Pop-punk band Neck Deep have parted ways with their guitarist following allegations he sent explicit messages to an underage fan.
The band, who formed in Wrexham during 2012, are currently at Number Eight in the UK Albums Chart with new album ‘Life’s Not Out To Get You’.
Guitarist Lloyd Roberts has recently been the focus of allegations that the band claim have “sullied” their reputation.
In an initial tweet to fans, the band wrote: “We are very aware of the accusations being made and we take them very seriously. Please give us a moment to get to the bottom of this.”
Neck Deep later issued a full statement regarding the matter, which reads: “Yesterday, there were some allegations aimed towards our band. We feel that these situations should always be approached with the utmost regard for all parties, so we thank you for your patience while we have dealt with this matter internally.
Getty“While the full facts of the matter at hand are still unclear, our guitarist Lloyd Roberts has decided to step down from Neck Deep to focus on his family, as he does not feel comfortable having his reputation, or that of the band sullied further by these accusations.
“We sincerely apologise to anyone who has been caused distress or been affected by any of these events. As a band, we absolutely treasure our fans, we would not be anywhere without them, and we would never want them to feel disrespected or taken advantage of.
“We would, however, like to ask you all to help be part of the solution, to not take part in posting rumours and gossip on the internet in the absence of clear facts. We also ask that you please refrain from attacking the people making these statements via social media – we do not want anyone to feel victimised in any way.
“Further, we cannot emphasise enough that serious allegations of this kind should ALWAYS be brought to the attention of the relevant authorities, and we urge anyone genuinely affected to use those official channels.”
The band have stated that all shows will go ahead as planned, thinking fans for their “continued support and belief”.
The band play Reading and Leeds festivals this weekend.
We are very aware of the accusations being made and we take them very seriously. Please give us a moment to get to the bottom of this.
— Neck Deep (@NeckDeepUK) August 22, 2015