Back in May, there was a whirlwind of drama surrounding The Amity Affliction. The band announced that bassist and clean vocalist Ahren Stringer would be stepping away from their North American tour to address personal struggles with addiction and seek support back in Australia. This statement initially seemed to suggest a mutual decision, with the band even encouraging fans to show their support for Stringer at the shows.
However, Stringer’s response threw a wrench into this narrative. He publicly commented that he was “booted from the tour” despite feeling he had done nothing wrong and voiced his regret on Instagram for not finishing the tour. This created a cloud of uncertainty about his future with the band and cast a shadow over the situation.
Yesterday, Stringer gave fans an update that sheds new light on the situation. In a hopeful and positive Instagram post, Stringer shared that he is now “happy, sober, and thriving,” expressing gratitude for the support he has received. He also outlined his future plans, revealing that he will perform at the Big Pineapple Music Festival and join The Amity Affliction on their Australian tour.
However, Stringer will be taking a break from the band for the entirety of 2025 to focus on personal growth and spend time with loved ones. During his absence, Jonathan Reeves will fill in, and Stringer expressed full confidence in Reeves’s ability to deliver an outstanding performance.
Stringer’s message was full of appreciation and optimism. “Thank you all so much for your understanding and support,” he wrote, and he looked forward to reconnecting with fans and giving his all at upcoming shows.
We at MetalSucks are thrilled to hear about Stringer’s progress and his improved relationship with the band. It’s encouraging to see him taking steps to prioritize his well-being while still supporting The Amity Affliction’s continued success.
For those in Australia, you can catch Ahren Stringer with the band at the Big Pineapple Music Festival in Woombye on October 19. Following that, The Amity Affliction will hit the road with Jonathan Reeves as their fill-in bassist for their Australian tour alongside Ice Nine Kills, We Came as Romans, and Heavensgate. Be sure to check out the dates below to catch the action.
