Memphis Venue Cancels AS I LAY DYING Concert Due To Public Outcry

As I Lay Dying

The Growlers venue in Memphis, TN has announced the cancellation of their planned April 5 AS I LAY DYING concert due to an outcry from the local community over singer Tim Lambesis.

On Tuesday (February 5), the venue released the following statement via social media: “While we believe in the justice system and the ability for rehabilitation, we are against domestic violence and will always listen to those that have gone through the pain that it has caused.

“Since AS I LAY DYING returned to performing, we’d had several requests to bring them to Memphis, despite the singer’s past. When the show was first announced, hundreds of people bought tickets right away. However, we’ve since heard the input of several people in the local community that we have the utmost respect for, and we want them to know that their voices are heard.

“Growlers vehemently denounces all forms of physical and mental domestic abuse, and we’ll be replacing the AS I LAY DYING show with a benefit show featuring all local bands. 100% of the proceeds will go to helping local victims of domestic abuse.

“As a locally owned small business, supporting our community is the single most important thing to us. In this instance, we’ve heard the community loud and clear, and we are going to do everything we can to ensure that we continue forward in providing an enjoyable entertaining environment that all of our patrons feel comfortable in. And to the people whose comments were erased, we sincerely apologize. Just know we stand with you.”

In May 2014, Lambesis was sentenced to six years in jail after pleading guilty to paying a San Diego police officer posing as a hitman $1,000 to kill his wife. Approximately two and a half years later — on December 17, 2016 — he was discharged from a California detention facility and was transferred to the Division of Adult Parole Operations.