In 2020, Issues released their former vocalist (whom we have decided not to name as to avoid giving him more attention) from his position with the band following a series of allegations that included sexual misconduct, grooming, etc. At the time of his release, the three remaining members, Adrian “AJ” Rebollo, Skyler Acord, and Josh Manuel, issued a joint statement that read, “Recently we have become aware of allegations against [REDACTED NAME], of grooming and sexual misconduct. We, Josh, Sky, and AJ, will no longer be working with [REDACTED]. We believe survivors.”
After several years of silence following these allegations, the three remaining members have announced the group’s official split with final performances and a statement. The statement reads:
“Issues has been a central figure in our lives since 2012. We’ve played countless shows, toured almost every continent, met thousands of people, and made so many friends in our peers and travel companions. The importance of this band to our lives cannot be overstated. So many of you were right there with us.”
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“2020 hit us as hard as it could possibly hit a band. Tours canceled after we paid the deposits, new album cycle cut short, and the last any of you guys heard from us was when we fired our singer. All of these were incredibly traumatic experiences, not only for us, but also the fans to whom our music means the most. Life changed for the three of us after 2020 in significant ways that made making Issues our full time job impossible, but it doesn’t feel right to end our story in tragedy. We feel very strongly that the legacy we want to leave be a positive one.”
“These shows are the final chapter in a long history of pushing the limits of composition, musicianship, and culture in every way we could. We want them to contextualize our body of work over the controversy and member changes and gossip and bullshit and to stand as a monument to the 3 real muffuckas still standing, the music we’re so proud of, and the fans still with us. If this band has ever meant anything to you we want you to be proud of being a part of this too. Proud of the gigs you’ve seen, the tattoos you got, the friends you made. So we’re putting this shit to bed in true Issues fashion. Very, very loudly.”
You can get tickets to see Issues play for the final time with Josh, Sky, and AJ here, and check out the dates below.
Performance Dates:
- Jan. 19—Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
- Jan. 20—Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
- Jan. 27—Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade