In an unsurprising turn of events, one of Trapt frontman Chris Taylor Brown's bandmates is making an effort to distance himself from the group over political differences.
Trapt drummer Michael Smith is taking his leave from the band citing "ongoing issues (primarily political)" after performing with the group for just a few years. He announced his resignation publicly via Instagram.
While it's unclear which incident was the one to tip the scales for Smith, he says the "stances taken" by the band are not "representative" of his own.
Brown specifically has taken a number of controversial stances over the last year, including performing at a South Dakota super spreader event, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip biker rally; insulting civil rights activist Bishop Talbert Swan; blaming "SJWs" for cancelling one of their shows and offering his support for the Proud Boys; and finally getting the band barred from Facebook and then Twitter for defending pedophilia.
None of that is mentioned in Smith's statement, though he did say: "I do not agree with how certain things have been handled towards our fans and the music community who I have such an immense respect for."
Read his full statement below.
After playing drums for Trapt for the past couple years, I have decided to step down from the band. This is definitely a bittersweet decision. There have been some ongoing issues (primarily political) throughout 2020 that many of you may know about, others may not. If you're curious, it's just a google search away. I respect everyone's right to have an opinion on politics. But at the end of the day, I am a musician and my job is to play and create music. So that is what I plan on doing.
As I still communicate and have great relationships with the guys in the band, I will only speak for myself. The stances taken, and publicity received as a result are not representative of myself. Not as an individual, nor fitting or aligned with my personal morals and beliefs. I do not agree with how certain things have been handled towards our fans and the music community who I have such an immense respect for.
I would not be able to have a career in music and/or be fortunate enough to sustain my livelihood without the amazing support of everybody involved (from fans to venue staff, to musician peers, etc.) So thank you to those out there who have been a part of supporting and enabling me to use my gifts and talents, and allowing me to press forward in my musical journey.
It has been one of the best periods in my life the past couple years. But when it comes down to it, I do not agree with a lot of things morally and the publicity the band has received, mainly this past year in 2020…It is time for me to move on and pursue other avenues and projects.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported my musical journey thus far…
Trapt drummer Michael Smith is taking his leave from the band citing "ongoing issues (primarily political)" after performing with the group for just a few years. He announced his resignation publicly via Instagram.
While it's unclear which incident was the one to tip the scales for Smith, he says the "stances taken" by the band are not "representative" of his own.
Brown specifically has taken a number of controversial stances over the last year, including performing at a South Dakota super spreader event, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip biker rally; insulting civil rights activist Bishop Talbert Swan; blaming "SJWs" for cancelling one of their shows and offering his support for the Proud Boys; and finally getting the band barred from Facebook and then Twitter for defending pedophilia.
None of that is mentioned in Smith's statement, though he did say: "I do not agree with how certain things have been handled towards our fans and the music community who I have such an immense respect for."
Read his full statement below.
After playing drums for Trapt for the past couple years, I have decided to step down from the band. This is definitely a bittersweet decision. There have been some ongoing issues (primarily political) throughout 2020 that many of you may know about, others may not. If you're curious, it's just a google search away. I respect everyone's right to have an opinion on politics. But at the end of the day, I am a musician and my job is to play and create music. So that is what I plan on doing.
As I still communicate and have great relationships with the guys in the band, I will only speak for myself. The stances taken, and publicity received as a result are not representative of myself. Not as an individual, nor fitting or aligned with my personal morals and beliefs. I do not agree with how certain things have been handled towards our fans and the music community who I have such an immense respect for.
I would not be able to have a career in music and/or be fortunate enough to sustain my livelihood without the amazing support of everybody involved (from fans to venue staff, to musician peers, etc.) So thank you to those out there who have been a part of supporting and enabling me to use my gifts and talents, and allowing me to press forward in my musical journey.
It has been one of the best periods in my life the past couple years. But when it comes down to it, I do not agree with a lot of things morally and the publicity the band has received, mainly this past year in 2020…It is time for me to move on and pursue other avenues and projects.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported my musical journey thus far…