GUITARIST AZZ WILLOUGHBY LEAVES THE DEAD LAY WAITING MID-TOUR

Today marks somewhat emotional news for The Dead Lay Waiting and their fans, but more so for Azz Willougby (guitarist) who departs the Swindon Melodic Death/Metalcore band on personal terms, the band are now currently touring as a quartet and have immediately issued this statement:

“As you may or may not know, Azz (Guitar) is now no longer a part of TDLW. We’re sad to see him go and genuinely wish him the best in the future with whatever he chooses to do. This has been a tough decision, however we want to keep things moving in the band so for now we are going to continue touring as a 4 piece whilst actively seeking a new permanent member. We wanted to open the door on this one and get someone new into the band that can start touring and writing as soon as possible.”

Azz Willoughby has been with The Dead Lay Waiting since 2008 and has performed with them at Download, on two and a half (current tour is the half) tours covering the UK and countries in Europe, recorded ‘We Rise’ and ‘Almost Heaven’ with them and has generally supported the band in whatever way. Furthermore to their statement, they included that:

“We need someone who is hard working and dedicated who will be able to commit to all future plans the band have on the horizon, including performances at this years Download festival, Metal Hammer Golden Gods awards as well as an ongoing recording and touring schedule.”

The band are looking for a guitarist as soon as possible, especially with what they have planned for this year, even more so they are already writing their third album, so it will be interesting to see what is going to happen.

The main criteria the band are looking for include:

• An outstanding level of commitment
• An excellent level of equipment
• The ability to drive (although not essential)
• The ability to travel (if not living locally)
• Being willing to take the vacant guitarist spot up full time (it does take that much effort)
• Being able to write and sing

So those who are interested, the band have this following message:

“Email thedeadlaywaiting@gmail.com with your full name, previous experience (attach previous bands or personal music, videos of you playing etc) and from there, we will be able to send you a track and a guitar pro file of a new song to learn (screen shots of this can be provided for people who don’t have guitar pro). Auditions will take place during the week of the 16th May. Don’t think you’ll be ignored in this search, we’re leaving no rock unturned here, as we want to find the perfect fit for this band.”

On other notes, ‘Almost Heaven’ will be released 13th June 2011 via Rising Records, which can be pre-ordered here. Catch them on tour at the following venues:

UK 26th April – HULL – THE LAMP

UK 27th April – STAFFORD – THE GRAPES

UK 28th April – TELFORD – THE HAYGATE

UK 29th April – NEWPORT, WALES – TJ’S

UK 30th April – CHELTENHAM – 2 PIGS

NL 1st May – NIJMEGEN – ONDERBROEK

ES 4th May – BARCELONA – MOOG

SK 7th May – RUZOMBEROK – NOVE KORZO

SK 8th May – KOSICE – TBC

RO 9th May – CLUJ NAPOCA – GAMBRINUS LIVE STAGE

RO 10th May – BUCHAREST – ELIPHANT PUB

RO 11th May – BRASOV – GROUND ZERO

HU 12th May – BUDAPEST – ROCTOGON

DE 13th May – SCHWABISH HALL – CLUB ALPHA

BE 15th May – BRUSSELS – TBC

Also, Download 2011 has The Dead Lay Waiting, so check them out. Metal Hammer Golden Gods has The Dead Lay Waiting up for the best UK underground band, vote for them here!

http://www.myspace.com/thedeadlaywaiting