After speculation following a since-deleted video posted by Jason Hook, Five Finger Death Punch confirms he is no longer part of the band.
Just a few days ago, guitarist Jason Hook posted a video on Instagram which appeared to be confirming he was not a member of Five Finger Death Punch anymore, saying that he couldn’t say anything further due to a gag order. The video has since been removed. The band has just confirmed themselves they parted ways with Hook back in February 2020, during their European arena tour. Hook had emergency gallbladder surgery at the end of last year but had to leave partway through the European tour due to further complications.
“I have had the pleasure of meeting so many of you in person. Thank you for the endless stories of how our music has touched your heart in some way! But the best part of being on tour the last 12 years, by far, has been playing my guitar and seeing the joy on your faces every night. I will miss that more than anything. As for the reason I’m leaving…well, there really isn’t just one. I’ve been in bands my entire life and I feel like I’ve done all the good that I can here. It’s time to pass the baton and move on to new challenges,” says Jason Hook about his departure.
It was Jason’s suggestion, with all parties coming to a mutual agreement, that it was best for him to step away from the band’s rigorous schedule. The band’s new lead guitarist has been confirmed as British virtuoso, Andy James. James featured on “Broken World,” one of the previously unreleased tracks on their recently released their greatest hits compilation, Decade of Destruction, Volume 2.
“Jason is an incredible guitar player so we had to find someone on the absolute top of their game. Someone like Andy James who was already a well-known virtuoso and had the chops to step into Jason’s shoes. Andy completed our European Tour with us back in February so he was already tried by fire. We instantly clicked both musically and personally so he was the obvious choice. We even have the same birthday… Some things are just meant to be,” explains guitarist Zoltan Bathory.
“I just congratulated Jason on his recent wedding, and I hope he finds peace and happiness. As for us, I’m really excited to keep working with Andy and I just can’t wait for this Covid madness to be over so we can go back out on the road,” adds vocalist Ivan Moody.
PHOTO BY: F3 Studios-Stephen Jensen
