Cradle of Filth have announced the sudden departure of keyboardist and backing vocalist Zoe Smerda, who has left the band in the middle of their ongoing South American tour.
The news was shared on the band’s official Facebook page, where frontman Dani Filth addressed fans directly from Buenos Aires, Argentina:
“Our keyboardist/backing singer Zoe Smerda has chosen to leave the band mid-tour, effective immediately. We, of course, wish her all the best for the future and we as a band will continue onward and upward as always.”
Smerda, who is married to Cradle of Filth guitarist Ashok (Marek Šmerda), joined the band in 2022 and had been part of their live lineup through extensive touring. Her departure marks an unexpected shift during The Screaming of the Americas run, which has already seen packed crowds across Brazil.
To cover the remaining shows, the band have brought in Kelsey Peters, a member of their extended CREWDLE crew, who will step into the role of keyboardist and backing vocalist.
Filth assured fans that the tour will continue uninterrupted: “We will remain ever-professional and continue on… without allowing any of this to sully our onward trajectory.” He also praised the “massive and passionate attendance” at their South American shows so far.
Cradle of Filth will now continue their trek across South and Central America with the revised lineup.
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