In response to the recent live return of POWER TRIP, the Riley Gale Memorial Foundation, representing Riley Gale‘s family, has spoken out against the band’s actions. The family was not consulted or invited to the performance, and they express disappointment at not having the opportunity to show appreciation to Riley‘s fans.
They said in a statement: “The Riley Gale Memorial Foundation & Gale family are aware of the event that took place at Mohawk in Austin, TX on December 1st, 2023. It caught us entirely by surprise.
“At no point in the planning or lead up to that moment was anyone in the Gale family consulted, or even invited. We were not asked our thoughts or feelings about it taking place. If we were, we would have liked to discuss who would fill in on vocals, since Riley had laid out very specific requests for this exact scenario.
“We would have requested it take place in Dallas, where Riley and Power Trip were born, and where Riley was instrumental in building up the Dallas hardcore and metal community before even setting foot on stage as a performer. We would have liked it to be a surprise and wonderful addition to the Riley Gale & Friends Day concert, the main fundraising event for the Riley Gale Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that supports the causes Riley cared about as well as aiding up-and-coming bands through the Riley Gale Band Touring Grant.
“Riley‘s family would have liked the opportunity to show our appreciation to you, Riley‘s fans who continue to support him by listening and buying albums because we know how much his lyrics and music meant to his fans.
“As Blake said on stage at Mohawk, they owe a lot to Riley, and the Gale family agrees wholeheartedly.
“Riley‘s family was not included, and that’s unfortunate, but for those among you who love Riley and what he stood for, you can show your love by buying albums directly from Southern Lord Records and becoming a part of the Riley Gale Memorial Foundation at the link below.
“Keep an eye out for our announcement of Riley And Friends Vol. 3 early next year — it will feature bands that Riley knew and loved along with hundreds (hopefully thousands) of Riley‘s fans and family.
“‘Birth. Life. Death. Repeat. The goal is to manifest higher than before.’
“REST IN POWER. www.rileygale.org “.
According to a lawsuit filed in the District Court of Dallas County, there were legal disputes between POWER TRIP and Brandon and Gina Gale, the parents of a band member, in 2021. The Gale family sued POWER TRIP‘s LLC and its members for unpaid funds, a claim that the band denied. POWER TRIP also alleged in the same lawsuit that the Gale family had intentions to hinder the band’s career through legal action. The lawsuit is still ongoing, and its resolution is yet to be determined.
