![Underoath Have Parted Ways With Longtime Guitarist James Smith](https://townsquare.media/site/366/files/2023/03/attachment-james_smith_underoath.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Underoath Have Parted Ways With Longtime Guitarist James Smith
Underoath have parted ways with longtime guitarist James Smith, as Smith explained in a statement.
Aside from a brief hiatus that Smith took midway through his tenure with the prominent metalcore band, the rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist had been part of Underoath since 2003. He played on all Underoath albums since 2004's They're Only Chasing Safety.
"After 20 years of music and friendship, I was informed that I'm no longer a member of Underoath," Smith said on March 28, as Lambgoat first reported.
READ MORE: Tom Morello Says He Doesn't Know if Rage Against the Machine Will Return
Smith continued, "This saddens me to say, but unfortunately is where we have ended up. I appreciate everyone who at any moment in their lives [has] felt inspired, accepted, comforted and energized by the music we created and the shows we performed."
He said it's his "honor and privilege to be a part of your lives … though we may have never met or shared our stories face to face. Your dedication, grace and love for this band have allowed us to exist this long."
Smith added, "The memories I have from this ride are more than anyone could ever expect in a lifetime, and I genuinely thank you all for being a part of it."
Underoath Are Currently on Tour
The split comes amid Underoath's ongoing U.S. tour with Periphery and Loathe. See Underoath's current dates here and get Underoath tickets here.
Underoath released the new single "Let Go" earlier this month; the album Voyeurist in 2022.
Below, see a list of rock and metal bands touring in 2023. Sign up for Loudwire's newsletter and get the Loudwire app to read the latest rock and metal news.
James Smith Underoath Split - March 28, 2023
Your Guide to Rock + Metal Bands Touring in 2023
More From Noisecreep
![33 Amazing Examples of Emo Hair](http://townsquare.media/site/366/files/2023/06/attachment-Emo-Hair-Featured.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Underoath + The Ghost Inside Book 2023 Tour With New Supergroup + We Came as Romans](http://townsquare.media/site/366/files/2023/04/attachment-Underoath-The-Ghost-Inside-Better-Lovers-We-Came-as-Romans.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Underoath Issue Statement on Split With Longtime Guitarist James Smith](http://townsquare.media/site/366/files/2023/04/attachment-Underaoth-Statement-James-Smith1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Underoath Reveal 2023 U.S. Tour With Periphery + Loathe](http://townsquare.media/site/366/files/2021/11/attachment-underoath_photo_by_dan_newman_cropped.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Fans React to 2023 Rock + Metal Grammy Nominations](http://townsquare.media/site/366/files/2022/11/attachment-ozzy_turnstile_mgk_arctic_monkeys.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Every 2023 Rock + Metal Grammy Nominee Revealed](http://townsquare.media/site/366/files/2022/11/attachment-brandi_carlile_ozzy_osbourne_megadeth_dave_mustaine.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Let Underoath Lullabies Put Your Little One Under + Get an Awesome Onesie](http://townsquare.media/site/366/files/2020/04/GettyImages-10069787381.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![10 Best Clean Singers in Metalcore](http://townsquare.media/site/366/files/2022/04/attachment-best_clean_metalcore_singers.jpg?w=980&q=75)