The Amity Affliction split with bassist and clean vocalist Ahren Stringer last week after roughly one year of some back-and-forth. Stringer only briefly commented about his firing over the weekend on Instagram (alongside sharing loads of stories from fans), saying: "Not tryna start anymore shit BUT I have been kicked out of my band. I will NEVER play with The Amity Affliction (who blocked me btw) love you all x."
Ahren Stringer founded The Amity Affliction in 2003. He sang for the band between then and now and originally played guitar for them between 2003 and 2007. Stringer then moved over to bass and stuck with the instrument ever since.
It all started when Stringer was kicked off the band's 2024 North American 10th anniversary of Let The Ocean Take Me tour. The Amity Affliction said the decision was "in the best interest of Ahren's mental health and well-being," while Stringer said he was "booted from the tour with no warning" and claims he did nothing wrong.
Stringer would occasionally comment to fans about his status in The Amity Affliction, saying in September 2024 that it "wasn't his choice" if he was still in the band. Then last week, The Amity Affliction issued a definitive statement saying Stringer is out.
The band said their relationship with Stringer has completely broken down, and blames Stringer for having to pass on tours and opportunities. They also note that "moving forward we find it impossible to continue to tolerate certain behaviours that have been directed at ourselves and those close to us."
"We are aware our fans have been waiting for us to comment on the situation between Ahren and the band. This will be our only statement.
"We have been choosing to stay silent until now, as we wanted to handle this privately with respect to all involved. Unfortunately, it has become clear to us that this is no longer possible and we owe it to you, our fans, to comment. Ahren will no longer be touring or recording with The Amity Affliction.
"We acknowledge that we have all had our fair share of issues over the years. But sadly, over time the relationship between Ahren and the band has completely broken down while he has been dealing with challenging elements of his personal life.
"The band have had to cancel tours and pass on many opportunities in hopes of supporting Ahren, but moving forward we find it impossible to continue to tolerate certain behaviours that have been directed at ourselves and those close to us. Ahren has made it very clear on numerous occasions that he does not enjoy or want to continue touring.
"We still have a lot to give as a band and we're excited to continue touring and sharing new music with you. We also understand that we need to prove ourselves to you all, and thank you for sticking with us. The music we've created with Ahren will forever bind us and we are thankful for the good times we had together. We wish Ahren all the best in his personal and professional future.
"We look forward to seeing you all on tour.
"Joel, Dan and Joe"
