Former NEVERMORE bassist Jim Sheppard expressed disappointment at not being consulted about the band’s revival by Jeff Loomis and Van Williams, but he nonetheless wishes them success.
On December 27, both Loomis and Williams shared a one-minute teaser video featuring iconic NEVERMORE imagery, possible silhouettes of the duo, and accompanying text: “Resurrecting The Dream.” The teaser ends with the NEVERMORE logo along with the line “A New Chapter Rises” and the year “2025”.
Two days later, Jim‘s wife, Priscila Sheppard, shared the following statement on her Facebook page: “Since I have been receiving a few messages from James fans regarding a post Van Williams made on social media, I feel I need to respond to you with an update.
“James has never been contacted about Van‘s plans with Jeff using the NEVERMORE name. I am sorry you think James is involved. We do not know about their plans, and it is completely disrespectful of them to use the name NEVERMORE without consulting Jim Sheppard, as he is one of the founders of the band.
“We are waiting for clarification on this alleged project and will proceed from there, whether or not clarification comes from them. No further comment for now. Thank you.”
Yesterday (January 4), Sheppard released the following statement to Blabbermouth, in which he said: “In my heart, NEVERMORE will always be Warrel, Jeff and I living in a one-room apartment, slaves to an eight-track recording machine, non-stop songwriting insanity. We were driven, we were hungry… To quote Dave Mustaine, we were ready to ‘smile, eat shit and ask for more!’
“True, I’ve been retired. I enjoy my new life in Alaska following bears with my wife Priscila, a wildlife photographer.
“My opinion of [Loomis‘s and Williams‘s] press release [announcing the NEVERMORE comeback is] Van came across self-promoting and Jeff felt very sincere; he truly wants to capture a little piece of the magic we held.
“I’m disappointed no one reached out to me concerning the name NEVERMORE, a name that means blood, sweat and tears.
“With that said, I wish them the best.”
NEVERMORE disbanded in 2011 when guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams parted ways with the band, citing personal differences with vocalist Warrel Dane and bassist Jim Sheppard. In a later interview, Dane referred to NEVERMORE as “the greatest band that alcohol ever ruined.”
Tragically, Dane passed away in December 2017 at the age of 56 while recording his solo album, Shadow Work, in São Paulo, Brazil. Reports indicate he suffered a heart attack during the night and could not be revived.”
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