Anyone who was at the sold-out Killswitch Engage show at House of Blues in Boston a few weeks ago will be shocked to learn that vocalist Howard Jones has left the band. Howard was on fire that night and appeared to be having fun. Anyone who knows him, knows this is not due to drugs or booze, as he's straight edge.
But this is too bad because KsE is at the top of its game right now and is really one of the biggest bands in metal.
My sources tell me it's unclear if Howard will return or if he's quit the band for good. For now, Phil Labonte from All That Remains is filling in but there are rumors that Jesse Leach - KsE's original singer - could come back into the fold. Jesse and KsE guitarist Adam D are close friends and have been working on a side project in recent months.
We'll see what happens but here's hoping these Massachusetts metal warriors keep battling . . . Here's my latest report on this from the Boston Herald:
Killswitch Engage vocalist abruptly replaced for Westfield band’s tour
By Dave Wedge
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Killswitch Engage vocalist Howard Jones has abruptly and unexpectedly left the Westfield-based band’s current headlining tour to deal with “personal” issues, thrusting the metal kings’ future into turmoil.
Jones has been temporarily replaced by All That Remains singer Phil Labonte, another western Massachusetts-bred headbanger who formerly sang for fellow Bay Staters Shadows Fall.
In a statement, the band said: “It became overwhelmingly obvious to all of us around Howard that he is in no condition to be on tour right now and that he needed to get off the road and get himself better. It’s a personal matter and while we understand everyone’s curiosity and concern for Howard and the band, we appreciate everyone respecting Howard’s privacy at this time.”
Read the rest here . . .
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