The Amity Affliction’s Ahren Stringer Gives Update: “I am Happy, Sober, and Thriving”
There was a bit of drama going down in The Amity Affliction’s camp back in May. First the band released a statement that their bassist and clean vocalist Ahren Stringer would sit out the North American tour, stating that Stringer would be “returning to Australia to address his struggle with addiction and get the support he needs.” That statement made it sound like it was a mutual decision between Stringer and the rest of the band, with the band even encouraging fans to bring signs of support for Stringer to upcoming shows.
But then came the comment from Stringer on the band’s post stating that he was “booted from the tour” despite doing “absolutely nothing wrong.” He made a similar statement on his own Instagram apologizing for not finishing the tour although he “really wanted to.” It started to look like Stringer’s temporary departure from the band wasn’t mutual and that Stringer wasn’t going quietly, leaving a lot of questions about Stringer’s future with the band.
Fast forward to yesterday and now it seems like Stringer is in a better place with his mental health as well as his relationship with the band. Stringer took to Instagram to post a smiling picture of himself with the following caption:
“I know you have all been waiting and wondering about the future of the band and how I am doing. First of all, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and kind words of encouragement. I am so proud to share that I am happy, sober, and thriving!
“As for plans with The Amity Affliction.
“I will definitely be performing at the Big Pineapple Music Festival and on the upcoming Australian tour.
“However, after these shows, I will be taking some much needed annual leave from the band throughout 2025 to focus on my continued personal growth, considering my future with the band & spending more quality time with the people I love!
“Rest assured, The Amity Affliction has my full support to continue touring during my absence. Jonathan Reeves will be stepping in for me, and I have complete confidence that he will deliver an incredible performance for you all!
“Thank you all so much for your understanding and support.
“I’m looking forward to seeing all of you and giving you the best Amity shows we’ve ever played! Your energy and support mean the world to me, and I can’t wait to share this experience with you!
“With love,
Ahren x”
We at MetalSucks are happy to congratulate Stringer on his sobriety, which is never an easy journey. And it’s great to hear that Stringer seems to be on better terms with his bandmates, with Stringer giving his support for the band to continue without him.
If you’re in Australia, you can catch Ahren Stringer with the band at the Big Pineapple Festival in Woombye on October 19. After that, you can catch The Amity Affliction with fill-in member Jonathan Reeves on their Australian tour with Ice Nine Kills, We Came as Romans, and Heavensgate at the dates below:
Nov 8 – Brisbane @ Riverstage
Nov 9 Moore Park @ Horden Pavilion
Nov 11 – Newtown @ Enmore Theatre
Nov 14 – Melbourne @ John Cain Arena
Nov 15 – North Adelaide @ The Drive Adelaide
Nov 16 Red Hill @ Red Hill Auditorium
