The Amity Affliction have announced the departure of their drummer of 10 years, Ryan Burt.
In a statement to fans, Amity say Burt will “no longer be performing or recording with The Amity Affliction”, as he needs space to take care of his health.
“Many of you are aware Ryan has been fighting some mental demons of late and took time off in late 2016 to seek help in overcoming these struggles,” say the band.
“Unfortunately, it has been a major struggle for him on the road. It has been very hard for us to watch him go through this, but it has been even harder for him to get on stage and give his all for the fans and band each night. He has done this through adversity on the last few tours, which we have been very grateful for.
“This has been a very hard thing for us all to accept, but ultimately the touring environment and spending long periods away from home and his support network is not the best place for him to be.”
Amity have thanked Burt for his contributions to the band, and say they “will make sure he is looked after going forward”. All of the band’s scheduled shows will also be going ahead.
Read the band’s full statement, below.
Burt joined The Amity Affliction in 2008, when he was 17 years of age. Speculation regarding his spot in the band increased late last year, when the band shared a photo of themselves (below) on Instagram which did not include Burt, and instead featured drummer Troy Wright.
Burt also exited Amity’s This Could Be Heartbreak tour in 2016 due to “ongoing mental demons”.
If you or anyone you know needs help or information regarding mental health, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
The Amity Affliction Statement
Hey Guys,
Regretfully we have to inform you that Ryan will no longer be performing or recording with The Amity Affliction. He joined the band in 2008 when he was 17 years old and we’ve gone through some amazing things together – recording five albums, touring the world and playing to crowds we only ever dreamed of.
Many of you are aware Ryan has been fighting some mental demons of late and took time off in late 2016 to seek help in overcoming these struggles. Unfortunately, it has been a major struggle for him on the road. It has been very hard for us to watch him go through this, but it has been even harder for him to get on stage and give his all for the fans and band each night. He has done this through adversity on the last few tours, which we have been very grateful for.
This has been a very hard thing for us all to accept, but ultimately the touring environment and spending long periods away from home and his support network is not the best place for him to be.
We want to thank Ryan for everything he has contributed to the band over the last nine years and we will make sure he is looked after going forward.
We are sure he will speak when he is ready, but we do ask everyone to respect his privacy at this time.
All our announced shows will go ahead as planned and we look forward to the future.
If anyone is experiencing any mental health issues, we implore you to reach out to professionals such as Headspace, Hope For The Day or Beyond Blue.
Love TAA
