And the New Bassist and Guitarist for DevilDriver Are…
Returning bassist Jon Miller and new guitarist Alex Lee!
While it was announced earlier this week that bassist Diego Ibarra was leaving the groove metal act, DevilDriver have since made an official statement welcoming the two new members to the fold — well, new-ish, because Miller already played in the band from 2002 to 2011.
Says frontman Dez Fafara:
“It’s always difficult letting guys go in any line of work, but we thank Ashes for his time playing with DevilDriver on tour. I’m sad I had to let him go, but to make way for an original member was the right thing to do. We wish him the best and he’s a great guy.
“Jon is a monster on bass and wrote much of our early material. We began talking daily and it just felt right… and having him onstage again will be absolutely pummeling technically and visually! For the fans that have seen the band with Jon in it, please welcome him back. And for those of you who haven’t, get ready because he holds it down! Having most of the OG members in the band now after almost 20 years feels good!
“Alex is a bad ass on guitar and one of the most talented guys I’ve seen in years. He gets along well with the band, he’s a great writer, and onstage he brings the energy. We welcome him and look forward to years of good times.
“Get ready because we have a massive tour announcement coming in August! It’s been since July 2019 that we’ve toured, and the break was needed. The fire is there now and we are ready to destroy stages!”
Adds lead guitarist Mike Spreitzer:
“Ashes has been an amazing addition to the DevilDriver family over the years. He’s one of the most solid and fun guys I have ever had the honor to call my friend. I’m going to miss our 3-4 hour long morning coffee sessions that we shared since he joined. He will forever be my brother.
“It’s been a solid decade since I’ve shared the stage with Jon Miller, and I’m thrilled to have him back in DevilDriver. Without him, I probably wouldn’t be in the band. He was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Santa Barbara in 1999 that eventually lead to me joining DevilDriver. I’m very much looking forward to getting out on the road and having him with us again.”
So there you go — many happy returns to Miller and Lee on their new(ish) gigs. Keep your eyes peeled for a tour announcement in the near future.
