The band – which formed in Austin, Texas, in 2003 – was touring in support of its third studio album, Warp Riders.
On Oct. 7 The Sword announced the European trek was being postponed until a later date, citing “circumstances beyond our control.” The band apologized to fans for any inconvenience the news had caused and said the guys hoped to come back to Europe “as soon as possible.”
Four days later the band explained the “circumstances” in question with the news that drummer Trivett Wingo was no longer with the group. At this point the band also canceled the remainder of the scheduled U.S. dates.
The Sword noted the split was amicable and that the band was already in the process of rescheduling the shows.
The band issued the following official statement on its website:
“We wish Trivett nothing but the best, and it is with heavy hearts that we bid him farewell. He is a phenomenal musician and has been an integral part of this band’s success. He helped to lay the foundation that we will continue to build upon, and we wouldn’t be where we are without him. We wish he could continue the adventure with us, but we understand that the life of a touring musician is not for everyone. It’s been a hell of a ride, and we’re sad to see this part of the journey end. The show must go on, though, and will be back on the road as soon as humanly possible.”
Wingo also posted a statement of his own.
“It is with deep sadness that I am announcing my departure from The Sword. After nearly seven years and some of the most amazing adventures of a lifetime, I have arrived at a place where I am physically and emotionally unable to continue on as part of The Sword. If I could go any further, I would as I love the music and JD, Bryan and Kyle are people that I deeply respect, but I have reached a point where I just can’t do this anymore. I would like to thank the wonderful people who made this experience what it has been: the fans, the people that I have worked and all of the bands and musicians that have inspired me over the years. I thank you and apologize for any disappointment that this may cause anyone, not least of which The Sword.”
The Sword was set to play tonight at The Masquerade in Atlanta, with U.S. gigs scheduled through an Oct. 24 show at The Record Bar in Kansas City, Mo.
The European dates were set to kick off Nov. 5 with an appearance alongside My Chemical Romance at FZW in Dortmund, Germany. Headline gigs were scheduled through a Dec. 12 performance at Stiff Kitten in Belfast, United Kingdom.
Click here for The Sword’s website.