Killswitch Engage’s Jesse Leach clears the air with former frontman Howard Jones

Posted on August 12, 2018 by Paul 'Browny' Brown

“Here we are over 6 years after my return & I’ve seen those issues dissolve, be forgiven & friends reuniting behind the scenes…”

Exciting words from current Killswitch Engage frontman Jesse Leach about the band’s (and his) reunion with former vocalist Howard Jones at their London show recently. In a very heartfelt and positive post on Instagram, Leach wanted to address the fan backlash and comparisons between the singers and attempt to put an end to the “so-called” bitter rivalry fans have created in the scene:

“First of all I’ve watched the members of Killswitch live above the nonsense that most all bands go through when dealing with parting ways with a band member. There weren’t headlines about their issues or personal brawls & disrespecting anyone’s character. They had their issues Howard had his & they parted ways. Here we are over 6 years after my return & I’ve seen those issues dissolve, be forgiven & friends reuniting behind the scenes. This level of respect & friendship is admirable & I’m honored to be a part of it. I wasn’t close to Howard during all of this & it wasn’t my business to talk about it. However now I consider Howard a friend. So I decided to shine light on the positive aspects of this history & relationship by extending a hand of solidarity & recognition.”

Clearing the air, he stated that there is no bad blood between the members of KSE and Howard Jones, and likewise for Howard‘s new band Light The Torch, which Jesse encouraged fans to get behind and support:

“My friends have overcome & forgiven so I take this opportunity to show my solidarity and respect for that. Support both bands, focus on the beauty of friendship and stop wasting time on comparison and a possibility that has no bearing on reality.”

He also goes on to clear up any rumours or hearsay about his opinion of Howard’s time with Killswitch following his departure back in 2002, stating:

“I also feel I have to recognize all of the hard work Howard put in for 9 years with KSE. I am a fan of his work and now his friend & I want him to do well with his band @lightthetorchband and his career.”

THAT is what this is about, respect and solidarity, not division & comparison.

“Killswitch isn’t changing its line up & my ego or insecurities will not dictate how I carry myself in my career. My friends have overcome & forgiven so I take this opportunity to show my solidarity and respect for that. Support both bands, focus on the beauty of friendship and stop wasting time on comparison and a possibility that has no bearing on reality.”

Wise words we can all live by, there’s too much drama in the world and if we have a more positive outlook on how we live our lives, it’ll be beneficial for everyone around us. Let bygones be bygones and stop comparing old with new and start appreciating what we have in front of us. I for one can’t wait to see what these bands do in future, especially now all the so-called “bad blood” has been addressed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmVavI3g4S5/