AW NUTZ: TONY GAMBINO OUT OF BLESSED

Fare thee well, Tony Gambino

The music of Blessed By A Broken Heart once fit their yucky band name, but over three albums, the pioneering metalcore act evolved into a J-rock/Bon Jovi/Andrew WK glam-metal quintet with a hunky, chill frontman in singer Tony Gambino. January’s Feel The Power might test the gag reflexes of metal bros — tho not of those who lived through the ’80s and/or in East Asia lol — but the album is a winner, pure and simple. With identity found, chops ironclad, record label woes bygone, Blessed seemed set for smooth sailing.

But today, a gutted Gambino announced his departure from BBABH aw shit:

Being in a band is one of the most difficult lifestyles anyone could choose to live — [especially for those who have] a wife and children. I have to say I gave it my best shot; I tried to hang in there as long as I could [and] basically all the while my family was suffering. And that is not okay with me.

This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but I recently decided to leave the touring life so I can stay home with my family. And I know now that I would give up anything for them, including something that means as much to me as [does Blessed].

Promoted to lead vocal duties is Sam Ryder, who comprises Blessed’s guitar duo with Shred Sean Maier. So huh that’s not bad — some choppy waters bucked one dude off the Blessed boat and onto the beach! And it seems that the remaining crew has the hatches all battened, cuz their new jam with Ryder on the mic is rad (below). Okay on to that smooth sailing starting now!

–ADF