UPDATE: A Second Band Has Pulled Out Of Download Festival Australia 2018
ORIGINAL STORY: Melbourne band Alpha Wolf have pulled out of their scheduled appearance at the first-ever Australian edition of Download Festival, after assault allegations were made against vocalist Aidan Ellaz.
In a statement released a day after the band pulled out of their current headline tour, Alpha Wolf say they have parted ways with Ellaz, and will no longer be performing at Download Festival or as part of Polaris’ The Mortal Coil tour.
“Due to the severity of yesterday’s allegations, we have decided it is best for all parties involved for us to not appear at any of our upcoming shows,” say the band.
“We have also decided to part ways with our vocalist Aidan Ellaz. We’ll each be taking some time off to process everything that has occurred in the past 24 hours and we wish that our decisions can be respected.”
Alpha Wolf have also shared a statement from Ellaz, in which he “will step aside from Alpha Wolf so that they may continue on with band commitments”.
“I feel it is my battle and I do not want to drag them through it. This has also made an impact on their lives both personally and professionally,” he says.
“Due to the seriousness of the allegations I have not been able to respond or present my version of what actually occurred. This was on the advice of the label, lawyers and the police as this whole matter will now be throughly investigated.”
Music Feeds has contacted the organisers of Download Festival Melbourne for comment.
Read Alpha Wolf and Aidan Ellaz’s statements in full, below.
UPDATE: In a statement, Download Festival organisers say:
We have been notified this morning that Alpha Wolf and Cursed Earth will be withdrawing from Download Melbourne 2018. We will be announcing replacements in the coming days. Download Melbourne does not condone any form of violence, abuse or harassment. If you need assistance, 1800 RESPECT – the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service — can be reached on 1800 737 732. For help or information regarding mental health, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
Alpha Wolf Statement (09/02/18)
Due to the severity of yesterday’s allegations, we have decided it is best for all parties involved for us to not appear at any of our upcoming shows. This includes both Download Festival and The Mortal Coil tour with Polaris.
We have also decided to part ways with our vocalist Aidan Ellaz.
We’ll each be taking some time off to process everything that has occurred in the past 24 hours and we wish that our decisions can be respected.
– Sabian, Scottie, John
Here is a statement from Aidan:
“In light of what occurred yesterday, I announce that I will step aside from Alpha Wolf so that they may continue on with band commitments. I feel it is my battle and I do not want to drag them through it. This has also made an impact on their lives both personally and professionally.
Due to the seriousness of the allegations I have not been able to respond or present my version of what actually occurred. This was on the advice of the label, lawyers and the police as this whole matter will now be throughly investigated. Sadly, because I have chosen to take that advice, some people have deemed me guilty. At this stage I can only say that the evidence and truth will come out in due course. I will now focus solely on what I need to do to assist in the processes.
With that I would like to say that I have never and will never ever condone or support any abuse of any kind. The things alleged are understandably distressing to most who have read them and I urge people to try not to hate on anyone. That includes the band, label and the people who have helped make Alpha Wolf what it is today.
I’m deeply sorry to all who have been affected by this.
To my family, close friends and fans, thank you for the support and understanding.”
