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It’s been more than a year since guitarist Greg Hetson last played with Bad Religion but it has taken him until now to officially announce his departure from the legendary punk band. While the band have yet to make an official statement, Hetson has taken to Twitter to confirm what fans have been speculating about for a while.
“As some people noticed I have left @badreligion,” wrote the musician. “Thanks to everyone for 29 plus years of support. Stay tuned here and Instagram for updates.” The Cult guitarist Mike Dimkich has been filling in for Hetson over the past year.
Loudwire reports, when questioned about Hetson’s absence in April 2013 bassist Jay Bentley wrote, “Greg Hetson is dealing with some personal issues, if he wishes to make a statement we will support that, if he chooses not to we will support that. Mike Dimkich is indeed helping us out right now, and we are genuinely appreciative. Right now we are just looking forward and getting ready to play our shows.”
Unconfirmed reports around that time speculated that Hetson was dealing with a tough divorce from his wife Alia. According to TMZ at the time, the couple, who had only been married for two years, both aimed accusations of domestic abuse against each other, each of them filing restraining orders.
An official statement may not come from the band, seeing as in January of this year they released a new band photo which included Dimkich in place of Hetson. The photo was not accompanied by an explanation, however, only a few days before Jay Bentley confirmed on The Bad Religion Page that Dimkich was there to stay, simply stating “So Dimkich is a permanent member of the band”.
Bad Religion released their latest studio album, True North, as well as a Christmas album in 2013. The band are set to begin writing their 17th studio album this year.
As some people noticed I have left @badreligion. Thanks to everyone for 29 plus years of support. Stay tuned here and Instagram for updates
— Greg Hetson (@GregHetson) April 30, 2014
