Another chapter of change has arrived for The Amity Affliction.
Drummer Joe Longobardi has announced he is stepping away from the Australian post-hardcore heavyweights after eight years behind the kit.
“It’s been an incredible journey.”
Longobardi shared the news directly with fans via social media, posting a photo of himself at the drums alongside a brief statement reflecting on his time in the band.
“After 8 years, I have decided to leave The Amity Affliction,” he wrote. “I feel extremely grateful and fortunate to have spent those years with the band. I wish Johnny, Dan and Joel, along with the crew nothing but the very best moving forward.”
“It’s been an incredible journey. Thank you all for the love. See you out there.”
At the time of writing, The Amity Affliction have not publicly commented on Longobardi’s departure.
Longobardi originally joined Amity in 2018, becoming part of a lineup that would steer the band through one of the most significant and turbulent stretches in their career – including extensive international touring, multiple releases and, more recently, another major period of transition within the group.
His exit arrives only months after The Amity Affliction released their ninth studio album House Of Cards via Pure Noise Records – a record that fans and critics widely embraced for leaning harder into the band’s heavier instincts.
The departure also continues an ongoing evolution for the lineup following the exit of founding clean vocalist and bassist Ahren Stringer last year.
Today’s version of Amity sees vocalist Joel Birch remain as the band’s longest-standing member, with guitarist Dan Brown having joined in 2013 and bassist/vocalist Jonathan Reeves stepping in during 2025.
For now, there’s no word on who’ll take over drumming duties moving forward – or what this means for the band’s forthcoming show at the Sydney Opera House and on the Hellbound II lineup.
But after a year that’s already brought major change for one of Australia’s biggest heavy exports, it’s clear The Amity Affliction’s next era is still taking shape.
Further Reading
The Amity Affliction Announce Sydney Opera House Forecourt Show
Hellbound II Lineup: Parkway Drive, Thy Art Is Murder + MORE
Ahren Stringer In Court Over Five Charges From Alleged High-Speed Incident
