On August 24, Zoë Marie Federoff announced she was leaving CRADLE OF FILTH mid-tour, citing personal reasons. Just hours later, the band took the stage that night at Palermo Groove in Buenos Aires, Argentina, performing for the first time since her departure.
Fan-filmed footage from the concert has already surfaced online, capturing new live member Kelsey Peters on keyboards and backing vocals during “Malignant Perfection.”
The same-day lineup change followed Federoff’s public statement in which she revealed she could no longer continue with the tour or with CRADLE OF FILTH in general. She later clarified on social media that both she and her husband, guitarist Marek “Ashok” Šmerda, had been planning to leave the band later this year, but certain circumstances forced her to step away sooner. Ashok, however, remains in the lineup.
Ahead of the Buenos Aires show, frontman Dani Filth addressed fans on the band’s social channels, confirming Peters would step in for the remainder of the “Screaming of the Americas” tour.
Despite the sudden change, CRADLE OF FILTH delivered a full set in Buenos Aires, marking the beginning of a new chapter on their South American run.
Federoff wrote in her statement regarding band exit: “It is with deep regret I share that for personal reasons I am unable to continue this tour and continue in general with CRADLE OF FILTH. Please respect my privacy and my family’s privacy. I will answer no further questions. Be kind to my successor. I wish her and my now former bandmates well.
“At least, like Roy Khan said over a decade ago, God was there after all.”
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