Memphis Venue Cancels AS I LAY DYING Concert Following Public Outcry

A Memphis concert venue has canceled its previously announced AS I LAY DYING show and will replace it with an event to benefit victims of domestic violence.

Growlers faced online backlash after publicizing the April 5 booking of the California band whose lead singer was famously convicted in 2014 for his role in a murder-for-hire plot against his estranged wife.

Two months ago, Tim Lambesis, who served time in prison for his crime, said that part of his life's work now is to undo the hurt he has caused.

On Tuesday (February 5),the venue released the following statement via social media: "While we believe in the justice system and the ability for rehabilitation, we are against domestic violence and will always listen to those that have gone through the pain that it has caused.

"Since AS I LAY DYING returned to performing, we'd had several requests to bring them to Memphis, despite the singer's past. When the show was first announced, hundreds of people bought tickets right away. However, we've since heard the input of several people in the local community that we have the utmost respect for, and we want them to know that their voices are heard.

"Growlers vehemently denounces all forms of physical and mental domestic abuse, and we’ll be replacing the AS I LAY DYING show with a benefit show featuring all local bands. 100% of the proceeds will go to helping local victims of domestic abuse.

"As a locally owned small business, supporting our community is the single most important thing to us. In this instance, we've heard the community loud and clear, and we are going to do everything we can to ensure that we continue forward in providing an enjoyable entertaining environment that all of our patrons feel comfortable in. And to the people whose comments were erased, we sincerely apologize. Just know we stand with you."

In May 2014, Lambesis was sentenced to six years in jail after pleading guilty to paying a San Diego police officer posing as a hitman $1,000 to kill his wife. Approximately two and a half years later — on December 17, 2016 — he was discharged from a California detention facility and was transferred to the Division of Adult Parole Operations.

In June 2018, AS I LAY DYING played its first show with Lambesis in five years and released a new single. Lambesis also owned up to his crimes in a long apology on the band's Facebook page after his release.

November saw AS I LAY DYING complete its first U.S. tour in five years and the band followed it up with a European run of shows.

Prior to AS I LAY DYING's concert in Munich, Germany on December 8, Lambesis once again took to the band's Facebook page to say that he has reconstructed his life and rededicated himself to the principles of honesty and commitment to community necessary to garner public trust.

AS I LAY DYING's 2018 single, "My Own Grave", marked the first fresh music from the band since it issued its sixth album, "Awakened", back in September 2012.

The return of AS I LAY DYING raised some questions, particularly since guitarist Nick Hipa categorically denounced the band's disgraced frontman as a "sociopathic narcissist in definite need of rehabilitation" in a social-media post back in 2014.

In October, the organizers of Spain's Resurrection Fest removed AS I LAY DYING from this year's lineup following an outcry from certain fans.