The Used have responded to reports that they have filed a restraining order against their former guitarist Justin Shekoski.
The musician parted ways with the Utah band earlier this year. Last month, it was reported that the band had removed Shekoski from their list of members on Facebook – with some fans also noticing that he’d been removed from recent press shots.
Earlier this week, TMZ reported that the band had taken out a restraining order.
Now, the group have issued an official statement – and criticised how details of Shekoski’s mental health issues were reported.
“Due to personal and artistic differences, Justin is no longer the guitar player for The Used,” the post begins. “As a band, we strive for an honest transparent connection with our fans.
“Despite the sensationalism and immoral reporting of media publications that we have had nothing to do with, we as a band had to take the proper legal precautions.”
— The Used (@WeAreTheUsed) May 7, 2018
The statement continues: “The safety of our fans, crew and fellow band members is our biggest priority. Even and especially in the toughest times, the threat of suicide should never be taken lightly.”
The post concludes with the band urging fans to direct their loved ones to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline if they are struggling with their mental health.
As their tour continues, the group have hired Hell or Highwater’s Joey Bradford to replace Shekoski. They’ll perform at the Vans Warped Tour this summer – alongside the likes of Sum 41, Taking Back Sunday, Simple Plan, Silverstein, Underoath, All Time Low, Bowling for Soup and more
Back in February, The Used cancelled their UK and European tour dates. They released their seventh LP ‘The Canyon’ in October last year. It marked the first album not to feature founding member Quinn Allman.
FOR HELP AND ADVICE ON MENTAL HEALTH: