This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Artist News Gigs & Festivals
Joanna Gruesome announce line-up change, as vocalist Alanna Mcardle departs
By Andy Malt | Published on Tuesday 2 June 2015
Joanna Gruesome have unveiled a new line-up for their upcoming tour dates, which sees vocalist Alanna Mcardle leave the band. She will be replaced by two new members, Pennycress’s Kate Stonestreet and Roxy Brennan of Two White Cranes.
Explaining her decision to leave, Mcardle said in a post on the band’s Facebook page: “Lately, my mental health problems have become a lot worse and I’ve gone through a pretty shitty time. I’ve realised I need to actually take some time out to focus on some kind of ‘recovery’, so I won’t be singing in Joanna Gruesome anymore. I hate to sound cheesy but the time I had in JGRO was life-changing”.
She went on: “I made friends with so many amazing people, had the chance to play with some of my favourite bands, went to places I’d never been before (metaphysically and geographically) and pissed off a lot of men in the process. I am really proud of everything I’ve done with the band, especially [latest album] ‘Peanut Butter’, and I think we’ve made some really great records. Thanks to everyone who ever put up with me on tour, and anyone who stopped any assholes from hurting other people at our shows”.
The group added: “Lan joined the band after seeing us play somewhere in London years ago after our previous singer moved away, and since then has been the most amazing vocalist/person/band member/gruesome we could have ever asked for. Just on like a musical level, it’s been incredible writing songs and melodies for someone with such a powerful voice to sing, and her amazing lyrics have always totally improved the aggressive sections of our music”.
“But also in every other way, it’s been so so cool to be in a band with someone we’ve became such great friends with, someone who’s been totally unafraid to hone in on horrible jerks and someone who’s made negotiating the bullshit of music industry types fun and inspiring. It’s taught us loads, we’ve had some of the best times and we totally support her decision. She’s been an amazing person to be in a band with. We will miss her greatly”.
The first outing for the new line-up will be a performance at Denmark’s Roskilde festival on 4 Jul, after which they will tour the UK in September:
18 Sep: Manchester, Islington Mill
19 Sep: Newcastle, Head Of Steam
20 Sep: Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
22 Sep: London, Scala
23 Sep: Edinburgh, Summerhall
24 Sep: Glasgow, Glad Cafe
25 Sep: Hebden Bridge, Trades Club
26 Sep: Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach
29 Sep: Brighton, The Haunt
