Updated: FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH Management Denies Band Involvement With MI Flyer

**UPDATE**: A representative for FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's management has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

"I think it was an honest mistake on someone's behalf, but we would like to be clear that NOTHING about this Musicians Institute flyer was approved by FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH or their management in any way. This flyer's existence was honestly not made known to the band or to management until it was posted on Blabbermouth. Even the band photo on the flyer is over three years old and has [former FIVE FINGER guitarist] Darryl Roberts in it, which hasn't been used in years. This flyer with an outdated photo and list of criteria are not from FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH in any way, shape or form."

It should be noted that FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's management has not denied that auditions for the band's new bassist were held at Musicians Institute.

The original story follows below.

A copy of the flyer that was placed at Hollywood, California's Musicians Institute earlier this month announcing FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's bassist search can be viewed below.

Criteria for new FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH bassist, according to the flyer:

* Hard rock/alternative metal look
* Your image MUST be compatible with the band (absolutely no exceptions!)
* Under 35 years of age (no exceptions)
* Athletic build
* Not over 6 feet tall
* Tattoos a plus
* Some vocal ability preferred (screams and harmonies)
* Five-string bass ability a plus (music is mostly played in B)
* Passport a MUST
* Non-smokers preferred
* No alcoholics/drug addicts
* Band is based in Las Vegas. Be willing to relocate or commute

Casey Norman, who hosts the "Power Drive" show on Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada's radio station Power 97, asked FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH guitarist Jason Hook on April 14 if there was any truth to the rumors that the band had parted ways with bassist Matt Snell. "At this time, we're... I mean, there is something going on in regards to that, but I would rather keep my mouth shut so that I don't get myself in trouble," Hook replied.

You can hear Hook's brief response to the Matt Snell question in the YouTube clip below.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's second album, "War Is The Answer", came out in September 2009. The CD has sold 489,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

"War Is The Answer" was produced by the band and Kevin Churko (OZZY OSBOURNE, IN THIS MOMENT),and was mixed by Randy Staub (METALLICA, MÖTLEY CRÜE, NICKELBACK). According to a press release, "the record evolves the band's already mature sound, ranging from the undeniable melodies in 'Hard to See' to the brutally nihilistic 'Burn It Down' — destined to please fans both new and old."

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's debut album, "The Way Of The Fist", was reissued on November 23, 2010 as a deluxe box set. "The Way Of The Fist: Iron Fist Edition" celebrates the landmark album for the metal genre that has sold over 477,000 copies and continues to scan over 1,000 copies a week three years after its original release.

The "Iron Fist Edition" box set features the original 13 album tracks with all-new artwork, a brand new in-depth documentary DVD, "The Legend of The Fist Vol. 1", (featuring never-before seen footage and interviews spanning FIVE FINGER's career),a bonus CD with 11 B-sides and rarities, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH trading cards, and an exclusive poster and calendar.

Musicians Institute offers a comprehensive, hands-on education in contemporary music performance, recording, guitar making, music business and film.