Of Mice & Men frontman Austin Carlile has announced his departure from the band. Aaron Pauley, Alan Ashby, Phil Manansala and Valentino Arteaga will continue as a four-piece.
“I will be here in Costa Rica, where I have now moved, continuing to heal, rest, and write. I will not stop playing music, I am still able to sing and I’m hungry for what is next to come even though I have no idea what that may be.”
My heart is heavy… I never thought I would be writing this… Wanted to leave this announcement in the mess that is 2016… pic.twitter.com/T02QIt2hUp
— Austin Carlile (@austincarlile) December 30, 2016
FYI you don't "get better" w/ Marfans. You GET BY. I've had foot, ear, rib, head, hip, back, & heart surgeries just so I can function/live.
— Austin Carlile (@austincarlile) November 29, 2016
all of you saying I should hurry up & get better what's taking so long. I'll never be better. you happy? I live EACH DAY as it comes. each
— Austin Carlile (@austincarlile) November 29, 2016
day is a battle. Marfan Syndrome is a fibrostic connective tissue disorder, that means it affects your ENTIRE BODY, and IT. IS. PAINFUL.
— Austin Carlile (@austincarlile) November 29, 2016
I don't cry on Twitter on all the bad days. I suck it up & keep pushing on. The rare good days?!… I CHERISH those more than you could ever
— Austin Carlile (@austincarlile) November 29, 2016
understand. & I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. This is why I have such a heart for those hurting, mentally OR physically, because I. AM. TOO.
— Austin Carlile (@austincarlile) November 29, 2016
Of Mice & Men’s official website has posted a statement from the remaining four members:
It’s with heavy hearts that we announce Austin’s departure from the band for reasons pertaining to his health. As many of you are aware, Austin suffers from a rare connective tissue disorder called Marfan syndrome & has been struggling with the physical demands of touring since the band began. After his most recent series of surgeries at Stanford University Hospital, following the cancellation of our European headlining tour, his team of doctors informed him of the damage that performing, & more specifically his aggressive vocals, have been causing his body. They warned that if he were to continue on doing so, it would cause permanent & irrevocable damage to his spine & nervous system. Following the advice from his team of specialists, Austin decided it best that he step away from the band & change his lifestyle to better his health. Though we’re heartbroken that he can no longer continue, his health has always been of utmost importance to us & we support him now in this decision & are proud of his perseverance over the years. We’ve had an amazing & unforgettable past few years making music & touring the world together & the 4 of us look forward to sharing the next chapter of the band’s story with you. All previously announced shows will proceed as planned & we thank you for your continued love & support. We couldn’t do this without all of you! See you real soon. -Aaron, Alan, Phil & Valentino