HELLYEAH Singer Addresses Dismissal Of Bassist

July 25, 2007

Launch Radio Networks reports: HELLYEAH singer Chad Gray has commented on the events leading up to the band's dismissal of bassist Jerry Montano in April, just one week after the group released its self-titled debut album. While Gray was not present for the incident, he told Launch that the group took the decision to let Montano go very seriously. "I've heard through the grapevine that obviously some things went down or whatever, and we just banded together as a group and we felt, all of us, including Jerry, I think we all felt like we needed to do what was best for HELLYEAH and we wanted to do what we thought was best for Jerry at the time," he said. "And we wish him the best and we love him, and it was for a lot of reasons and it was, believe me, there was a lot of deliberation. I mean, it took us a long time to come to that decision."

No official explanation was ever given for Montano's exit. Unconfirmed reports indicated that he got drunk and violent during the band's CD release party on April 10, allegedly threatening his bandmates.

The party took place at the Clubhouse, the Dallas nightclub founded by HELLYEAH drummer Vinnie Paul and his late brother, PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott.

Montano was replaced by Bob "Zilla" Kakaha, who played with Paul and Abbott in their post-PANTERA group, DAMAGEPLAN, until Abbott's death.

HELLYEAH's debut album entered the Billboard chart at No. 9 upon its release. The latest single from the disc is "Alcohaulin' Ass".

The band is currently on the road with the Family Values tour.

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