Alexisonfire have announced that the band have called it a day.
In a statement posted on the band's official site,
www.theonlybandever.com, vocalist George Pettit explains that the band had, in fact, played what was to be their last ever show with guitarist/vocalist Dallas Green on December 19, 2010 in their hometown of St. Catharines, Ontario.
"Almost a year ago, Dallas informed us he would be leaving after we finished our [2009 album] Old Crows/Young Cardinals tour cycle," says the frontman. "Trying to balance his life between touring with us [and] City And Colour was a task too difficult to continue managing. He informed us he wanted to focus his efforts on City And Colour."
George adds that the band had planned to continue, but a series of personal issues "pulled them further and further" from the band. And, after guitarist Wade MacNeil's recent decision to quit in order to focus on other projects, the remaining members - drummer Jordan 'Ratbeard' Hastings and bassist Chris Steele - felt they had no option but to go their separate ways.
"Replacing one guitar player/singer/writer was something we thought possible, but replacing two would run the serious risk of perverting the legacy of what we had achieved," says George. "We took a good hard swallow and decided to end it so it would never get old and ugly. Was the break-up amicable? Not really. Was it necessary? Probably. The members of this band are my family and I wish them nothing but good fortune."
The band released four albums during their decade-long tenure. Their most recent full-length release was 2009's Old Crows/Young Cardinals.
Alexisonfire are currently planning to commemorate their 10th anniversary with a series of releases and one last run of Canadian headline shows.
"In closing, I'd like to offer my sincerest gratitude to our fans," says the vocalist. "You were the coal that stoked our engines. You've given us a spectacular decade, rich with experience and joy. I love you all."
Kerrang! wishes the band luck in their future endeavours. For the full story, be sure to pick up next week's Kerrang! magazine, on sale August 10.
