Story Of The Year guitarist Philip Sneed (AKA ‘Moon Valjean’) has allegedly been ousted from the group ahead of its upcoming Australian tour.
In a statement posted to Instagram, Sneed says, “It’s with a broken heart that I confirm that Story Of The Year has decided to move on as a band without me.
“Shortly after performing for two back to back sold out shows I learned, through management, that the band had chosen to do so. To be clear, this was not mutual or voluntary on my part.
“This isn’t what I’ll choose to remember though. What I will choose to remember, and keep near to my heart, is the FIFTEEN years of sacrifice, dedication, loyalty, fun and hard work that were given to this band and the incredible amount of PEOPLE, experiences, bands, crew, relationships, education and love that was given back to us throughout this amazing ride.”
Smeed says he will “continue to put my family first and pour my passion and love for music into my other projects”. Story Of The Year are yet to release a statement, but you can read Sneed’s post in full down below.
Story Of The Year released their latest album Wolves in 2017, and are scheduled to arrive in Australia in May. A replacement for Sneed is yet to be announced.
Philip ‘Moon Valjean’ Sneed Statement
It’s with a broken heart that I confirm that Story Of The Year has decided to move on as a band without me. Shortly after performing for two back to back sold out shows I learned, through management, that the band had chosen to do so. To be clear, this was not mutual or voluntary on my part.
This isn’t what I’ll choose to remember though. What I will choose to remember, and keep near to my heart, is the FIFTEEN years of sacrifice, dedication, loyalty, fun and hard work that were given to this band and the incredible amount of PEOPLE, experiences, bands, crew, relationships, education and love that was given back to us throughout this amazing ride.
What I was able to do in my youth is nothing short of an undeserved gift and miracle given to me by each and every fan, friend and supporter of our band over these 15 years. I will forever be in the debt to my fans across the planet! I now know dozens of personalities, hundreds of names and thousands of people’s faces on a personal level that continue to be a very real and important part of my life and who I am. You all know who you are and my love for you.
Do I wish things were different? Of course. But I will not allow this or anything to sour my now or my future and what is in my control. I wish this could go on forever. I certainly wish it didn’t end like this but I will continue to strive for growth in all of the new chapters of my life. Moving forward, I’ll continue to put my family first and pour my passion and love for music into my other projects. I am living many of my dreams and enjoy being a part of the #1 morning radio show/podcast The @RizzShow on 105.7 The Point. We are also preparing the release of a new @GreekFire record and I’m touring our new @GoldfingerMusic record ‘The Knife’! Life is good. I love you all, across the globe, and I hope to see each one of you soon.
In the immortal words of Dr. Peter Venkman…
‘See you on the other side, Ray.’
Moon.
