Revived local nu-metal outfit Superheist are half the band they used to be following the sudden departure of bassist Drew Dedman and drummer Benny Clark after a single show on their planned 'Scorched Earth' regional tour.
The line-up change comes several months after the band's reformation with Ezekiel Ox as their new frontman. According to Dedman and Clark, the apparent chain of events that led to the unexpected loss of two members appears to have been initiated by the suggestion — presumably from guitarist DW Norton — that the drummer be replaced.
Both men referred to the discussion as being a catalyst for their decision to leave the band in separate statements on social media — for Clark, to preempt and defy any potential sacking, and for Dedman, to stick by his long-time collaborator and friend.
Explaining his choice as being underpinned by "great sadness and a heavy heart" — as previously noted by Girl At A Rock Show — Dedman advised that he was quitting as bassist over the debate about Clark, despite having recently "achieved and done things that I truly never imagined being able to do again after a 15-year hiatus".
"There has been recent discussion in the last week to replace Benny as drummer," he wrote on Facebook. "This is something I will never be able to agree with.
"Benny to me is like a little brother, he is an outstanding rock drummer, total professional and in my opinion one hell of a top bloke. He is after all the other half of the massive bass/drum foundation of the band."
Although Dedman tipped his hat to both Norton and Ox as musicians and performers — "I feel it would be an absolute tragedy to split this apart, especially 2 weeks out from a national tour" — he says he too was ultimately made to feel unwelcome if he did not agree with the plan to dismiss Clark.
"Unfortunately also during 'the discussion process' it was suggested to me several times if 'I don't agree' with the decision, I should perhaps also leave the band," the bassist wrote.
"Well I just don't agree with it, and never will. I feel it's a snap decision that's been made and all options should have been fully exhausted to try and reconcile this. However sadly it seems that is no longer possible."
Clark — "with a heavy heart and an anger deep in my soul" — explained in his own statement: "I am officially LEAVING my place in Superheist as of now. I will not stand here and submit, be bullied and backed into a corner."
"I want to send a massive thanx to all the fans that welcomed me with open arms and accepted me as part of the monster that was Superheist … My biggest thanks goes to Drew Dedman for sticking by me and being a true brother."
Norton, for his part, addressed his side of the story in a statement on Instagram, where he says that "Superheist has been my band since 1993" and that "Nobody on this planet loves it more than me".
"I hope you can trust that no matter what, my loyalty is to Superheist and its fans," Norton wrote. "I ended it the first time in '03 coz of other band members' drug addictions & internal sabotage. I won't let that happen again."
Norton went on to explain that he has apparently been locked out of the band's Facebook page and that a statement would be forthcoming once they regained control. That statement has not yet manifested, though he did take the time to allay concerns about the remaining shows on the 'Scorched Earth' tour.
"All shows are going ahead," he wrote. "I appreciate all your support."
On another post, he reassured fans that "we have a full band" in order to perform the remaining shows, which are set for early February at the Sunshine Coast and in Toowoomba. The tour started on 20 January in Barwon Heads.
You can see Dedman, Clark and Norton's versions of events below.
10.02.17
Villa Noosa Hotel, Noosaville
11.02.17
The Triffid, Newstead
12.02.17
The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
24.02.17
The Grand Hotel, Mornington
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