Guitarist Jeff “Mantas” Dunn has left Venom Inc. because of health issues and personal reasons. Mantas had a heart attack earlier this year, but he has mentioned in his statement that he will return to music again despite leaving Venom Inc.
Venom Inc. have not announced the replacement for Mantas yet. However, the band are scheduled to start their North American tour on January 8, 2025.
Jeff has made the following statement:
“Greetings my friends, the last few months have been incredibly difficult on every level, and to cap it all, only a few days ago, one of my most beloved cats, Spooky, passed away in front of me after a short but very aggressive illness. I was with him every step of the way.
“After I suffered the second heart attack the outpouring of love and concern from you guys via a multitude of messages and calls has been overwhelming, and a simple thank you seems so insignificant.
“So, my friends, it is now time to address the situation. I wish to inform you all that I will not be returning to Venom Inc. Obviously my health and wellbeing are of paramount importance to myself and my family; however, there are also more personal issues which have influenced my decision. To be absolutely clear, I will not be appearing at any advertised shows.
“On a far more positive note, there is new music and a return to social activity on its way. As I have said so many times, music is my therapy, my release, and my connection with all of you who have supported me over the years, and for that I am eternally grateful. So here’s to Cats and Heavy Metal. I will see you all soon, my friends. Much love and respect, Jeff.”
Venom Inc. Tour Dates:
1/8 Santa Ana, CA Observatory OC
1/9 W. Hollywood, CA Whiskey A Go Go
1/10 Brentwood, CA Brentwood Emporium
1/11 Fresno, CA Full Circle
1/12 San Francisco, CA DNA Lounge
1/14 Denver, CO Oriental Theater
1/16 McHenry, IL The Vixen
1/17 Chesterfield, MI Diesel Concert Lounge
1/18 Columbus, OH The King of Clubs
1/19 Cleveland, OH No Class
1/20 West Chicago, IL WC Social Club
1/22 Cambridge, MA Middle East
1/23 Brooklyn, NY The Meadows
1/24 Waterbury, CT Elite 23
1/25 Clifton, NJ Dingbatz
1/26 Newark, DE Halftime Sports Bar
1/28 Atlanta, GA Masquerade
1/30 W. Palm Beach, FL Banyan Live
1/31 Mount Dora, FL Mt. Dora Music Hall
2/1 Tampa, FL Brass Mug
2/4 Knoxville, TN Open Chord
2/6 Houston, TX Warehouse Live Midtown
2/7 Dallas, TX Trees
2/8 Corpus Christi, TX House of Rock
2/10 Albuquerque, NM Sister
2/11 Glendale, AZ The 44
2/12 Las Vegas, NV Usual Place
2/14 Roseville, CA Goldfield Trading Post
2/15 San Luis Obispo, CA Libertine Brewing
2/16 San Diego, CA Brick by Brick
Buy the tickets here.
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Photo courtesy of Venom Inc.
