Steve “Zetro” Souza Tells Fans Exodus Fired Him: “I Did Not Leave, I Was Let Go!!”

Last month, fans of the legendary Bay Area thrash band Exodus were hit with an unexpected lineup change, as it was announced via social media that long-time vocalist Steve “Zetro” Souza was being replaced by former frontman Rob Dukes. It was a shakeup that seemingly came out of left field for everyone but those in the band — well, everyone except for Souza, that is.

In the weeks since the change was made, fans have been clamoring for more information as to why the replacement even happened, either from the band or Souza himself. You may recall that when the announcement was made, Exodus said they “parted ways” with Souza, ultimately thanking him for the many years fronting the band and wishing him the best moving forward. That was all the band would say about the change.

Now, nearly a month after the announcement, Souza revealed that there was no amicable parting ways as previously described by Exodus. In fact, he clarified in a few comments responding to fans (via Blabbermouth) that he’d been fired from the band.

“Really no statement, I was let go, if you read the [band’s official] statement it says Exodus has parted ways, not Zetro has parted ways!”

In another exchange, Souza said simply: “I did not leave, I was let go!! Exodus parted ways with Zetro.”

This isn’t the first time Souza and Exodus have split up. He’d initially fronted the band from 1986 to 1993 and then again from 2002 to 2004, after which it would be another 10 years before he’d rejoin the band in 2014 until just last month. Conversely, Souza’s replacement Dukes had previously fronted Exodus from 2005 to 2010.

This year is a pretty big year for Exodus, as they get ready to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their debut album Bonded By Blood. To mark that milestone, the band has two Bay Area shows scheduled for this April: one at the UC Theater in Berkeley on April 25 and the other at the House of Blues in Anaheim on April 26. Both nights will feature support from Death Angel and Nukem. In addition, the first night will also include a set by Blind Illusion, while the second night will feature Hirax as another supporting act.