Loathe announce departure of guitarist Connor Sweeney

Founding guitarist Connor Sweeney has left Liverpool metallers Loathe.

In a short statement on social media, the band thanked Connor "for his contributions and commitment to Loathe over the years and wish him the best in his future endeavours", and confirmed that their current UK tour with While She Sleeps "will continue as planned".

Connor took to Instagram for a slightly longer piece on the situation, writing: "Today I can’t believe I’m saying this, but with the largest stone in my throat and a leaden heart, I’ve decided to part ways with Loathe. Thank you to everyone who has ever supported me in this band and in music as it means everything to me. Without music i wouldn’t be alive. Seriously."

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The guitarist continued that, "I am not dead musically as I have something I’m working on, that I will be putting what’s left of my heart and soul into after what has been a harrowing ordeal this past year.

"I thought some things might have changed with time within the band but unfortunately in this case things continued to stay the same. So as to preserve my own well being and mental health I have decided to leave.

"Thank you to all who have ever been there in any and every way, It really really does mean more than I could ever describe. I will be back with new music and hopefully playing shows again once all is ready.

"A massive thank you to Ryan Richards for being the greatest manager and making my personal dreams a reality. Another massive thank you to Zack McAdam, Lewis Chalmers and Josh Singh for always being such amazing people and crew to work with."

Kerrang! would like to send all our best to both parties.

Catch Loathe live at the following dates this year:

September

20 Leeds Key Club (w/ While She Sleeps)
22 Leeds Key Club (w/ While She Sleeps)
23 Leeds Key Club (w/ While She Sleeps)

December

9 Glasgow Classic Grand
10 Liverpool Arts Club
11 Birmingham Asylum
12 Sheffield Foundry
14 Bristol Fleece
15 Bournemouth Old Fire Station
17 Brighton Patterns
18 London Lafayette

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