Phil Campbell leaves The Temperance Movement
The Temperance Movement have confirmed that singer Phil Campbell has left the band.
The band took to Facebook last night (Monday 20th January) to confirm Campbell’s exit and thank him for the “amazing times we’ve spent, and music we’ve made together.”
Glasgow-born Campbell issued his own statement saying it’s with a “heavy heart” he’s leaving The Temperance Movement and it’s “been a wild ride with many many good times and memories to cherish forever.”
“From our first play on Planet Rock, the band’s success took us all somewhat by surprise,” Campbell wrote. “For myself, the pride I felt in my mid 30’s, learning how to sing for the first time and being commended for it is something I’ll wear on my heart forever.”
Explaining the reasons for his departure, Campbell added: “I have however taken it as far as I can. Personal circumstances, home, family and other musical projects have taken centre stage in my life.”
Campbell also issued a heartfelt thanks to The Temperance Movement’s fans and to his band mates Paul Sayer, Nick Fyffe, Matt White and Simon Lea, and ex-band mates Damon Wilson and Luke Potashnick.
Alongside guitarist Paul Sayer and bassist Nick Fyffe, Campbell was a member of The Temperance Movement from their formation in 2011 until yesterday.
He released three acclaimed studio albums with the band – 2013’s self-titled ‘The Temperance Movement’, 2016’s ‘White Bear’ and 2018’s chart-denting ‘A Deeper Cut’ – and embarked on numerous international tours including a co-headline North American trek with Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown last summer.
Campbell’s last show with The Temperance Movement was their headline slot at Planet Rockstock last December.
The band have previously headlined the very first Planet Rockstock in Great Yarmouth in 2013, Planet Rockstock Marrakech in 2015 and Planet Rock presents Winter’s End 2018.
Phil Campbell’s full statement reads:
"After 8 years in studios, splitter busses, trains, planes and venues all over the world, it is with a heavy heart that I announce my departure from The Temperance Movement. Its been a wild ride with many many good times and memories to cherish forever… touring Sweden in early days, selling out The Borderline in London, our first UK headline tour, Koko when Jimmy Page showed up, the Classic Rock Awards, the shows with The Stones, the first American Tour, Marrakesh, Germany, Paris… too many to mention.
“From our first play on Planet Rock, the band’s success took us all somewhat by surprise. For myself, the pride I felt in my mid 30’s, learning how to sing for the first time and being commended for it is something I’ll wear on my heart forever. I have however taken it as far as I can. Personal circumstances, home, family and other musical projects have taken centre stage in my life.
“I realise how loved this band is and I realise also that there are too many people to thank in one post. The most important of them are my fellow band mates, Paul Sayer, Nick Fyffe, Matt White and Simon Lea. I also thank Damon Wilson and Luke Potashnick for times past in days of old. Thank you for taking me from obscurity, handing me a microphone stand and teaching me how to properly perform.
“Fans of The Temperance Movement are the greatest fans in the world. Your support of the band has always propelled us forward. You are an incredible loving audience to play for. Thank you to all of you everywhere and wherever you are. Together the band is a true force of life. I have enjoyed such great rewards from the whole experience. I am truly grateful for all of it.
“Peace & Love, Phil x."