Metal Anarchy

Mike Spreitzer has officially announced his departure from DevilDriver. The guitarist says he “would rather not sit at home waiting for this to become a full-time job any longer.”

Here’s Spreitzer’s full statement:

“After 20 years of playing guitar for DevilDriver, I have decided it is time to go my own way.

Since around 2014, DevilDriver gradually started to feel more like a part-time job. Our touring schedule is not what it used to be and I want to get back to being a full-time musician. In addition, the mere creation of my side project was met with a heavy amount of negativity from a specific individual that made things extremely uncomfortable for me.

Ever since I was six years old I wanted to play in a metal band and live the majority of my life on a tour bus with my friends traveling from city to city. Show up, set up, perform, leave, and repeat. I miss the camaraderie with my band and crew. I miss my bunk. I miss waking up and walking to a coffee shop with whoever would join me. I miss playing guitar all day in the dressing room before the show. I miss laughing my ass off every day with the guys. I miss the summer festival runs where I get to see all my friends from other bands that I have toured with over the last two decades. I miss the aroma of the venues. I miss the putrid smell of the bathrooms in a European dive bar. More than anything else, I miss the look of joy on everyone’s face while you lovingly kick the crap out of each other in the crowd.

I’ve waited patiently for DevilDriver to become full-time again. I respectfully understand that since 2019 serious issues had to be dealt with that were out of anybody’s control resulting in keeping the band off the road. We had a pandemic, there were family emergencies, and health issues that had to be addressed. But these dilemmas started in 2019. DevilDriver became part-time long before this unfortunate chain of events. I would rather not sit at home waiting for this to become a full-time job any longer.

In an attempt to fill the downtime. I started Verona On Venus. It was never my intention to make VOV a priority over DevilDriver. The only way I can see myself touring as much as I would like is by getting Verona On Venus up and running or perhaps an opportunity to join another band.

To all the DD fans out there, I love you with all my heart. You are some of the most dedicated humans I have ever met. The vitality in all of you has been the brightest light in my life. You filled my soul with happiness. l am forever grateful for every single one of you and will never forget your unwavering devotion.

I wish Dez, Jon, Alex and Davier the very best.”