SKINLAB Part Ways With Drummer And Guitarist, Seek Replacements

SKINLAB bassist/vocalist Steev Esquivel has issued the following update on the band's activities:

"Hey there everyone. Sorry it's been awhile since the last official update. Even though we've been laying low since the completion of the Jagermusic tour with SLAYER, HATEBREED and our labelmates ARCH ENEMY, there has been a lot going on in the world of SKINLAB.

"First off, we want to announce that we have parted ways with [drummer] Paul Hopkins and [guitarist] Scott Sargeant.

"After 10 years with the band, Paul has informed us that he will no longer be a part of SKINLAB. His departure from the band was not a total surprise, but rather an awaited decision that he was asked to make in order for us to carry on.

"Paul has been a huge part of SKINLAB and always will be. We toured the world together and accomplished a lot of things that will never be forgotten. We'd like to wish him the best of luck, as well as congratulate him and girlfriend Amber on the recent birth of their new son Caden Hopkins. Life's changes sometimes lead for the better.

"Paul is an awesome person and an amazing drummer, don't count him out just yet, I'm sure we'll be seeing him in some shape or form soon.

"Right now is very important time for SKINLAB, at a point where it might seem easier to give up than to keep going. Snake and I have made the decision to carry on. This means we will be looking for musicians to replace Paul as well as looking for a new guitarist. We feel the move to replace Paul and Scott are gonna be a hard task, but I think we've proven to work best under pressure.

"SKINLAB has been a band for 10 years now, and with the release of 'Nerve Damage' we hope that the test of time and determination will show our true passion for our music and not the issues that have followed us.

" 'Nerve Damage' comes out in 3 days, and I gotta say Century Media did a kick-ass job!! It's definitely a nice release for those who are into SKINLAB. We're very excited to be able to release something like this — it's something that I never thought we would be able to amount too. It's a SKINLAB compilation of tons of killer moment's that we we're able to capture.

"The idea was to give something kinda cool to the fans, as well as pay respect and tribute to the past members who have helped create what the name SKINLAB is today... and I think we achieved that! We've also started work on the first SKINLAB DVD! Last Wednesday was our first meeting with Dave Anderson from Rockhedz. We started watching foootage from various shows, lots of cool stuff to choose from and we only watched a few 5-6 tapes worth, and still have around 50 to go. If anyone out there has footage and would like to contribute to the DVD, come to the site and drop us your info.

"Also speaking of video, just before the SLAYER tour, I had the opportunity to be involved in a short film called 'Pit Fight' and play a role of merciless fight instructor named Pagan. I was scared as all hell, and little did I know that I was the first one to do my takes. As well as working with such high-caliber people such as Sunset film crew as well as getting to work with John Tucker who is probably best know for his work on the first MUDVAYNE video. Freaked out and unprepared as usual. I somehow managed to pull through and get my parts done. Well, word on the street is that it's done and came out great.

" 'Pit Fight' is the evolution of visual and dramatic sensory perception. The molding of classic film-making and reality television. I have to say, that it was a time that I'll never forget. Kevin, Mark, Seth and Mo were all hella cool. Bobby and hid crew were amazing! So far it's the only movie ever shot on 35mm that contains real bare-knuckle fighting. Starring MMA legends Mark 'The Hammer' Coleman, Kevin 'Monster' Randelman, Seth Pretuzelli and introducing Big Mo. For more info on the film check out: www.pitfightmovie.com.

"We've also found our new "cyberhome" here at skinlabmusic.com. Expect some changes soon, we'll be putting up some cool artwork provided by Mike Bohatch (wwweyesofchaos.com) and a bunch of cool pictures that we've been collecting for the last decade.

"That's all the new for now. 'Nerve Damage' comes out this week April 20th , we'll be sharing the stands with a few other killer bands, so do us a favor and pick 'em all up!!!

"Interested musicians go to can email us at: [email protected]"