Five Finger Death Punch has a new addition to the band.
Following guitarist Jason Hook’s departure in February during their European arena tour, the band officially handed the big, rocked out shoes to British musician Andy James, who is featured on “Broken World,” one of the five previously unreleased tracks on Decade of Destruction, Volume 2.
“Jason is an incredible guitar player so we had to find someone on the absolute top of their game. Someone like Andy James who was already a well-known virtuoso and had the chops to step into Jason’s shoes,” guitarist Zoltan Bathory said in a press statement. “Andy completed our European Tour with us back in February so he was already tried by fire. We instantly clicked both musically and personally so he was the obvious choice. We even have the same birthday… Some things are just meant to be.”
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
“I just congratulated Jason on his recent wedding, and I hope he finds peace and happiness,” vocalist Ivan Moody mirrored. “As for us, I’m really excited to keep working with Andy and I just can’t wait for this COVID madness to be over so we can go back out on the road.”
After his recovery from emergency gallbladder surgery at the end of last year, Hook to leave midway from the band’s tour of Europe to address further complications. At his suggestion, all parties came to a mutual agreement, that it’s best if he steps away from his rigorous band duties altogether.
“I have had the pleasure of meeting so many of you in person,” Hook said of his departure. “Thank you for the endless stories of how our music has touched your heart in some way! But the best part of being on tour the last 12 years, by far, has been playing my guitar and seeing the joy on your faces every night. I will miss that more than anything. As far the reason I’m leaving…well, there really isn’t just one. I’ve been in bands my entire life and I feel like I’ve done all the good that I can here. It’s time to pass the baton and move on to new challenges.”