As I Lay Dying Announces Controversial 2025 Tour Amidst Lineup Chaos and Past Scandals
As I Lay Dying is making headlines once again, this time with the announcement of their 2025 European tour. This marks the band's first tour since a mass exodus of members last year, leaving vocalist Tim Lambesis as the sole original member. The tour, dubbed "An Evening With As I Lay Dying," will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their breakthrough album, Shadows Are Security.
The announcement comes shortly after the band's signing with FM Music Management, a move that has sparked mixed reactions given Lambesis' troubled past. While the identities of the musicians joining Lambesis on this tour remain unconfirmed, the band's return is shrouded in controversy due to the vocalist's history of domestic abuse allegations and his previous conviction for attempting to hire a hitman to murder his estranged wife.
The situation escalated last year when four members – guitarist Phil Sgrosso, drummer Nick Pierce, guitarist Ken Susi, and bassist/vocalist Ryan Neff – separately announced their departures, citing concerns over Lambesis' behavior. Leaked home security footage further fueled the controversy, showing Lambesis in highly agitated states and violent outbursts during arguments with his then-wife.
Ken Susi later revealed on the “BREWtally Speaking” podcast that one of the breaking points was an incident captured on his home security cameras where Lambesis allegedly confronted his wife. "This guy like comes into my house in the middle of the night, corners his wife in my kitchen and spits in her face...And then starts screaming and running around my house for help," Susi recounted, highlighting the volatile environment that led to his departure.
Lambesis' past convictions loom large over the band's attempted comeback. He was arrested in 2013 and sentenced to six years in prison for attempting to hire a hitman. While he was released on parole in 2016 and has since reunited with As I Lay Dying, the ethical implications of supporting a band led by someone with such a history remain a point of contention for many fans.
The tour dates, which include stops in Russia and several other European countries, are as follows:
Oct. 30 - Moscow, Russia- Stadium Live Club
Oct. 31 - Yekaterinburg, Russia- Svoboda Concert Hall
Nov. 01 - Sankt-Peterburg, Russia - Sound Club
Nov. 03 - Bratislava, Slovakia - Majestic Music Club (MMC)
Nov. 04 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra
Nov. 05 - Ljubljana, Slovenia - Cvetličarna
Nov. 06 - Trezzo Sull'adda Mi, Italy - Live Club
Nov. 07 - Innsbruck, Austria - Music Hall
Nov. 08 - Würzburg, Germany - Posthalle
Nov. 11 - Hohenems, Austria - Tennis Event Centre
Nov. 12 - Saarbrücken, Germany - The Garage
Nov. 13 - Sneek, Netherlands - Bolwerk
Nov. 14 - Heerlen, Netherlands - Nieuwe Nor
The upcoming tour raises questions about the future of As I Lay Dying and the acceptance of Lambesis' past actions within the metal community. Will fans embrace this new chapter, or will the controversies continue to overshadow the music? It remains to be seen how this latest attempt at a comeback will be received.
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