocky cracked with his down-home Southern drawl. "Peace to all of the fans who support me and everyone who knows the real deal. And of course to my wife, kids, John, Ben, Will, everybody who's real. See ya'll on the road soon!"
STATEMENT FROM AMY LEE
2007/5/7/16:00
Evanescence is alive and well. John and Rocky were in Evanescence for four years and we shared some great times together playing live, but they were ready to move on and so we have parted ways. Evanescence is something I have loved and nurtured since I was fourteen, and I will continue to protect and fight for it as I always have. Terry, Tim and I are very excited to play live with some amazing new musicians and we will rock harder than ever. Stay tuned for more news on that front. And don't worry about the tour, guys. Nothing will be cancelled and we will see you soon!
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