CRADLE OF FILTH has parted ways with guitarist Marek “Ashok” Šmerda, only hours after the Czech-born musician announced his intention to leave the band following the conclusion of their current Latin American tour.
Yesterday CRADLE OF FILTH frontman Dani Filth released the following statement via the band’s social media: “It is with a grave heart that CRADLE OF FILTH officially announce the firing of guitarist Marek ‘Ashok’ Smerda from the band, effective immediately.
“Despite all attempts to illegally defame and derail the band, CRADLE OF FILTH WILL NOT cancel any of our South American shows, though fans will have to bear with us being a band with only one guitarist live, that is of course until Ashok’s temporary replacement is flown out to join the tour in a few days time.
“Thank you for your understanding in this horrible matter, we are all in a state of shock over proceedings and will share our side to these unfortunate events in due course. Please, respect our decision to part with Ashok now rather than at the end of the tour and avoid speculation as more clarity on the situation will be provided.
“The rest of the band are cool, even if taken aback, and accusations toward management, who work very closely with me and the band are completely unjust and unfounded.
“Patience is a virtue and the truth will always out.
“Thank you once again fellow Filthlings and we look forward to the rest of ‘The Screaming Of The Américas’ tour here in Uruguay and beyond.
“Your fiend, Dani”.
Ashok revealed his plans to leave CRADLE OF FILTH only a few days after his wife, Zoë M. Federoff, exited the band mid-tour, following a three-year stint as the group’s female vocalist and keyboardist.
Cradle of Filth photos taken by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)
