Riley Gale’s Family Disappointed They Weren’t Involved in the Power Trip Reunion Last Friday
It was a feel-good moment down in Austin, Texas this past Friday, as the surviving members of Power Trip took the stage for the first time in more than three years. For the first time since frontman Riley Gale‘s untimely death back in August 2020, fans got to throw down to songs like “Hornet’s Nest” and “Executioner’s Tax (Swing of the Axe).”
Yet it seems that not everyone connected to the band was completely thrilled about what went down, as Gale’s family revealed they weren’t involved at all in the reunion plans. According to their statement, which you can read in full below, they were never contacted about the plan for the surviving members to play together as Power Trip. Gale’s estate also claims that the late vocalist had “laid out very specific requests” about who would fill in for him in the event that a reunion were to take place after his death.
“The Riley Gale Memorial Foundation & Gale family are aware of the event that took place at Mohawk in Austin, TX on December 1st, 2023. It caught us entirely by surprise.
“At no point in the planning or lead up to that moment was anyone in the Gale family consulted, or even invited. We were not asked our thoughts or feelings about it taking place. If we were, we would have liked to discuss who would fill in on vocals, since Riley had laid out very specific requests for this exact scenario.
“We would have requested it take place in Dallas, where Riley and POWER TRIP were born, and where Riley was instrumental in building up the Dallas hardcore and metal community before even setting foot on stage as a performer. We would have liked it to be a surprise and wonderful addition to the Riley Gale & Friends Day concert, the main fundraising event for the Riley Gale Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that supports the causes Riley cared about as well as aiding up-and-coming bands through the Riley Gale Band Touring Grant.
“Riley’s family would have liked the opportunity to show our appreciation to you, Riley’s fans who continue to support him by listening and buying albums because we know how much his lyrics and music meant to his fans.
“As Blake said on stage at Mohawk, they owe a lot to Riley, and the Gale family agrees wholeheartedly.
“Riley’s family was not included, and that’s unfortunate, but for those among you who love Riley and what he stood for, you can show your love by buying albums directly from Southern Lord Records and becoming a part of the Riley Gale Memorial Foundation at the link below.
“Keep an eye out for our announcement of Riley And Friends Vol. 3 early next year — it will feature bands that Riley knew and loved along with hundreds (hopefully thousands) of Riley’s fans and family.
“‘Birth. Life. Death. Repeat. The goal is to manifest higher than before.’
“REST IN POWER. www.rileygale.org.”
We’ll have to see if this whole Power Trip reunion thing was a one-off or an occasional thing that happens after Fugitive shows in Texas. Only time will tell for now.
