Ex-STUCK MOJO Frontman BONZ: 'I Am Dealing With My Issues And That Is My Personal Struggle'

Former STUCK MOJO frontman Bonz has dismissed as "far from accurate" the claim made by the group's guitarist/songwriter Rich Ward that Bonz' substance-abuse issues "continue to affect [Bonz's live] performance," in the process "transform[ing] a guy we loved into someone that no one in the band wanted to be around."

In a statement released last Wednesday (July 19),Ward said that Bonz' refusal to enter a drug and alcohol rehabilitation effectively meant that "he would need to step down" as the band's vocalist. "Everyone from the band, crew, management and those on our extended team felt that this was too big of a risk to take when the careers and livelihoods of everyone involved was at stake to varying degrees," Ward wrote. "To gamble the band's future on someone who is the source of such instability is not an option anymore."

The following statement was sent by Bonz to BLABBERMOUTH.NET earlier today (July 25):

"Wow. Well, I wasn't sure how I would respond to Mr. Ward's comments. I can't understand why he has painted this horrible image of me to the masses.

"It was brought to my attention that he felt I had a drug problem when I read about it in an interview he did some months ago. However, he has refused to speak to me man-to-man about this, instead opting for public arenas.

"Let me be honest, because I think this entire issue needs some transparency. I have gone through programs in the past, and that system does not work for me. It did teach me that you have to deal with the reasons why you abuse anything ... drugs, alcohol, food, etc. I am dealing with my issues and that is my personal struggle. I informed Rich that I would remain sober during the MOJO tours. I also stated that I would need the help of family and friends. It seems my offer wasn't good enough but I read this on the web, Rich never called me personally.

"I have financial obligations that will not allow me to check into rehab nor can I afford to go through a program. Although it isn't his or the band's responsibility to do so, Rich is aware that the financial priority of my life is my children, my two beautiful children, who depend on me through child support and health-care funding due to some emergency issues. There was never an offer to help me pay for the treatment I allegedly need so desperately. I admit I do need some help, but the picture Rich Ward has painted of me as the uncontrollable Sid Vicious of the day is far from accurate. Until I can check into a program that can help me live an alcohol-free life, I will surround myself with positive influences who want happiness and success for me.

"I'm saddened by the statements posted by Rich and wonder why he is maiming my character and going all out to justify his actions. We could have made this very easy and professional instead of an assassination of Bonz, one half of STUCK MOJO.

"I have known Rich for 16 years or at least I thought I knew him. You would think he could have told me his true feelings in person in at our last show in Macon, Ga. instead an online mass-distributed announcement and an e-mail to me a couple days later.

"I hold no Ill feelings towards Rich I just think he should have gone about it with more class. This can only lead to a war of words and that will benefit no one. We have seen it with so many bands in the past with similar situations who handled it poorly.

"STUCK MOJO has been fortunate to have very loyal fans. To read negative biting personal information like this is not fair to our fans.

"I am the voice of STUCK MOJO and sang it loud and proud not matter what the obstacles were. I have watched my other brothers leave MOJO because of outside pressures and being unsatisfied with the band direction. I have compromised and even changed my ways for the greater good many time throughout the history of this band. I know I can be difficult, but I think I have always been fair. That is what you do in a band.

"To be honest, I find comfort and some peace in not being in STUCK MOJO. Don't get me wrong — thank you for letting us record a final record and make that artistic magic that made this band raw and real. But what has been seen over the last few months has not been a family, which was making what I do on stage part of a lie.

"In my last words, I say that defamation of character is a serious but useless act. My mother once said if you have noting good to say about someone say noting at all. I know you all have heard that before. They were right because no one's feelings get hurt and people don't have to choose sides. With that said, I will say nothing more of this whole incident.

"I hope that the MOJO fans can forgive me for my shortcomings and will give me a chance with my new endeavors, including DEAD GOSPEL.

"Thank you all for taking time to read this sincere response..."

STUCK MOJO recently completed work on its new album, "Southern Born Killers", at Backstage Studios in Derbyshire, U.K. with producer Andy Sneap (NEVERMORE, ARCH ENEMY, MACHINE HEAD, EXODUS).

Joining Ward and Bonz in STUCK MOJO's current recording lineup are FOZZY/DUKE bassist Sean Delson and the band's latest addition, drummer Eric Sanders.

"Southern Born Killers" projected track listing (in no particular order):

01. I'm Back
02. Southern Born Killers
03. Metal Is Dead
04. Born For This Moment
05. Friends
06. The Sky Is Falling
07. That's When I Burn
08. The Fear Is All Around Me
09. Open Season
10. In My Mind
11. Home
12. Invincible
13. Rhythm and Bullshit

"Southern Born Killers" is tentatively scheduled for release in late 2006/early 2007 through an as-yet-undetermined label. The band was previously signed to Century Media Records.