Dance Gavin Dance have brought Tilian Pearson back into the fold five months after the vocalist "stepped away" from the band amid sexual assault allegations.
Back in June, a fan came forward on the r/dancegavindance subreddit, accusing Pearson of sexual abuse and manipulation. The accuser alleged to have been "preyed upon" across several interactions, and another Reddit user subsequently claimed that the musician had also forced her into sex.
The singer refuted all of the claims, arguing that everything had been consensual. He then said he would be taking his time away from the band, "entering an intensive therapy program to address this issue head on."
Last night, the post-hardcore outfit posted a statement on Instagram announcing the news that they had decided to welcome Pearson back into the band.
"If the past year has taught us anything, it's that everyone handles grief differently, and Tilian is no exception," they wrote. "When Tilian opened up to us about his substance abuse problem that had spiraled [sic] in recent months, we all agreed that he needed time to reset his life to avoid the tragic fate of so many artists before him."
The band continued, "We are a resilient group who has always believed in redemption, and we have seen the hard work that Tilian has been doing to address and overcome an issue that has plagued him for years. That's why we are welcoming him back to the band. We are proud of his progress and we look forward to seeing all of you on the road next year."
Pearson also issued the following apology:
I wanted to update everyone on what has been happening during my time away from Dance Gavin Dance.
When the band was dealing with the tragic loss of one of our brothers, it could have brought us together, but instead, it sent me down a self-destructive path.
I've spent the past few months in a rehab program for alcohol alongside an intensive series of therapy sessions to reassess my life and how I want to live it.
It became clear to me and my bandmates that this is what had to happen for me to continue with the group, and I will always appreciate their understanding, support, and the time that they have given me to get my life together.
I hate the power that I have allowed alcohol to have over my life. I want to apologize to the band and all of the fans of Dance Gavin Dance and assure you that my mistakes are purely my own and should never be a reflection on the other members.
It's also important for me to address something that has been twisted and misrepresented during my absence from the band. The work I have done on myself and my substance abuse issues has nothing to do with any kind of sexual misconduct. I have never had sex or any kind of intimate relationship without the consent of a partner.
I hope this clears up the events of the last few months, and I'm excited to reunite with the band and see you all on the road in 2023.
Dance Gavin Dance released their 10th studio album Jackpot Juicer in July — their last recorded with late bassist Tim Feerick, who passed away in April.
See the statement from the band below.
After Pearson's assault allegations surfaced, Alkaline Trio replaced Dance Gavin Dance on Coheed and Cambria's summer tour.
Back in June, a fan came forward on the r/dancegavindance subreddit, accusing Pearson of sexual abuse and manipulation. The accuser alleged to have been "preyed upon" across several interactions, and another Reddit user subsequently claimed that the musician had also forced her into sex.
The singer refuted all of the claims, arguing that everything had been consensual. He then said he would be taking his time away from the band, "entering an intensive therapy program to address this issue head on."
Last night, the post-hardcore outfit posted a statement on Instagram announcing the news that they had decided to welcome Pearson back into the band.
"If the past year has taught us anything, it's that everyone handles grief differently, and Tilian is no exception," they wrote. "When Tilian opened up to us about his substance abuse problem that had spiraled [sic] in recent months, we all agreed that he needed time to reset his life to avoid the tragic fate of so many artists before him."
The band continued, "We are a resilient group who has always believed in redemption, and we have seen the hard work that Tilian has been doing to address and overcome an issue that has plagued him for years. That's why we are welcoming him back to the band. We are proud of his progress and we look forward to seeing all of you on the road next year."
Pearson also issued the following apology:
I wanted to update everyone on what has been happening during my time away from Dance Gavin Dance.
When the band was dealing with the tragic loss of one of our brothers, it could have brought us together, but instead, it sent me down a self-destructive path.
I've spent the past few months in a rehab program for alcohol alongside an intensive series of therapy sessions to reassess my life and how I want to live it.
It became clear to me and my bandmates that this is what had to happen for me to continue with the group, and I will always appreciate their understanding, support, and the time that they have given me to get my life together.
I hate the power that I have allowed alcohol to have over my life. I want to apologize to the band and all of the fans of Dance Gavin Dance and assure you that my mistakes are purely my own and should never be a reflection on the other members.
It's also important for me to address something that has been twisted and misrepresented during my absence from the band. The work I have done on myself and my substance abuse issues has nothing to do with any kind of sexual misconduct. I have never had sex or any kind of intimate relationship without the consent of a partner.
I hope this clears up the events of the last few months, and I'm excited to reunite with the band and see you all on the road in 2023.
Dance Gavin Dance released their 10th studio album Jackpot Juicer in July — their last recorded with late bassist Tim Feerick, who passed away in April.
See the statement from the band below.
After Pearson's assault allegations surfaced, Alkaline Trio replaced Dance Gavin Dance on Coheed and Cambria's summer tour.
