Fever 333 Loses Guitarist Stephen Harrison & Drummer Aric Improta
Considering we broke this band worldwide, it only seemed right that we report on the facts surrounding this sad news that’s doing the rounds at the moment. Ahead of their return to Australia for Good Things Festival, political-driven, rap-rock trio Fever 333 have announced a significant change in the lineup with guitarist Stephen Harrison and drummer Aric Improta both announcing their departures from the band via social media, leaving frontman Jason Aalon Butler as the last standing member.
Aric’s statement reads:
“Steve and I have decided to step away Fever 333. Its layered, but ultimately, I’d just rather dedicate my time to projects that operate different than that one. Massive thank you to all of our fans, our friends and the amazing people who helped us along the way (you know who you are). We got to play some unforgettable shows, travel a ton and meet some incredible individuals. Steve and I will probably do something together in the future.”
While Harrison adds:
“Aric and I have decided to leave Fever 333. I won’t get into the details but things were pretty bad internally. That plus creative differences sort of left me with no choice. That said, I’m so thankful for all the amazing fans, people who helped Fever behind the scenes, and my friends and family who supported me through all of this. Your support means so much! I still plan to make music. Aric and I will probably do something together in the future. Love you guys!! Know your worth!!”
He further added in a comment on the same post that there was no bad blood between members:
“Just wanted to say that there are no hard feelings towards Jason regarding this decision. This band shit gets confusing sometimes and he’s just trying to navigate all this too in his own way ❤️”
Speculations were in the air following the band’s recent demonstrations (shows) at Reading & Leeds Festivals in the UK when a post on Fever 333‘s social media stated those performances were the “end of an era” and despite nothing coming out afterwards, we were waiting for news like this to surface.
“Last weekend was the end of an era. @officialrandl were the final 2 demos of this iteration of Fever 333. We couldn’t have asked for a better culmination…”
It’s unclear what this means for the band’s demonstrations at Good Things Festival, but when we spoke with Jason Aalon Butler earlier this year for the Up Against The Wall podcast, he alluded that they were keen to come back and put on a show for us all, without any indication of internal struggles. Fever’s last release, the WRONG GENERATION EP, dropped on October 23, 2020, with Aric and Stephen absent from the lineup crediting.
Fans may remember Stephen popped up playing alongside Cancer Bats earlier in the year for their new album and single/video drop for ‘Lonely Bong‘. It’s also unclear if this will be a continuing, full-time role within the band but, as always, we’ll keep you posted. Once we know what’s going on, you’ll know soon after.
We wish Stephen and Aric all the best with their future endeavours and cannot wait to see them slay again!
Words by Paul ‘Browny’ Brown @brownypaul
