After 20 years with ’80s rock band The Cult, drummer John Tempesta announced his departure from the group. He shared the news with fans on social media, posting a message on Facebook. This decision comes in the wake of tickets going on sale for The Cult’s upcoming U.S. tour.

“After 20 years, my chapter with The Cult has come to an end,” Tempesta wrote in his post. “So many unforgettable shows, experiences, and memories. I’m incredibly thankful to every single fan who was there along the way. Your support has meant so much to me.”

He continued, “I’m looking forward to getting back out there, playing music and seeing where the next chapter takes me. Here’s to 2027! Wishing the guys all the best!”

The Cult has a tour planned with A Perfect Circle for 2027, and Tempesta’s departure comes just several weeks after ticket sales went live. Currently, Tempesta has not shared the reason for his departure, and the remaining members of The Cult have not responded. Fans should keep an eye on the band’s social media pages for the latest updates on the tour and the drummer.

Beloved Drummer of 80s Rock Band The Cult Announces Departure Ahead of Upcoming U.S. Tour

The Cult formed in Bradford, England in 1983, and their blend of post-punk and goth rock earned them acclaim in the U.K. and U.S. John Tempesta joined on drums in 2006, after getting his start as a drum tech for Anthrax’s Charlie Benante in the 80s. From there he joined Exodus in 1989, then Testament. He later performed with Rob Zombie, Tony Iommi, Helmet, and Zakk Wylde.

The comments of Tempesta’s announcement were full of fans sharing support for the drummer. Many also posted speculations about what he would do next, with the most popular theory being a White Zombie reunion.

“Reuniting with Rob Zombie to complete the original solo band line-up?” on comment asked. Another wrote, “White Zombie getting back together????” Other fans simply shared encouragement, such as, “Excited to see your next chapter!!” and “You’re without doubt the best drummer the Cult have ever had.”

Other comments mentioned Pearl Jam’s drummer situation. “Pearl Jams looking,” one person wrote. Another commented, “You would be awesome in Pearl Jam!” A more confident fan posited, “I’m guessing he’s already had an offer. Probably Pearl Jam.”

But among all the suggestions that Tempesta join Pearl Jam, only one person mentioned how his drumming style would sound with the 90s grunge icons. They compared Tempesta’s drumming to a high-powered Rolls-Royce engine, and Pearl Jam to a three-wheeled fiberglass car from the 70s.

“So many people saying about Pearl Jam needing a drummer,” they wrote. “I love PJ but it would be like putting a Merlin Engine in a Reliant Robin.”

Photo by Iwi Onodera/Redferns

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Skid Row has a new frontman, and he’s a former Broadway star. After a two-year touring hiatus, the legendary 80s hard Rock band has tapped Justin Sargent as their new singer.

Sargent is an accomplished stage performer who made his Broadway debut in 2011’s Rock of Ages. He’s also starred in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, as well as Bonnie and Clyde. Now, he’ll hit the road with Skid Row for a run of concerts in Spring 2027.

The band also dropped a new cover of the Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” with Sargent on vocals. This is your first taste of what to expect when the band hits the road. See that msuic video, as well as the band’s iupcoming tour dsateds, bweloew.

Skid Row 2027 Tour Dates

• 3/20 — New Buffalo, MI — Four Winds Casino
• 4/2 — Kansas City, MO — VooDoo Lounge at Harrah’s
• 4/3 — Welch, MN — Island Event Center
• 4/9 — Mashantucket, CT — Foxwoods
• 4/10 — Atlantic City, NJ — Borgata
• 4/16 — Wheatland, CA — Hard Rock Live
• 4/17 — Reno, NV — Silver Legacy Casino
• 4/18 — Shelton, WA — Little Creek Casino
• 4/23 — Quapaw, OK — Downstream Casino
• 4/24 — Grant, OK — Choctaw Casino
• 5/9 — Daytona Beach, FL — Welcome to Rockville
• 5/14 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple
• 5/29 — Niagara Falls, ON — OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
• 9/25 — French Lick, IN — French Lick Resort

Broadway star Justin Sargent is the new singer of skid row

Skid Row has had a handful of vocalists over the years. The band’s first frontman was Matt Fallon. After one year, he exited, and Sebastian Bach stepped in. The band split up in 1996, but then reformed in ’99 without Bach. This time, they had Johnny Solinger behind the mic.

Solinger left the band in 2015, and they’ve had three main vocalists since then: Tony Harnell, ZP Theart, and Erik Grönwall. Over the years, iconic metal singers like Rob Halford (Judas Priest) and Lzzy Hale (Halestorm) have also stepped up to perform with Skid Row.

Now, the band has picked up Sargent, something bassist Rachel Bolan is thrilled about. “Honestly, for me, it felt like he had been here from the beginning as soon as he walked in the room,” Bolan said in a press release shared by UCR. “He was one of us. A lifer. Then he sang with so much power and conviction, it blew me away. It was amazing.”

Sargent also issued a statement saying: “I’ve been singing Skid Row songs for years, but never imagined I’d actually be joining the band! It’s an incredible honor to be part of something with such a legendary history. The chemistry and energy we’ve found together over the past several months has been amazing.”

He then added, “I have tremendous respect for the band’s legacy, but I’m even more excited about what lies ahead. I can’t wait to get out there, connect with the fans, and give them everything I’ve got. Let’s go!”

Photo by Gary Wolstenholme/Redferns via Getty Images

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