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 photograph instantly sparked hypothesis that he was the one to give up.
That suspicion grew stronger when, simply minutes earlier than the breakup announcement, Heard shared a competition 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 replicate 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 associates and so they have not been for nearly everything of us being a band. Simply because we’re a band does not imply we’re finest buddies. I’ve obtained love for Lu however that is actually it.”
Heard accused members of trying to switch him a number of occasions — 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 obtained nothing to do with us.’ Would you need to work with individuals who suppose this fashion?”
Heard concluded by thanking followers and stating he would proceed to play exhibits underneath the brand new JE$US PIECE identify: “I really like the folks and associates I’ve made via this shit. … However I simply will not ever work with them once more.”
Jesus Piece drummer Luis “Lu” Aponte immediately challenged Heard‘s claims within the feedback of the publish: “Initially nobody can or desires [to] change you on this band… ever. Whenever you stated you give up, you stated we might transfer on with out you and none of us wished to. We had been comfortable to let it relaxation in peace.”
He additionally denied ever asking Heard to not prioritize his son: “By no means in my complete life would I ever ask you to not be along with your son, for any circumstances. I am nonetheless happy with the video I made for you and him after we had been there the evening he was born.”
However Lu alleged Heard was dishonest with the band about his intentions: “You informed us you had been finished to be along with your son, then went behind our again with the label/cash to do that and make a fast buck. I simply wished the band to finish on the legacy we created collectively.”
When a fan requested for readability, Lu replied: “A lot extra to be stated however that is nobody’s enterprise however ours.”
What was meant to be a dignified ending for one in all hardcore’s most acclaimed trendy acts has changed into a extremely public dispute. Jesus Piece‘s official assertion steered closure, whereas Aaron Heard has chosen to hold the torch ahead with JE$US PIECE — a transfer that each confused and divided followers.
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