NEVERMORE's JEFF LOOMIS And VAN WILLIAMS Explain JIM SHEPPARD's Absence From Band's Reunion: 'We Decided To Move On From The Negativity'

In a new interview with Italy's TrueMetal.it, NEVERMORE guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams explained their decision to exclude NEVERMORE's founding bassist Jim Sheppard from the band's reformed lineup. Jeff said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It's just we haven't spoken to Jim in, like, so long... We decided just to move on from the negativity. We wanted people on our same level of thinking and people on our same page. And when you go on stage with people that are thinking like you, like, positive, it makes for such a bigger force as a band. And there was a lot of negativity going on at that time."

Van chimed in: "Fortunately, Jeff and I kept in touch since the band broke up. We were always really good pals on the road, and we all were, actually, at one point, and then the separation happened, it seemed. But when the split-up happened, we stayed in touch throughout this long period of time when he was in ARCH ENEMY, and I was doing my things or whatever, and we just supported each other, and even personal things. We both went through things, and we just stayed positive with those things. Unfortunately, Jim was part of something that we weren't really in contact with because of a lot of that negative space back then, and that we could tell it's not gonna change. People have to change for themselves. And I can't blame it all on one person or anything like that, but it just... We knew we couldn't go back backwards 'cause that would be backwards, and not knowing where he's been in this space for the amount of time, but knowing the individuals, that it's still not gonna be a good thing. We needed fresh energy, and we made sure we had permission to continue with that fresh energy before anything. So we didn't owe anyone a call or anything. It's just that's the way it was 'cause the higher-ups told us we were okay to go ahead, and that's what we did. Nothing against the guy — not at all — but it's just for us to start fresh in a new mindset, we had to go this direction personally."

Joining Loomis and Williams in NEVERMORE's current incarnation are the band's latest additions, Jack Cattoi on guitar, Semir Özerkan on bass, and new vocalist Berzan Önen.

The new lineup of NEVERMORE made its live debut on April 1 at IF Performance Hall Beşiktaş in Istanbul, Turkey.

NEVERMORE effectively split up in 2011 when Loomis and Williams announced their departure from the band due to personal differences with Sheppard and singer Warrel Dane. Warrel later described NEVERMORE in an interview as "the greatest band that alcohol ever ruined."

Dane died in in December 2017 in São Paulo, Brazil while recording his posthumously released solo studio album, "Shadow Work". The musician reportedly had a heart attack during the night and could not be revived.

When Loomis and Williams revealed their plan to launch a "world search" for a vocalist and bassist for the reformed version of the band, Van addressed Jim's absence from the reunion, saying: "Some people think it's disrespectful not to involve Jim or inform him of our plans. But those who feel that way don't know the history of the band or the behind-the-scenes dynamics that led to this decision. While it may not have been the most ideal approach, the reality is that there hasn't been communication with Jim in years.

"We felt that sometimes, for the sake of a fresh start, it's necessary to move on from relationships that may no longer be conducive to growth or new beginnings. We made this decision with the intention of honoring the legacy of the band while moving forward in a way that felt right for us at the time. That said, we wish him good health and he is free to pursue whatever path he chooses. Without going into too much detail, I'll just say respect goes both ways, and certain things became irreconcilable over time for us… I wish the situation with Jim were different, but the past has brought us here."

Williams also denied that he and Loomis were reforming NEVERMORE as a "money grab", explaining: "Most musicians don't do this for the money. We've spent countless hours thru the years sweating, rehearsing, performing, and recording simply because we love it. This is what we chose to do in life because we've always loved it. That's what drives us, the passion for music, the connection with fans, and the creative process. If money comes from that, great but it has never been the focus, but we also have bills to pay like you."

For his part, Jeff defended the decision to reactivate NEVERMORE with new musicians, writing: "No one can replace Warrel Dane. Bottom line. With his interesting melodies and charisma onstage, he was a force that was a huge part of the band both lyrically and spiritually. With that being said, we aren't looking for a Warrel Dane clone. We are looking for someone that can carry the older NEVERMORE tunes in his vocal style, and someone who can add something new and refreshing to the next chapter of the band. Obviously, this won't be the easiest thing to do."

In December 2019, Sheppard launched a project called THE DEAD HEART COLLECTIVE, featuring music and lyrics inspired by Dane. At the time, Sheppard sent his synopsis of THE DEAD HEART COLLECTIVE to BLABBERMOUTH.NET in which he explained his decision to start a new project as a vehicle for Warrel to "channel songs and paintings" through him.

Sheppard addressed NEVERMORE's return in a statement he released to BLABBERMOUTH.NET on January 4, 2025. He wrote at the time: "In my heart, NEVERMORE will always be Warrel, Jeff and I living in a one-room apartment, slaves to an eight-track recording machine, non-stop songwriting insanity. We were driven, we were hungry... To quote Dave Mustaine, we were ready to 'smile, eat shit and ask for more!'

"True, I've been retired. I enjoy my new life in Alaska following bears with my wife Priscila, a wildlife photographer.

"My opinion of [Loomis's and Williams's] press release [announcing the NEVERMORE comeback is] Van came across self-promoting and Jeff felt very sincere; he truly wants to capture a little piece of the magic we held.

"I'm disappointed no one reached out to me concerning the name NEVERMORE, a name that means blood, sweat and tears. With that said, I wish them the best."