Ryan Neff Exits As I Lay Dying: Another Chapter in the Band’s Soap Opera
As I Lay Dying faces another lineup change as bassist Ryan Neff steps down ahead of European dates.
- Ryan Neff, bassist and vocalist for As I Lay Dying, has officially left the band after just two years.
- The announcement comes ahead of the band’s European tour, supporting their upcoming album Through Storms Ahead, out November 15.
- Neff’s departure is the latest in a series of lineup changes, following exits by Jordan Mancino, Josh Gilbert, and Nick Hipa.
Bassist and vocalist Ryan Neff decided his time with As I Lay Dying was short-lived, officially announcing his departure on October 18. The timing? Right before the band gears up for a sprawling European tour. He joined the group in 2022, and apparently, two years of the chaos was more than enough for him.
Naturally, the announcement came via Instagram—because how else do you exit a band these days? His statement was polite enough, dripping with the usual vague sentiments about personal growth and gratitude:
“As of today, I have made the decision to leave AS I LAY DYING. This choice comes after much reflection, and I believe it is the right step for my personal and professional journey.
“I am grateful for the experiences and connections I’ve made during my time with the band.
“Thank you to all the fans for your support.”
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As I Lay Dying is set to kick off their European tour in mid-November, alongside Decapitated, Caliban, and Ov Sulfur. The tour is tied to their upcoming album, Through Storms Ahead, dropping November 15 via Napalm Records. The record even features a couple of notable guest vocalists: Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail and Tom Barber, who splits his time between Chelsea Grin and Darko. Sure, it sounds impressive—on paper.
But let’s not ignore the revolving door of members this band has become. Neff’s exit is just the latest in a series of shake-ups. Drummer Jordan Mancino bowed out in 2022, citing internal drama that apparently couldn’t be resolved. Before him, it was bassist/vocalist Josh Gilbert, whose departure literally opened the door for Neff. And let’s not forget guitarist Nick Hipa, who called it quits in 2021 with a parting shot about no longer wanting to be part of such a “superficial pursuit.”
Oh and speaking of drama, the band’s 2018 reunion came after frontman Tim Lambesis managed to top any rock band scandal you’ve ever heard. Hiring a hitman to murder your ex-wife? That’s not just spicy gossip—it’s straight out of an ID Channel documentary. He ended up serving two and a half years of a six-year sentence before being released in 2016. By 2017, he was back to work on new music, because apparently, attempted murder doesn’t stop the grind.
Now the question is: how much longer can this band keep duct-taping their lineup together? With every new departure, the “As I Lay Dying” name feels less like a band and more like a warning label.
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Longtime guitarist Phil Sgrosso leaves As I Lay Dying, joining other members in parting ways amid turmoil.
