Ex-ANVIL Bassist Happy To No Longer Work With 'Self-Righteous, Narcissistic, Grumpy Old Men'

Former ANVIL bassist Glenn Gyorffy (a.k.a. Glenn Five or G5),who left the band in January 2012, citing creative differences, has posted the following message on his Facebook page:

"So happy to have spent this past year playing with great musicians who are also great people. Such a pleasure to express myself with people who bring enjoyment to playing music and have no egos or hang-ups about trying new things. It's been amazing to jam with solid players who keep my feet planted on the ground instead of hovering all over the stage. I feel like a musician again and not just a player! Much thanks to my new 'jamily' for accepting me into your lives and treating me with love and respect. Gone are the days of working with self-righteous, narcissistic, sociopathic, stiff, boring, grumpy old men who kill all the fun and enjoyment out of living the dream. Also gone are the days of pretty much everyone I know asking me why I was so dedicated to two people who didn't appreciate my dedication and contribution. And how a decade of not getting paid and going through the same hell they did, when nobody knew who we were, didn't count for anything. Gone is the way I was meant to feel expendable, and how I was treated like I was riding their coattails after 15 years of loyalty and love for what I was part of.

"I don't have any regrets from my days in that band, and I cherish many of the memories I have, and feel proud of all my accomplishments. And I don't take for granted all the great experiences I had. It's just a shame that I had to experience it all with two people who treated me like I wasn't even there at all.

"I appreciate all the support I've gotten over 2012. Much love to all my family and friends, peers and fans who have taken the time to lift my spirits. All the letters and messages have been great. Keep 'em coming!

"Here's to 2013."

Glenn Five joined ANVIL in 1996 and appeared on seven of the band's albums, including "This Is Thirteen" and the group's latest release, "Juggernaut Of Justice", on which he wrote and sang the song "This Ride". He has since been replaced by Sal Italiano — a member of the Long Island, New York IRON MAIDEN tribute band LIVE AFTER DEATH and original progressive metal act THE NIGHTMARE STAGE, as well as a former member of the acclaimed '80s heavy metal group CITIES.

Speaking to Metal Shock Finland about Glenn's exit and Italiano's addition to ANVIL, guitarist/vocalist Steve "Lips" Kudlow said, "We hired an old friend to do the tour and are currently working with a new, improved bassist. There was no major issue in fixing this at all, and in fact, everything was sorted out within a few hours of Glenn departing. Glenn tried to make it difficult by leaving without proper notice but we've been preparing for this for quite some time. This did end up for the better, as it is a huge improvement with our new guy, both musically as well as personally."

Photo below courtesy of Glenn Gyorffy's Facebook page