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Longtime POP EVIL Bassist MATT DIRITO Quits Band: 'So Long, But Not Goodbye'

July 13, 2021

Bassist Matt DiRito has announced his departure from Michigan rockers POP EVIL.

DiRito broke the news of his exit in an Instagram post over the weekend. He wrote: "So long, but not goodbye.

"The time has come for me to part ways with POP EVIL. The decision has been made that I will not be joining them on their upcoming tour, or any future tours.

"Walking away from something I've helped build is not easy- but it is the best thing for the band, myself and our respective futures," he continued. "POP EVIL will continue on and so will I, just not together.

"The details surrounding my departure are only known by a few people, and respectfully it will remain that way.

"Having the opportunity to meet so many fans across the world is something that has made a lasting impression on my heart," he added. "I would have loved to play for you all one more time, and I am sorry that it did not work out that way. I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your endless support and love.

"I wish POP EVIL nothing but success in all of their future endeavors and I am thankful for the time (2007-2021) that I was able to be part of it."

As previously reported, POP EVIL drummer Hayley Cramer will miss the first couple of weeks of the band's upcoming U.S. tour because of COVID-19 travel restrictions.

The U.K.-based musician, who joined the Michigan rockers in 2016, announced her absence from the first shows of the trek in a social media post on July 8.

She wrote: "Hey everyone! As I'm sure some of you have noticed, POP EVIL have started rehearsals yet I'm still here in the UK. So I just want to fill you all in with where we are at with regards to some travel logistics back to America.

"We have been able to secure a meeting with the consulate on the 21st of July to get my P1 visa renewed. The embassy is extremely backed up due to the pandemic, but our immigration team have really delivered. Some people are still waiting to obtain an appointment! This does mean unfortunately I will be missing the first couple of weeks of tour.

"I can't wait to get back to play shows in front of you all again. In the meantime, a fantastic drummer Jason Hartless will be filling in for me and will deliver a kick ass performance for sure!!

"I want to encourage you to continually show your love, encouragement and support to bands, musicians, crews and venues. We need all the help you can give to rebuild our precious yet vulnerable music industry. Live music in particular!

"Big love to you all. See you soon."

POP EVIL's "Versatile" tour will kick off on July 14 with an outdoor show in Lake County, Illinois and run across the U.S. until September 23 including stops at several of the major rock festivals — Rocklahoma, Aftershock and Inkcarceration — as well as supporting SHINEDOWN. Support on the trek will come from special guests ZERO 9:36, BRKN LOVE and LIKE MACHINES (on select dates).

POP EVIL's latest album, "Versatile", features the No. 1 mainstream rock hit single "Breathe Again" — the band's sixth No. 1 single to date — alongside heavyweight tracks "Set Me Free", "Let The Chaos Reign" and Top 10 single "Work".

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