Attack Attack! bassist John Holgado has quit the band. Rumors are swirling that frontman Caleb Shomo has also parted ways with the group.
In a statement, Holgado said his departure comes as a result of depression.
“These have been the best and the absolute worst past years of my life and I know that for a fact. Nothing will replace all of the memories I’ve made with the countless amounts of friends and or what I consider a part of my family that I’ve been gracious to meet. I, today, for once have reviewed my life in my head in a positive way. I really do mean that. I say that, because what I learned was wrong growing up as a kid, I slowly, so slowly over the years of touring began to think was right. I’m not intending to skew being in a band or touring or anything involving music. I am admitting, and fully embarrassing myself in front of you all because I hope one day, at least one of you will reconsider ever taking what your parents granted you the opportunity with, which is the ability to live.”
He added, “I today, am admitting that I am was/were/have been/am clinically depressed. Why such a confusing statement? Because my book doesn’t end at the first chapter. I would say the first chapter would be first and foremost, distancing myself from something everyone else has in common.. My blood related family and relatives.”
“For months now I’ve thought that I was homosexual…This is where my oh so creative conscience was capable of making me fear what I feared.. I am no way saying that being homosexual is a bad thing but to me, it felt like such an unaccepted way of life by my peers. Oh it killed me until this day that every moment I woke up, someone would publicly acclaim it, and I would… I really don’t know. This is in the meantime in my conscience of me laying looking at the ceiling.”
Holgado went on to say, “Do not be defeated, instead try what seems to hurt you in order to make what you know is right. Sacrifice….Whether its friends… Items, imaginary people… And I really mean that, I’m not smiling after that last point… You are what you think…All good things come to an end, and now I can finally breathe.”