Baroness Lose Two Members

I picked this up off the official Baroness website. During SXSW, John Baizley did a few interviews, and a solo performance, and I didn't see or hear anything that indicated this might be happening, but either way more line up changes following the accident in Bath:

Nothing can truly prepare you for a brush with death. The event is unique one, singular to the observer. Trust me, you don’t want to invite the experience. Our bus accident left indelible marks, external and internal, physical and mental, you name it. Each of the nine of us went through and continues to go through an entirely different, yet common experience. We are tied to each other by a trauma, which, despite its damage, has been made individually easier through our shared ordeal. While I would never wish the incident on anyone, I cannot imagine going through that wreck alone. 

Thankfully, injury was not dealt out evenly; unfortunately it was dealt in great supply. Each of the nine of us now finds our self in a drastically different circumstance, and we each move forward accordingly. There are two important things to note. First, we are all healthy. We are recovering at different rates, and we’ll all be fine in the end. Second, Baroness has made a commitment to pick up where we left off, and get back out on tour, where we belong. In fact, I am personally staking my recovery on this principle; it gives me direction and something to look forward to (finally). 

However, for some of us, the accident necessitated a change that would prevent them from performing music or touring. It is with sadness that we must announce that Matt Maggioni and Allen Blickle will not continue touring with Baroness. The details of their departure are not sensational; they do not come with hard feelings. Nor are the details going to be public; suffice it to say we’d like to keep to ourselves the finer points of this situation, to respect the privacy of all involved. While the nine of us must respect the significance of the bus accident in Bath, we must also move away from it and get back to our lives. 

Simply put, some of the effects and injuries were severe enough to prohibit further activity in Baroness. While we would never have asked them to leave; we have the utmost sympathy for this situation, and in earnest, we wish Matt and Allen the best in the future. In their stead, we have found two musicians who can approach our music with passion and vitality and help get us back out on tour to finish what was seemingly cut short last August.

‘til the wheels fall off,
John Baizley & Baroness

I have a feeling Baroness will persevere through this, and hopefully get back on track soon.

Acacia Strain Release Special Merch to Help Pay for Van

Calling it the TAS Flip t-shirt, this Bevis and Butthead inspired shirt displays what their tweets had shown right after the accident, they definitely still have their sense of humor about the whole thing. Having to cancel the remainder of their tour, the loss of their van and gear, but all the members remain unhurt, so life carries on.

Turning the picture of the van into a $14 t-shirt is a pretty brilliant idea, so you might stuff a stocking with one or two! Get them HERE

Acacia Strain Forced to Cancel Tour After Van Wreck

The Acacia Strain have announced they are forced to cancel their remaining dates on the 'Persistence' tour after a severe van wreck. Members of the band are reportedly underwent treatment for minor injuries, but no one was seriously hurt in the accident. A statement posted on their Facebook page:

As you can see, we will not be able to finish our tour with Veil of Maya. We are very sorry and, again, we will make this up to you all. Please support VEIL OF MAYA, Upon A Burning Body,Volumes, and Twitching Tongues on the rest of the tour. 

Vincent Bennet commented, "Canceling tour dates is something we hate doing but we will make it up to all of you. We are all very grateful to be alive and will see you in the New Year."

If we get more information, we will update you, but for now it appears the band is Ok, get well  soon guys and be safe!  

Updates from Twitter:

vincent bennett ‏@xDIAMONDCUTx

Thank you everyone for understanding. We will be back around soon. Also thanks to everyone who wishes i died, you cant get rid of me.

Kevin boutot ‏@KevinBoutot

Thankful to be alive right now

Baroness Involved in Bus Accident

Savannah GA band Baroness, while on tour in England, apparently were involved in a bus crash earlier today in outside of Bath on Brassknocker Hill. The band was enroute to a gig in Southampton around 1130am when the bus careened off a 30ft cliff at the bottom of a steep hill in rainy conditions.

Two passengers were trapped but were freed by rescuers and all nine on the bus were taken to a local hospital. Agents for the band, which were due to appear in Southampton later, have confirmed the accident.Baroness's tour promoter said:

"It is with great regret that we have to inform you that Baroness were involved in a very serious road accident earlier today and will not be able to perform at Talking Heads tonight.Our thoughts are with the band at this time and we wish them and their crew a speedy recovery."

No Names of the injured were released, but police are still investigating the cause of the accident and there will be more details coming soon

UPDATE:
The band members of Baroness and their crew are recovering from injuries sustained after their tour bus crashed outside of Bath, England early on Wednesday morning. John Baizley has broken his left arm and left leg. Allen Blickle and Matt Maggioni each suffered fractured vertebrae. All three remain in the hospital as of this writing. Pete Adams has been treated and released from the hospital.

Three of the five crew members who were on the bus have also been treated and released. One member is still undergoing testing. The driver of the bus remains in critical condition.Please stay tuned for further updates. Thank you for all the support during this extremely difficult time.