Chiodos Fires Frontman Craig Owens

In a recent blog post, Michigan's Chiodos have announced the firing of frontman Craig Owens, a founding member of the post-hardcore outfit. The band's statement, address to "our friends, family, and fans," says that Owens was let go, and that the decision was "a necessary one." The band did not get into why, exactly, Owens was kicked out.

The unexpected parting was announced Thursday, Sept. 24.

Chiodos, who've headlined major U.S. tours and have shared the road with the likes of Atreyu, From First to Last, Every Time I Die, Linkin Park, Nine Inch Nails, Alice in Chains, Coheed and Cambria, the Devil Wears Prada, and Underoath, saw their last LP, 'Bone Palace Ballet,' open at #5 on the Billboard Top 200, selling more than 40,000 units. Their debut album, 'All's Well That Ends Well,' was released in 2005.

"Out of respect for all of the hard work that we have put in together for all of these years we will not be discussing the specific reasons that this needed to happen," the band says in its statement. "We wish Craig well. We will absolutely be continuing on as a band and we will keep you informed as this next chapter unfolds. Chiodos fans are the best fans in the world and all we can ask of you, after everything you have already given us, is to share in our excitement for this next album. We promise you will not be disappointed."

Owens has yet to officially respond to the firing on his own blog, and his last Twitter post really doesn't say much, but could be about his split from the band.

Owens has something of a checkered past. In July of 2008, in a posting to Owen's Website that was later removed, he wrote that "after an attempted overdose early yesterday morning, I found myself awake in the emergency room around eight to twelve hours later. However, don't worry about me, I'm fine. I am being checked into a mental clinic beginning tomorrow. Wish me luck, and let's hope that I learn from this, and that I am able get out very soon."