[Frank Giaramita]

Alex Rivera, vocalist of Stars Hide Fire, was dismissed from the band today. Read what he has to say in the replies.

[Frank Giaramita]

Effective immediately I am no longer the singer for Stars Hide Fire. After meeting with the guys in the band they informed me that THEY have decided to replace me with another singer. In short the reason that was given is that some labels and agents have told them that I'm not "marketable" enough, to make the band successful. They expressed that they collectively felt that I was the reason the band has not gotten signed or gotten big (based in large part on looks and image). I respect their choice and do not plan on challenging them in anyway. With that said this split is not amicable, and I feel that it is premeditated by selfishness, greed and the need for power (especially from one member in particular). I do feel the need to shed some light on certain things.

The one thing I've always prided myself on being, was genuine. Those of you that have met me know that I the only thing I've ever wanted was to be able to sing, perform and connect with each and every single person watching. Once Brodie left the band I was surprised at how quickly everyone with the exception of me (and to a degree Chris) was willing to sell out and do whatever it took to get signed (i.e. read make it big) SHF was on tour from September 23rd to November 20th. During that time I became increasingly dissatisfied by some of the ways the band was TRYING to act. Danny and I got into a huge argument half way through the Goodbye Tomorrow/Turnout tour, in large part due to his inability to compromise and accept that I didn't necessarily agree with certain ways he approached me about things. I think that this indirectly had a lot to do with convincing the band that I wasn't the right guy. The biggest problem I've always had with the band is that they are constantly doing things in order to please other people. When writing the new songs they wanted to "write for radio" or write to appeal to a certain demographic. I voiced my discontent for this, but in the end caved into the majority. Everything that's being done by SHF is being orchestrated to fit a certain mold, to appeal to a certain group, to befriend certain bands, labels and people. This is the truth behind the scenes.

I'm not an idiot I realize that this is an image based industry and perhaps I'm not the cookie cutter image of your typical lead singer. However, I never thought that three of my closest friends would sell me out to the executives, to the power players, to all the people who we said we'd fight against. For the past 6 months it's no longer been about the music, instead it's become about making it big, acting a certain way. My lyrics were censored; my actions and words were censored on stage, and at times I was told to act and perform like certain singers who have made their mark in our genre.

I want to end this by saying that this letter is no way intended to be a pitiful call for sympathy or understanding. Neither is it meant to try and sway people, fans, and readers either way. Rather, I feel it is my privilege and right to speak my mind after being fired in such a harsh manner and for such a shameful and spiteful reason. To all the people that I had the good fortune of meeting, sharing good times, and touching in one way or another: You made the past 2 years of my life the most fulfilling and memorable, and it honestly means the world to me. I hope to continue to share my words and music in one way or another. Time Will Vindicate Me.---Alex Rivera

[weaknights]

that's ridiculous.

[writethewrxng]

that is ridiculous. wow. my band was booked to play a show with them a while back and i ended up playing acoustic but i remember him watching me play and always found that to be respectable. the end peace.

[writethewrxng]

Originally Posted by weaknights

that's ridiculous.

haha almost said the same thing there..

[Scuba Chris]

My first thought when I saw he was out of the band was good for them because he isn't the most gifted vocalist in the world and his lyrics were kind of weak in my opinion but if what Alex says is true it is pretty weak how things are happening.
Although I could just be very naive to think that other bands aren't like this.

[littlehope4us]

thats no reason to drop someone out of a band. its about the music. not how someone looks.

[no mames]

sometimes shit needs to get done. people are constantly getting the dick in this business.

[AshesAshes]

never heard of this band but thats pretty low of them to do that.

[X__inhope]

if this is really the full story, fuck that band.

[Talib Scottie]

well, this is fucked up, they were incredible live and he sang the songs flawlessly. i feel sorry for him and there is no reason whatsoever that they shouldnt have been signed

[akster]

this sucks. but hey, we'll see what happens.

[finchfan313]

I liked Alex. Damn this sucks.

[unholy_amanda]

That is ridiculous. I've never heard SHF's music, but for any band to want to sell-out like that is freaking ridiculous. It's about the music. The guy didn't even look that bad to me. He looked like any other human being.

[The Bled 13]

I'm sure he will pop up in another band. Haha, I always thought they were a bunch of dicks anyways. I kind of got the feeling when they dropped off the AP.net tour to do something "bigger." He does have a good voice, and that just sucks because that band is full of pricks.