Metal Anarchy

Cradle Of Filth vocalist Dani Filth has issued a statement, saying that guitarist Marek “Ashok” Šmerda has been fired. His claims come after Ashok revealed that he was planning to exit the band following their current tour due to low pay, stress and unprofessionalism. His wife, keyboardist/vocalist Zoë Marie Federoff, also left the group as well.

Filth said the following:

“It is with a grave heart that Cradle Of Filth officially announce the firing of guitarist Marek ‘Ashok’ Smerda from the band, effective immediately.

Despite all attempts to illegally defame and derail the band, Cradle Of Filth WILL NOT cancel any of our South American shows, though fans will have to bear with us being a band with only one guitarist live, that is of course until Ashok’s temporary replacement is flown out to join the tour in a few days time.

Thankyou for your understanding in this horrible matter, we are all in a state of shock over proceedings and will share our side to these unfortunate events in due course. Please, respect our decision to part with Ashok now rather than at the end of the tour and avoid speculation as more clarity on the situation will be provided.

The rest of the band are cool, even if taken aback, and accusations toward management, who work very closely with me and the band are completely unjust and unfounded.

Patience is a virtue and the truth will always out.

Thank you once again fellow Filthlings and we look forward to the rest of ‘The Screaming Of The Américas’ tour here in Uruguay and beyond. 🤘🏻

Your fiend, Dani”