James Smith and Underoath parted ways after working together for two decades.
Underoath will continue performing with its five remaining members - Spencer Chamberlain, Timothy McTague, Grant Brandell, Aaron Gillespie, and Christopher Dudley - as Smith confirmed in a statement that he is no longer a member of the band.
James Smith Confirms Exit From Underoath
Lambgoat shared a screenshot Smith posted on his Instagram Story. In the statement, he expressed his sadness and gratitude as he recalled the time he spent with his co-members in Underoath in the past 20 years.
Smith, however, said that he was only "informed" of the decision, seemingly telling fans that it was not his decision to leave the band.
"After 20 years of music and friendship, I was informed that I'm no longer a member of Underoath. This saddens me to say, but unfortunately is where we have ended up," he wrote. "I appreciate everyone who, at any moment in their lives, has felt inspired, accepted, comforted, and energized by the music we created and the shows we performed together."
Smith added that he felt honored and privileged as he was able to score the chance to perform in front of the fans who made them exist for so long.
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The current Underoath members have not spoken up about his exit yet. The reason for Smith's departure also remains unknown as of press time.
Fans, on the other hand, expressed their dismay over the shocking development. They called the process of Smith "being informed" about it "feels so wrong."
At the same time, they let him know that the band would never be complete again after his departure.
James Smith Departs Amid Underoath's US Tour
Smith's exit shocked fans as Underoath is currently having its US tour, The Blind Obedience" tour, alongside its special guests, Periphery and Loathe. The tour dates were announced following the release of "Voyeurist" in 2022.
The 24-date tour started on March 3 in Silver Spring. It will end at the Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 2. The two other remaining shows will take place at the Diamond Ballroom in Oklahoma City and The Hall in Little Rock on March 31 and April 1, respectively.
Aside from the album and tour, Underoath also surprised the fans with the new single, "Let Go."
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