While many thought Refused had brought their reunion to a close at the end of 2012 following a global tour, it looks as if the Swedish hardcore group have continued on in some form. That is, without guitarist Jon Brännström, who revealed over the weekend that he was fired from the band back in 2013.
Brännström announced his departure through the group's Facebook page on Friday (October 31). There, the guitarist explained he was fired from the group "a while ago," though he "wasn't given a reasonable explanation and wasn't even invited to sit down and talk about it, so I'm not completely sure why they decided to go on without me."
He added:
We've always been better at punk rock than democratic processes and dealing with conflicts, so I guess I'm not too surprised it went down like this. Quite sad indeed, but perhaps it's all for the best. I have always been more interested in writing music than reproducing it, more at home in the studio than on the road. Comfortable with slow intellectual processes rather than reacting instinctively in tumbling settings. What hurts me the most, is obviously the gesture. We've had our ups and downs, but we've made art together and have been tied to together through Refused for twenty years. I used to be proud to call these people my friends.
His message goes on to thank fans, artists and activists for the memories, and saluting anyone to keep "fighting, dancing and creating forever." Brännström confirmed he will be keeping up as such, "through my music, through my work, through interactions, through speaking up. Just not through the forum of Refused anymore."
The remainder of the band — Dennis Lyxzén, David Sandström, Kristofer Steen and Magnus Flagge — posted a reply, also through their Facebook page, suggesting that Brännström "did not share our passion for the band" and also questioned the timing of the reveal, as he had not been a part of Refused since 2013.
Their message reads:
Any collective effort will have its ups and downs and when people really pour their hearts into something, things get complicated. We cut ties with Jon already in 2013 because he did not share our passion for the band. We don't know why he decided to emit this narrative on facebook or why he did it now, instead of just calling one of us up, but we wish him the best in his future endeavors.
Most confusing about the debacle is that Refused are still working together in some capacity. It had been suggested that the reunion had come to a close at their show in hometown Umea on December 15, 2012. Though nothing has been confirmed by the band, fans could be wondering if the remaining members themselves are pondering the shape of punk to come.
Brännström announced his departure through the group's Facebook page on Friday (October 31). There, the guitarist explained he was fired from the group "a while ago," though he "wasn't given a reasonable explanation and wasn't even invited to sit down and talk about it, so I'm not completely sure why they decided to go on without me."
He added:
We've always been better at punk rock than democratic processes and dealing with conflicts, so I guess I'm not too surprised it went down like this. Quite sad indeed, but perhaps it's all for the best. I have always been more interested in writing music than reproducing it, more at home in the studio than on the road. Comfortable with slow intellectual processes rather than reacting instinctively in tumbling settings. What hurts me the most, is obviously the gesture. We've had our ups and downs, but we've made art together and have been tied to together through Refused for twenty years. I used to be proud to call these people my friends.
His message goes on to thank fans, artists and activists for the memories, and saluting anyone to keep "fighting, dancing and creating forever." Brännström confirmed he will be keeping up as such, "through my music, through my work, through interactions, through speaking up. Just not through the forum of Refused anymore."
The remainder of the band — Dennis Lyxzén, David Sandström, Kristofer Steen and Magnus Flagge — posted a reply, also through their Facebook page, suggesting that Brännström "did not share our passion for the band" and also questioned the timing of the reveal, as he had not been a part of Refused since 2013.
Their message reads:
Any collective effort will have its ups and downs and when people really pour their hearts into something, things get complicated. We cut ties with Jon already in 2013 because he did not share our passion for the band. We don't know why he decided to emit this narrative on facebook or why he did it now, instead of just calling one of us up, but we wish him the best in his future endeavors.
Most confusing about the debacle is that Refused are still working together in some capacity. It had been suggested that the reunion had come to a close at their show in hometown Umea on December 15, 2012. Though nothing has been confirmed by the band, fans could be wondering if the remaining members themselves are pondering the shape of punk to come.
