El Paso, TX-bred post-hardcore legends At the Drive-In are set to kick off their 2016 reunion tour later this week, but they won't be bringing guitarist Jim Ward with them. Despite the initial tour announcement in January, it was revealed this weekend that the founding member will not be taking part in any of the band's "future journeys."
The remaining members of At the Drive-In issued a statement on Facebook on Friday (March 18), alerting fans that Ward will not be a part of the upcoming tour. A reason behind his departure was not given.
"As our ship prepares for voyage, we announce that Jim Ward will not be joining us on future journeys," the group statement reads. "We wish him well and are excited to see you soon."
Ward has not yet commented on the split.
Ward helped found At the Drive-In in 1993, recording on all of the band's material, up to and including their last full-length, 2000's much-loved Relationship of Command.
Following the group's split in 2001, he formed Sparta with At the Drive-In bassist Paul Hinojos and drummer Tony Hajjar, releasing three full-lengths between 2002 and 2006. He also leads an alt-country project called Sleepercar.
Ward got back together with the rest of At the Drive-In for reunion dates in 2012, and promotional imagery revealed this past January pictured him alongside the rest of the group.
It's unclear if At the Drive-In will use a fill-in guitarist for the upcoming tour, or perform as a quartet. The band have promised to unveil new music on the trip.
You'll find all of the date details, including appearances in Vancouver and Toronto, over here.
The remaining members of At the Drive-In issued a statement on Facebook on Friday (March 18), alerting fans that Ward will not be a part of the upcoming tour. A reason behind his departure was not given.
"As our ship prepares for voyage, we announce that Jim Ward will not be joining us on future journeys," the group statement reads. "We wish him well and are excited to see you soon."
Ward has not yet commented on the split.
Ward helped found At the Drive-In in 1993, recording on all of the band's material, up to and including their last full-length, 2000's much-loved Relationship of Command.
Following the group's split in 2001, he formed Sparta with At the Drive-In bassist Paul Hinojos and drummer Tony Hajjar, releasing three full-lengths between 2002 and 2006. He also leads an alt-country project called Sleepercar.
Ward got back together with the rest of At the Drive-In for reunion dates in 2012, and promotional imagery revealed this past January pictured him alongside the rest of the group.
It's unclear if At the Drive-In will use a fill-in guitarist for the upcoming tour, or perform as a quartet. The band have promised to unveil new music on the trip.
You'll find all of the date details, including appearances in Vancouver and Toronto, over here.
