Ohio-based metalcore act, Miss May I, hold the distinction of being one of those rare metal bands that have kept all their original members, other than having briefly lost bassist Ryan Neff from 2007 through 2009 when he returned to the band. Well, their streak ends now, because both of the band’s guitarists, B.J. Stead and Justin Aufdemkampe, announced their departure from the band yesterday. The band released a statement on Instagram saying the following:
“For over 15 years, we have maintained the same lineup with Miss May I, and today we announce the discontinuation of the era with two members.
“It goes without saying that Bj and Justin will not only be missed, but their legacy will continue as we move forward as a group. Both members have decided to pursue new ventures, and we fully support their decision. We all had our eyes on the prize and never took no for an answer when we started this venture, ‘Miss May I,’ back in high school, and we won’t stand in their way as they continue to grow.
“In their place, we have welcomed Elisha Mullins, who will be joining us on this journey. We have no plans to slow down as we prepare to celebrate the 15-year anniversary of our debut album, ‘Apologies Are For The Weak,’ by playing shows all over.
“Please help us welcome Elisha into our family with open arms, and here’s to many more years of music, adventures, and memories together.”
It seems that new guitarist Elisha Mullins will have the work of two men to do, as he has been the sole guitarist announced to replace the two that are departing. Mullins can be like Bobby Berk from Queer Eye and do more work than everyone else for the same amount of credit. That doesn’t lead to resentment at all.
The band seem to be soldiering on with their current tour, so check out Miss May I at the following dates:
Wed, OCT 2 – The Roxy -Lakewood, OH
Thu, OCT 3 -Grewal Hall at 224 – Lansing, MI
Fri, OCT 4 – Bottom Lounge – Chicago, IL
Sat, OCT 5 – Woolys – Des Moines, IA
Sun, OCT 6 – Amsterdam Bar and Hall – Saint Paul, MN
Tue, OCT 8 – The Oriental Theater – Denver, CO
Wed, OCT 9 – Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT
Fri, OCT 11 – El Corazon – Seattle, WA
Sat, OCT 12 – Hawthorne Theatre – Portland, OR
Mon, OCT 14 – Goldfield Trading Post Roseville – Roseville, CA
Tue, OCT 15 – The Glasshouse – Pomona, CA
Wed, OCT 16 – Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA
Thu, OCT 17 – The Nile Theater – Mesa, AZ
Sat, OCT 19 – Trees – Dallas, TX
Sun, OCT 20 – Come and Take It Live – Austin, TX
Mon, OCT 21 – Warehouse – Houston, TX
Wed, OCT 23 – The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
Thu, OCT 24 – The Orpheum – Tampa, FL
Fri, OCT 25 – Music Farm – Charleston, SC
Sat, OCT 26 – Hangar 1819 – Greensboro, NC
Sun, OCT 27 – The Canal Club – Richmond, VA
Tue, OCT 29 – The Brooklyn Monarch – Brooklyn, NY
Wed, OCT 30- Palladium – Worcester, MA
Fri, NOV 1 – Lovedraft’s Brewing Co – Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, NOV 2 – Mr. Smalls Theatre, Funhouse & Café – Millvale, PA