The Amity Affliction have taken to social media to announce that longtime drummer Ryan Burt, who joined the acclaimed hardcore group in 2008, will not be continuing with the band for the remainder of their current This Could Be Heartbreak tour through the UK and Europe due to an ongoing battle with mental health issues.
“We are sad to announce that Ryan will not be performing on any further shows on the This Could Be Heartbreak UK / European headline tour,” the band wrote on their official Facebook page.
“Ryan has recently been battling some ongoing mental demons, and as a group of friends who have had to deal with mental health issues in one way or another, all four of us knew that the best course of action was for him to take the time to go home and get some professional support.”
“It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but it is the right one. Our priority at this point is Ryan’s health, and that will always come first. The shows themselves will all continue as planned, with Casey McHale filling in on drums. He’s an amazing musician and a great friend of both Ryan and the band, and we know we can rely on him to deliver the show you all deserve to see.”
“We ask that everyone respect Ryan’s privacy while he’s getting better. If you need someone to talk to regarding mental health, please don’t hesitate to seek help from someone who is properly trained and qualified.”
Several members of The Amity Affliction, including frontman Joel Birch, have been open about their past and current struggles with mental health issues. “They’re open and honest,” bassist Ahren Stringer told Tone Deaf about his bandmate’s words back in 2013. “A lot of people struggle with depression, and I really think Joel speaks to them in a way that other people can’t.”
If you or someone you know needs personal help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.
