Taxiride’s Jason Singh Shares Statement on Exclusion From Upcoming Shows, Band Responds

October 12, 2022

Taxiride recently announced a vinyl reissue of their Platinum-selling second album Garage Mahal. An altered lineup featuring Tim Watson (guitar, vocals), Tim Wild (guitar, vocals), Sean McLeod (drums) Andrew McIvor (bass) and vocalist Taylor Sheridan will play a trio of anniversary shows to celebrate. Jason Singh, the band’s long-time lead vocalist and guitarist, is noticeably absent.

Singh has now shared a statement regarding his exclusion from the upcoming tour. “For the record,” Singh wrote on social media, “I have not left Taxiride.”

Jason Singh Claims He’s Been Shut Out of Taxiride

According to Singh, Watson and Wild took control of the band in late 2021 without notifying him. “In October 2021, Tim Watson and Tim Wild decided to go behind my back and re-register the expired Taxiride trademark WITHOUT ME. This is a fact and is on the public record at IP Australia,” he said.

According to his statement, Singh is fighting to return the trademark to its rightful owners, which includes himself and original bass player Dan Hall, along with Watson and Wild. Meanwhile, the upcoming shows were planned without his involvement, he said.

“I have continued to be excluded from a variety of discussions and decisions, prior to and after discovering Tim and Tim’s trademark antics, including not being told of or asked to participate in any shows under the name Taxiride,” Singh said.

Despite all of this, Singh said he signed off on the vinyl reissue of Garage Mahal, but clarified that “in no way have I approved it in connection to the promotion of shows that are being falsely advertised as Taxiride.” Keep up to date with Singh’s activities as a solo artist here.

UPDATE 14/10/22: Tim Watson and Tim Wild respond to Singh’s claims

The nucleus of Taxiride’s current iteration, Tim Watson and Tim Wild, shared a joint statement with Music Feeds relaying their side of the story. “I think it’s time to clarify a few facts,” they said. “Jason Singh was asked to perform with Taxiride [in October 2021.] He make it clear he had no wish to do so.”

The Tims pointed out that, in their view, Taxiride has always been “a collective with multiple singers.” They continued: “No one member should be allowed to control the future of the band.”

Regarding the upcoming Garage Mahal anniversary shows, they said, “We wanted to tour our songs that we all contributed to and that’s exactly what we’re doing.” They also referenced past lineup changes that caused “barely a splash.” That included extended periods in which Watson and Hall were absent.

Despite Singh’s absence, the current lineup features “the major songwriter, two founding members, and the rhythm section that have been with the band for 25 years,” Watson and Wild said.

The Tims wished Singh luck with his future endeavours, but declined to comment on the copyright situation. “We cannot comment on any legal matters,” they said. “Suffice to say we believe we are acting in the best interests of the brand as a whole.”