Jason Hook is out of Five Finger Death Punch and the band has announced the addition of YouTube shredder Andy James to their ranks, according to a press release. The parting is said to be amicable and Hook acknowledged the split on social media a day earlier. Hook, who had health issues last year that kept him off the road, released a comment on the matter. The band’s most recent studio album, F8, was released earlier this year and boasts two #1 hits to date, “Inside Out” and “A Little Bit Off”. “Living The Dream”, the latest single, with an official video for the song expected to premiere globally Thursday 10/15. 

“I have had the pleasure of meeting so many of you in person. Thank you for the endless stories of how our music has touched your heart in some way! But the best part of being on tour the last 12 years, by far, has been playing my guitar and seeing the joy on your faces every night. I will miss that more than anything. As far the reason I’m leaving…well, there really isn’t just one. I’ve been in bands my entire life and I feel like I’ve done all the good that I can here. It’s time to pass the baton and move on to new challenges” – says Jason Hook about his departure

FFDP Founder Zoltan Bathory commented: 

“Jason is an incredible guitar player so we had to find someone on the absolute top of their game. Someone like Andy James who was already a well-known virtuoso and had the chops to step into Jason’s shoes. Andy completed our European Tour with us back in February so he was already tried by fire. We instantly clicked both musically and personally so he was the obvious choice. We even have the same birthday… Some things are just meant to be” 

“I just congratulated Jason on his recent wedding, and I hope he finds peace and happiness. As for us, I’m really excited to keep working with Andy and I just can’t wait for this Covid madness to be over so we can go back out on the road,” adds vocalist IVAN MOODY.