Otep is no stranger to controversy. In the last year, she accused the singer of Terror Universal of sexual assault and had very unflattering things to say about Butcher Babies. This time, she's feuding with her tourmates (or should I say ex-tourmates) in The Convalescence.
The band announced last night they are dropping off Otep's tour, writing on Facebook:
“We will no longer be a part of the remaining dates of ‘The Resistance Tour’ with Otep. After years spent on the road touring worldwide and never having a problem, this is a first. Otep kicked us off the tour after already loading in for tonight’s event in Pittsburgh.
“This stemming from an alleged incident that occurred in Michigan two nights previously where claims were made that we sold merchandise during the intro of their set.
“This was not the first time being threatened to remove us from the tour. First happening in Jacksonville, FL after their driver accused us of buying weed from venue staff the night before and went as far as to say we forced a venue runner to drive with him and a kid in the car to pick it up. This was in an attempt to take the heat off the driver himself because he called the police on the bands guitarist after an argument between them that morning.
“In both instances, we were unable to explain or make any attempt to approach the situation since even after 50+ dates as direct support- unless she felt the need to threaten to kick us off the tour and belittle us, we weren’t even allowed in the same room.
“After being told we were not needed on the tour, that we were not helping the attendance, we were simply a time filler and countless other negative comments about us being part of this tour we came to a mutual decision that we could no longer share a stage together.
“We are all about being team players on the road. After going out of our way with things like covering her merch table every night during their set, helping the band with security at understaffed venues, and helping her band and crew load in and out daily. We were met with only disrespect from Otep herself.
“We have no hard feelings towards her hired band and crew but Otep is an absolute nightmare to work with.
Again, we apologize to any of our fans that had planned to see us on this tour. Thanks for your continued support and we’ll see you on the road this Fall!”
Otep, for her part, issued a statement of her own:
We had to remove one of our opening acts. We do our best to give our tour package an opportunity to play for our fans, who are the most loyal & passionate people on the planet, but if the band begins to act entitled or jeopardizes our message then they gotta go. I'm sure rumors will abound about this but it's for the greater good & we will give another band who appreciates & are grateful to play on our stage an opportunity to live their art with us. Thank you, my TRIBE, for your unending support & belief. It matters. xoxo OTEP
The Convalescence are staying off the rest of the tour, but will be hitting the road with Venom Inc., Goatwhire and Toxic Holocaust. Dates here.
Here's what The Convalescence sound like, if you've never heard them:
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stLgvD-PpWY[/youtube]
