Looks like Skeletonwitch's (now former) drummer Derrick "Mullet Chad" Nau is over touring. The band announced he will be leaving the band to pursue art school full time. The band made it clear there are no hard feelings, and his decision will be respected. The Athens, OH natives have already found a replacement in Tony Laureano, who has played with such acts as 1349, Nile & Dimmu Borgir. So, all should be well in the 'witch camp. Here is the official statement from the band, along with their latest tour dates:
Metal masters SKELETONWITCH have tapped drummer Tony Laureano for their upcoming spring dates and to play on their upcoming as-yet-untitled new album, due out this fall. Laureano, who's played for acts such as 1349, Nile, Dimmu Borgir and more, will be replacing the recently departed, Derrick "Mullet Chad" Nau, who is returning to art school and further pursuing his art career.
Guitarist Scott Hedrick commented on the addition of Laureano and departure of Nau: "Our good friend Tony will be playing drums on our April tour, new album, and for the foreseeable future. We're fucking stoked to have a drummer of his caliber and experience on board. He's a beast behind the kit and a great fucking guy as well. You can't ask for more than that!""After our last tour Derrick informed us that he is putting down the drum sticks and picking up the paint brush. He is returning to art school and does not wish to be a musician anymore. We would like to thank Derrick for his years of dedication to Skeletonwitch. Though we will miss him, there is no bad blood. We will always remain great friends and wish him the best with his new endeavor."
You can check out some of Nau's artwork here: www.apocalypsenau.com/
As previously announced, SKELETONWITCH will be teaming up with 3 INCHES OF BLOOD in April for a run through the Midwest and East coast, which will include a stop at New England Metal and Hardcore Festival in Worcester, MA on April 16th. The band will be selling the last copies of the "Skullsplitter" 7 inch while supplies last. SKELTONWITCH has been off the road, writing their new album, the follow-up to 2009's "Breathing the Fire," since wrapping up dates with JOB FOR A COWBOY in December.
4/7 Covington, KY- Mad Hatter
4/8 Milwaukee, WI- The Annex
4/9 Chicago, IL- Empty Bottle
4/10 South Bend, IN- Elva's Fiesta Club
4/11 Iowa City, IA- Blue Moose
4/12 Toledo, OH- Headliners
4/13 Pontiac, MI- Pike Room
4/14 Pittsburgh, PA- Smiling Moose
4/16 Worcester, MA- The Palladium, NE Metal and Hardcore Fest
4/17 NYC, NY- Grammercy
4/18 Baltimore, MD- Otto Bar
4/19 Raliegh, NC- Volume 11
4/21 St. Louis, MO- Fubar
4/22 Columbus, OH- Ravari Room
8/11 Jaromer, Czech Republic- Brutal Assault
8/12 Schlotheim, GER- Party San
8/20 Dinkelsbühl, GER- Summer Breeze
