Last week, Melbourne post-hardcore outfit The Getaway Plan announced the shock removal of their long-time skin-basher, Aaron Barnett.
The band detailed the split on their Facebook page, opening their public statement with “as some of you may have noticed, we have been touring with a new drummer this past month.” The band were quick to quell any total break-up rumours, assuring “the heart and soul of The Getaway Plan remains unscathed.”
Barnett wasted no time in delivering a response to his former band, with a Facebook post of his own claiming “my position was filled behind my back” in an intimate statement that unveils his dismay due to the expulsion from a band he’d served with for ten years strong.
Barnett’s account of dismissal tells of an alleged “lack of chemistry” as the ammunition for his firing squad. Barnett was said to have been contacted via telephone “just before New Years and almost two weeks out from tour” informed that the band’s close friend Dan Maio would be replacing him as drummer.
“This is in no way was a decision I supported and or understand,” Barnett confesses, “I was deeply saddened, shocked, and hurt not only about the decision but mostly about the way it was handled and dealt with.” “I was deeply saddened, shocked, and hurt not only about the decision but mostly about the way it was handled and dealt with.”
Evidently quite shaken by what his surprise removal from the band, the drummer expressed his dire disappointment in the way in which the event took place, “I was never sat down and addressed about this in the professional manner that they rode themselves on.”
The removal of Barnett is the second of line-up shake-ups that has taken place for The Getaway Plan within the past 12 months, with bassist Dave Anderson parting ways with the quartet in July of 2013 to be replaced by Jase Clarke.
From where Barnett stands, the situation appears far from an amicable spilt. However, in a professional manner the free agent offers some camaraderie to his previous bandmates; “I am in no way trying to put a bad name on the band.”
Despite having no getaway plan intact, Barnett vows for an optimistic year, “I decided to jump start 2014 with a bang.” Not bowing out, Barnett promises “I will have some very, very exciting news to announce in the not so distant future”.
Read Aaron Barnett’s full statement below:
Friend’s family and fans,
I am writing in response to the latest post from The Getaway Plan.
Due to the overwhelming response I have received, I felt it is best to put something out there.As many people have seen, heard and now read I am no longer a member of The Getaway Plan. After 10 years of hard work and dedication with my fellow band members I was informed via telephone, just before New Years and almost 2 weeks out from tour that I was no longer wanted in the band due to a “lack of chemistry” and also that my position had already been filled behind my back.
This in no way was a decision I supported and or understand and I was deeply saddened, shocked, and hurt not only about the decision but mostly about the way it was handled and dealt with. Obviously the group had several reasons behind their decision, however I was never sat down and addressed about this in the professional manner that they rode themselves on and quiet frankly I was totally caught off guard. In saying that, I am in no way trying to put a bad name on the band. I am just saying it how it is, how I am feeling and how it all went down through my eyes.
From all my endorsee’s, friends, family and fans, I want to say the biggest thank you to everyone who has followed and supported me over the years and I hope you continue to stand by me in my future music endeavours.
I love you all so dearly!As for myself and music, I decided to jump start 2014 with a bang and as a result I will have some very, very exciting news to announce in the not so distant future. I am more than excited about these prospects and even more excited to turn and continue the next chapter of my musical endeavours.
Thanks again for everything and hopefully see you at my next show.
Much love,
– Aaron
