Former As I Lay Dying Drummer Opens Up About Leaving the Band Amid Tensions

Nick Pierce, former As I Lay Dying drummer, has spoken out about his personal and professional reasons for leaving the metalcore band. Pierce discussed the difficulties of staying in a group with a history of scandals in an honest interview with Metal Drummers United.

The drummer left when bassist Ryan Neff and guitarist Ken Susi announced their departures in October 2024. Pierce stated that his health and ethics were important. “This is far from the ending I anticipated, and I feel I need to distance myself from the band to maintain my health and integrity,” he stated.

The band’s notoriety has long been linked to lead vocalist Tim Lambesis, who was sentenced to six years in prison in 2014 for soliciting a hit on his ex-wife. Lambesis reunited in 2018 to move past its rocky past after its December 2016 release.

Pierce emphasized his and his comrades’ cautious optimism during the band’s second phase in the interview. Despite Lambesis’ complicated past, they gave him a second chance. Pierce: “We were all pretty stoked. Like we partially knew some of the predicaments we were getting into with Tim’s faux background, and we were willing to give him a second—or second and a half—chance.”

When private film from Lambesis’ house was leaked in November 2024, it showed intense arguments with his ex-wife, Dany Lambesis, who has publicly accused him of emotional and physical abuse. Both parties commented on the revelations. Dany answered with a lengthy reply to Lambesis’ brief claim that earlier occurrences only surface as he improves his career.

Pierce said these occurrences led him to leave the band. We gave Tim another chance. My second opportunity with Tim. He really screwed it, Pierce said. He stressed that while he wanted to help Lambesis, he could no longer stay in the group.

Lambesis has added four musicians and is working on a new record after the departures. After years of criticism, As I Lay Dying is rebuilding its lineup and reputation.

The departures show how musicians struggle to balance personal accountability with professional collaboration, especially in complicated bands. Pierce’s honest insights reveal As I Lay Dying’s inner workings and the challenges of navigating relationships after past wrongdoing.

Sources:
Metal Drummers United Interview with Nick Pierce
Official Court Records, U.S. Federal Judiciary (Tim Lambesis case)
Public Statements from Dany Lambesis