Hatebreed frontman and podcast host Jamey Jasta recently opened up about the intense criticism he faced after his April 2024 interview with Tim Lambesis, frontman of As I Lay Dying. Lambesis, who served prison time for attempting to hire a hitman to kill his ex-wife, has sparked significant controversy with his return to music.
In a recent appearance on the LOS Podcast, Jasta revisited the backlash from fans who accused him of being overly harsh in his questioning. He defended his approach, emphasizing the importance of asking direct and uncomfortable questions, especially given Lambesis’ criminal history.
Jasta on Fan Reactions
Reflecting on the fan outrage, Jasta shared, “I got so much hate for asking tough questions. People said I was rude or insensitive, but I thought, ‘This guy survived prison. A few questions over Zoom shouldn’t be a big deal.’”
Jasta explained that he had no restrictions during the interview and appreciated Lambesis’ openness to candid questions, even though Lambesis declined to discuss certain personal matters, such as the status of his restraining orders.
“Fans get attached to their favorite artists, no matter what they’ve done,” Jasta remarked. “I asked questions I felt were necessary—questions I’d want answered if we were touring together.”
Controversy and Consequences
Jasta didn’t hold back in expressing his skepticism about Lambesis’ rehabilitation, pointing out the severity of his past actions. “If the hitman hadn’t been an undercover cop, his ex-wife would be dead. That’s not something you can just overlook,” he said.
Despite his firm stance, Jasta admitted the backlash was intense. “I had hundreds of tweets saying, ‘Screw you, Jasta! You’ve never wanted to kill your wife?’ It was insane,” he recalled.
Jasta acknowledged the difficulty of navigating forgiveness and accountability in such situations. “I try to respond to fans politely, but I had to ask myself: Do I want people who defend this kind of behavior as my fans?”
Tim Lambesis’ Response
During the April podcast, Lambesis grew emotional when discussing his personal struggles, including the prospect of starting a new family after remarrying. “I don’t think I’ve healed enough to handle that,” he admitted through tears.
Lambesis reflected on the complexity of human behavior, stating, “People want to see things as black and white, but life isn’t like that. I’ve done terrible things, but I also know there’s good in me.”
Recent Developments in As I Lay Dying
The controversy surrounding Lambesis escalated later in 2024, as several band members, including bassist Ryan Neff and longtime guitarist Phil Sgrosso, left As I Lay Dying, citing “concerning patterns of behavior” and an unhealthy environment.
Additionally, videos surfaced online showing troubling exchanges between Lambesis and his wife, Dany. Lambesis later announced that he had filed a restraining order against her, alleging verbal and mental abuse.
Despite the turmoil, Lambesis has expressed his intent to continue with As I Lay Dying using a new lineup, a decision that has further divided fans and critics alike.
This article synthesizes the controversies surrounding Jamey Jasta’s interview with Tim Lambesis and the ongoing fallout within As I Lay Dying, highlighting themes of accountability, redemption, and fan loyalty.
