Winston McCall has issued a lengthy and emotional video statement addressing the situation surrounding a former associate of Parkway Drive, who recently pleaded guilty to a historical child sex offence.
Speaking directly to fans, McCall opened by reaffirming the band’s position in no uncertain terms – centring the victim and condemning the offence.
“Trying to see the best in people made us blind to the worst… and there’s no excuse for that” -Winston McCall
“Number one: we support the victim. We support the victim 100%. She deserves justice… she deserves to be heard,” he said. “Number two: we condemn this. We condemn this without hesitation… this is fucked. And this is Jed’s reckoning to answer for.”
McCall confirmed the individual in question, Jed Gordon, is the brother of Parkway Drive drummer Ben Gordon, and acknowledged the band’s long-term professional relationship with him, including roles that involved direct interaction with fans.
Crucially, he took responsibility for that: “We employed him for a long time, and we put him in a position where he had contact with a lot of people… that’s our moral responsibility to carry,” he said. “We see it, and we hold it.”
While maintaining the band were “completely blindsided” by the full extent of the behaviour, McCall admitted there had been warning signs – and that their mindset at the time contributed to inaction.
“Trying to see the best in people made us blind to the worst… and there’s no excuse for that,” he added.
He also issued a direct apology to anyone who may have had negative experiences with Gordon while he was associated with the band: “To anyone that’s had bad interactions with Jed while employed with us, we’re so sorry.”
McCall then went on to acknowledge that the band’s initial written statement may have felt impersonal, explaining they were trying not to interfere with ongoing legal proceedings: “If that came across as cold, I want to apologise. That was never the intent.”
Beyond the immediate situation, McCall used the moment to address broader cultural issues within the heavy music community – particularly around accountability, power dynamics and speaking up, adding: “This is a society and cultural issue. We need to change it. We as men need to do better… Communities look inside in these moments… they take responsibility, and they act.”
He closed by urging fans – particularly men – to challenge harmful behaviour within their own circles.
“Don’t stand for bullshit,” McCall said. “You’ve got to look at your mates… ask the hard questions and speak out. That’s how change happens.”
The statement marks the most detailed and personal response from the band so far, following their initial announcement confirming Gordon’s guilty plea and his removal from any involvement with Parkway Drive.
Gordon is due to be sentenced in May.
Further Reading
Parkway Drive Issue Statement After Former Associate Pleads Guilty To Underage Sex Offence
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