New Jersey rising stars GEL officially broke up while touring Japan this week, with the bulk of the hardcore band citing as the reason a series of “heinous acts” and “physically dangerous situations” allegedly committed by former guitarist Anthony Webster.
Earlier this week, fan-shot footage circulated of the band playing Tokyo, Japan’s EARTHDOM venue, where GEL reportedly told the crowd that the Tuesday night (March 19th) show would be their last.
Following speculation online, the group posted a lengthy statement on Instagram confirming that were “no longer a band.” They added that all forthcoming tour commitments — including Spiritbox‘s upcoming North American tour, a slot at Coachella and a fall European trip with Volbeat — have now been called off.
The statement alleged that Webster — who had left the lineup prior to the group’s recent tour of Australia and Asia — had committed “heinous acts in trying to forward himself in his musical career,” and inflected “irreparable damage” to his bandmates that has affected them “as human beings.”
The post claims, among other things, that Webster “stole tens of thousands of dollars” from the rest of the band while their joint bank account was under his care, and that he spent the money on OnlyFans and “mysterious CashApp purchases.”
The guitarist also reportedly posted nude photos of his bandmates on Reddit boards without their consent. He allegedly got their van smashed in with a baseball bat over a Twitter argument, and likewise drove the vehicle erratically over the years.
GEL apologized for the breakup and expressed gratitude for the friends they’ve met over the years. You can read their statement in full down below. Webster has not publicly responded to the allegations.
GEL formed in 2018 and released a handful of EPs and the 2023 full-length Only Constant. Their last release was the 2024 EP Persona.