The number of band members to filter through Evanescence is still managing to grow exponentially with each new albums release. Following their multi-platinum debut, Fallen, founding band member Ben Moody left the band citing irresolvable problems with frontwoman and former girlfriend Amy Lee. Since his departure, Moody has been replaced by ex-Cold guitarist Terry Balsamo, who suffered a stroke during the recording of Evanescence’s latest The Open Door. Despite the band’s problems the album peaked at Number One.
The drama thickens. Now drummer Rocky Gray is parting ways with the Christian-Rock wonders, the third band member to leave since the recording of The Open Door. (Bassist Will Boyd left the band the summer before the album was released. Guitarist John LeCompt exited the band recently saying, "There's absolutely no loyalty in this band.")
To add more drama to the break-up, Gray put everything on the table, writing in his blog "Amy Lee's management emailed me last night to tell me that, in their view, the contract I signed to record, perform and tour with the group says that I'm not allowed to have any free speech in regard to Evanescence. The way they spin it, I'm not even allowed to say I quit the group, I guess. I need to have a lawyer read over all that mess to tell me what, when and how I can tell you all, the REAL FANS, what really went down, if I ever can, haha."
Lee, in a post on the band’s Website wrote, "Evanescence is alive and well. John and Rocky were in Evanescence for four years and we shared some great times together playing live, but they were ready to move on and so we have parted ways. Evanescence is something I have loved and nurtured since I was fourteen, and I will continue to protect and fight for it as I always have. “
She further denied that Evanescence is over due to the departures and that the band will continue with their tour kicking off May 19th in Columbus, Ohio.
"Terry, Tim and I are very excited to play live with some amazing new musicians and we will rock harder than ever. Stay tuned for more news on that front. And don't worry about the tour, guys. Nothing will be cancelled and we will see you soon!" she said.
In July Evanescence join Korn, Atreyu, Flyleaf, and Hellyeah for the Family Values Tour.
