Famous Aussie band drops group member for ‘abusive and controlling’ behaviour

Australian alternative metal band Sunk Loto have fired their long-time lead guitarist Luke McDonald over alleged ‘abusive and threatening’ behaviour.

The band posted a statement to social media on Wednesday, confirming rumours of McDonald’s departure were true and providing additional context.

‘We are aware of a recent post on social media that Luke is no longer in Sunk Loto. We can confirm this is true,’ they began.

‘We had hoped to release a joint statement and part ways gracefully, but unfortunately, a false and one-sided version of the accounts has been posted prematurely.’

Their words appear to refer to a statement McDonald posted on Facebook on Tuesday, which provided a different reason behind him leaving the band. 

‘We found ourselves in a volatile situation where we had to make a choice. Either allow the band to break up again for the same reasons as we did 16 years ago, or stand up against abusive and controlling behavior and move on with a new member.

‘This was the only way for Sunk to carry on into the future and not a decision we made lightly. When someone is repeatedly abusive and threatening toward people they claim to love and respect, the relationship needs to end,’ they added.

Meanwhile, McDonald issued his own statement on Facebook listing different reasons as to why he left the band. 

The band posted a statement to social media on Wednesday, confirming rumours of McDonald’s departure were true and providing additional context

‘The last few months have been really hard for me, because I have wanted to tell you that I was fired by the Band through an email,’ McDonald began.

‘Of course, I was very shocked and hurt by this, as I worked very hard to get the band back together. Because they made negotiations so difficult, in relation to money that they owe me from the last tour, I have not been able to speak out.

‘Negotiations are still going on, but for the sake of my own well-being and the fans, I felt I needed to come out with this information as soon as I could.

‘We are aware of a recent post on social media that Luke is no longer in Sunk Loto. We can confirm this is true,’ they began. Pictured: Vocalist Jason Brown with other band members, in a music video

‘I hope you understand that I love you all as fans, and I’m sorry I won’t be seeing you on this Tour,’ he added.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to both Sunk Loto and Luke McDonald for comment.

Sunk Loto are a popular alternative metal band formed in Queensland in 1997.

They originally broke up in 2007 after releasing two albums and an EP before reuniting last year to plan a new national tour, and reassured fans the tour will still go ahead, with a new guitarist replacing McDonald. 

The band were quick to reassure fans the tour was still going ahead, with a new guitarist replacing McDonald