Following his ongoing battle with Marfan’s disease, Austin Carlile has sadly announced his departure from Of Mice & Men.
After consultations with doctors and specialists, Carlile was told he would risk permanent damage to his body if he was to continue fronting the band, who released their fourth album ‘Cold World’ earlier this year.
Carlile announced his departure from the band with a statement on Twitter, which you can read below.
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
The remaining members of the band, who will be continuing on, issued the following:
“Dear Of Mice & Men Fans,
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.”
We wish everyone involved with Of Mice & Men all the best at this time.