Killswitch Engage Reunites With Jesse Leach During New York Gig — Video
On Thursday night, months of rumors were finally confirmed as original Killswitch Engage frontman Jesse Leach rejoined his former bandmates during a gig at The Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza on March 18, according to Blabbermouth. Leach, who left the band in 2002, was replaced by Howard Jones, who left the band's tour with The Devil Wears Prada and Dark Tranquility; Phil Labonte of All That Remains has been touring with the band in Jones' place.
Leach joined his fellow compadres to perform five tracks: 'My Last Serenade,' 'Numbered Days,' 'Self Revolution,' 'Vide Infra' and 'Temple From The Within.' Before the show was over, Leach returned during the night's encore with the band's original lineup, with Adam Dutkiewicz on drums, Joel Stroetzel on guitar, and Mike D'Antonio on bass for three cuts, 'Prelude,' 'Life To Lifeless,' and 'Fixation On The Darkness.'
Jones' departure from the tour was announced last month, and chalked up to personal matters. The sudden decision led to loads of internet speculation, none of which was verified. In a statement, Killswitch Engage has said that "it became overwhelmingly obvious to all of us around Howard that he is in no condition to be on tour right now and that he needed to get off the road and get himself better. It's a personal matter and while we understand everyone's curiosity and concern for Howard and the band, we appreciate everyone respecting Howard's privacy at this time."
Dark Tranquillity vocalist Michael Stanne recently told Noisecreep that he believes Jones left the trek because of back problems.