Isaac Wood, lead vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of one of the most exciting bands in the world today (and the holder of the coveted MXDWN album of the year for 2021) announced today with a heavy heart that he will no longer be a member of Black Country, New Road. Announced via the band’s socials, the group give Wood space to say his piece before elaborating on what that meant for the future of the band. Needless to say, when the decision is between your mental health and the future of your passion project, I imagine this decision wasn’t an easy one.
We have some news to share concerning the future of the band. Please read on for information on upcoming shows, but it seems right to pass on this message from Isaac first pic.twitter.com/3HHmSwBDQj
— BlackCountry,NewRoad (@BCNRband) January 31, 2022
Wood begins by saying, “I have bad news which is that I have been feeling sad and afraid too. And I have tried to make this not true but it is the kind of sad and afraid feeling that makes it hard to play guitar and sing at the same time.” He later explains that this means, “From now on I won’t be a member of the group anymore.” The explanation seems to imply the pressure and expectations of the band just being too much, but ultimately, I am not Isaac Wood. I don’t know what he is feeling, but one thing I (and hopefully you) can gain some solace from is the fact that the rest of the band are being supportive. “This is completely in spite of six of the greatest people I know, who were and are wonderful in a sparkling way.” Wood finished his message with a simple “Thank you” to everyone.
The band then released a statement in the same post explaining how an effort will be made to continue the group without Isaac’s signature sound. Beginning by saying “The things we’ll miss about working with Isaac are too many and various to list here, but by listening to the music we made together I’m sure you’ll understand at least a few of them.” They then added, “The rest of us are working on Black Country, New Road material moving forward. We hope to update you all on new music and everything that goes along with that (shows included) pretty soon.”
All things considered, I think this is enough of a justification for the cancellation of the band’s shows at the Roundhouse, and in the US come April. Their new album Ants from Up There will be coming out this Friday. You can have a look at the last few pre-order options here. Listen to “Snow Globes” below.
