Jeff “Mantas” Dunn Quit Venom Inc., Cites Personal Health as Main Reason
Venom Inc. is down a guitarist now, thanks to the sudden self-ousting of Jeff “Mantas” Dunn. In a post on his Facebook page, he announced that while things in his life have been incredibly challenging as of late, his personal health is the main reason why he’s walking away from the band.
“Greetings my friends, the last few months have been incredibly difficult on every level and to cap it all only a few days ago one of my most beloved cats, Spooky, passed away in front of me after a short but very aggressive illness. I was with him every step of the way.
“After I suffered the second heart attack the outpouring of love and concern from you guys via a multitude of messages and calls has been overwhelming and a simple thank you seems so insignificant.
“So my friends it is now time to address the situation. I wish to inform you all that I will not be returning to Venom Inc. Obviously my health and well-being are of paramount importance to myself and my family, however, there are also more personal issues which have influenced my decision. To be absolutely clear, I will not be appearing at any advertised shows.
“On a far more positive note there is new music and a return to social activity on its way. As I have said so many times, music is my therapy, my release and my connection with all of you who have supported me over the years and for that I am eternally grateful. So here’s to Cats and Heavy Metal. I will see you all soon my friends. Much love and respect, Jeff.”
Dunn was an original member of Venom. The spinoff band Venom Inc. was founded in 2015 by Dunn and fellow ex-Venom members drummer Abaddon who left in 2018, and bassist and vocalist Demolition Man.
There’s no confirmed announcement for Dunn’s replacement, even though they’ve got a North American tour set to kick off early next month. You can find the full list of dates below.
Venom Inc. Tour Dates
1/8 Santa Ana, CA Observatory OC
1/9 W. Hollywood, CA Whiskey A Go Go
1/10 Brentwood, CA Brentwood Emporium
1/11 Fresno, CA Full Circle
1/12 San Francisco, CA DNA Lounge
1/14 Denver, CO Oriental Theater
1/16 McHenry, IL The Vixen
1/17 Chesterfield, MI Diesel Concert Lounge
1/18 Columbus, OH The King of Clubs
1/19 Cleveland, OH No Class
1/20 West Chicago, IL WC Social Club
1/22 Cambridge, MA Middle East
1/23 Brooklyn, NY The Meadows
1/24 Waterbury, CT Elite 23
1/25 Clifton, NJ Dingbatz
1/26 Newark, DE Halftime Sports Bar
1/28 Atlanta, GA Masquerade
1/30 W. Palm Beach, FL Banyan Live
1/31 Mount Dora, FL Mt. Dora Music Hall
2/1 Tampa, FL Brass Mug
2/4 Knoxville, TN Open Chord
2/6 Houston, TX Warehouse Live Midtown
2/7 Dallas, TX Trees
2/8 Corpus Christi, TX House of Rock
2/10 Albuquerque, NM Sister
2/11 Glendale, AZ The 44
2/12 Las Vegas, NV Usual Place
2/14 Roseville, CA Goldfield Trading Post
2/15 San Luis Obispo, CA Libertine Brewing
2/16 San Diego, CA Brick by Brick
