On the departure of founding guitarist Simon Williams, Bleed Again frontman James Dawson had this to say: “Simon leaving the band is a big change for us. Me and Simon started making music together when we were around 16 years old, just for fun. We had different band names and so many line-up changes but we were just mucking around. It wasn’t until 2015 when we got the chance to go and tour around the UK that we realised we may be able to make some big memories with our music. Two years later we signed a worldwide distribution deal and just went crazy with constant shows and festivals, taking anything we could get. Simon was always a pivotal part of Bleed Again and the bands success. In later years, his dedication to his other projects saw his interest in Bleed Again diminish. This never stopped him being the upmost professional that he has always strived to be. Him leaving feels like the right decision and the right time to be honest. We no longer have limitations in shows we can accept. This doesn’t mean that we’re not still going to be picky. We went from his bedroom to touring all over the UK, large parts of Mainland Europe and the biggest Rock/Metal festival on the planet together – Download 2024. Zero hard feelings. Just amazing memories.” On the flip side, new guitarist Bobby Didcott is delighted to be joining the band: “I’m incredibly proud and humbled to officially announce that I’ve joined Bleed Again as their new guitarist. These guys have been close friends for years, and we’ve always shared a mutual respect for each other’s work. We’ve crossed paths countless times over the past six or so years, sharing stages in different bands and building a strong connection through music and good times. Being invited to become a full-time member of a band I’ve admired and stood alongside for so long is truly an honour. The energy, passion, and brotherhood in this band are unmatched, and I can’t wait to bring that to every stage with them moving forward. We’ve already started working on some powerful new material that we can’t wait to share with you all – music that we believe truly represents the next chapter of Bleed Again. Thank you to the lads for the warm welcome, and to everyone who’s supported us over the years – we’re just getting started! Bobby Didcott” |