After leaving the band in August, Neck Deep‘s former guitarist Lloyd Roberts (far left) has issued a statement regarding allegations made online against him which resulted in his departure from the band. The allegations came shortly after the pop punk band released their second studio album Life’s Not Out To Get You early in August. His statement reads:
“In August this year I stepped down from Neck Deep after serious allegations were directed at me online. I was horrified and sickened by these accusations and in order to clear my name, I contacted the police myself and asked them to investigate. Now, following a thorough investigation by North Wales Police, I received confirmation yesterday that officers have found no case for me to answer and that their investigation is now closed.
It has been an immensely difficult time for both me and my family. When these claims surfaced I’d just become a dad for the first time and so the situation I found myself in with these accusations caused us all a great deal of emotional distress. I also felt the need to step down from Neck Deep just as we were beginning to get the recognition we’d all worked so hard to achieve.
I’m now looking to put this horrendous chapter in my life behind me as I instead look forward to the future. For me, that means doing the one thing I love the most – writing and recording music. I’ve got some exciting plans in development, so watch this space. In the meantime I’d like to thank all of the Neck Deep fans who stuck with me and offered me support over the past few months. It meant a lot to me.
I’d also like to wish my Neck Deep comrades all the best for the future. I’m sure our paths will cross again soon. Thanks, Lloyd Roberts.”
According to a report by Kerrang! online, a spokeswoman for North Wales Police has said: “I can confirm that this matter has been investigated fully. And no further action is being taken”. Despite there being two sides and voices to every story, it’s really worth noting the power of social media (the accuser never took the allegations to the police) and how it can destroy one person’s place within the art that they love as quickly as it can create it. It is sad to see a chapter of a musician’s life being ended so suddenly and without obvious justification.
Neck Deep will be touring with State Champs, Creeper and Light Years in February next year.
#Peace.Love.NeckDeep
