Alanna McArdle of Joanna Gruesome has announced that she will no longer front the Welsh indie-pop group. Her statement, which was posted on the band’s Facebook account, explains that she will be focusing on her health:
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. 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 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 xo
The band 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 writin songs and melodies for someone with such a powerful voice to sing, and her amazin 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 band has announced two new singer/screamers who will be touring with the band to support their new album Peanut Butter, Kate Stonestreet of feminist punk project Pennycress and Roxy Brennan of Two White Cranes and Grubs.
We are inspired by McArdle’s decision to prioritize her health and wish her the best of luck (and it’s her birthday, so we’re also wishing her a happy birthday!).
Joanna Gruesome tour dates
July
04 Denmark at Roskilde Festival
September
18 Manchester UK at Islington Mill
19 Newcastle UK at Head Of Steam
20 Leeds UK at Brudenell Social Club
22 London UK at Scala
23 Edinburgh UK at Summerhall
24 Glasgow UK at Glad Cafe
25 Hebden Bridge UK at Trades Club
26 Cardiff UK at Clwb Ifor Bach
29 Brighton UK at The Haunt
October
24 Chicago, IL at Schubas Tavern
25 Detroit, IL at UFO Factory
26 Toronto ON at Silver Dollar
27 Montreal QC at La Sala Rossa
28 Cambridge MA at The Middle East (Upstairs)
29 Philadelphia at PhilaMOCA
30 Brooklyn NY at Rough Trade
31 Brooklyn NY at Shea Stadium
November
01 Washington DC at DC9
02 Carrboro NC at Cat’s Cradle Backroom
03 Atlanta GA at Drunken Unicorn
04 Tallahassee FL at Club Downunder
06/7/8 Austin TX at Fun Fun Fun Fest
09 Phoenix AZ at The Rebel Lounge
10 Los Angeles CA at The Echo
11 San Francisco CA at Rickshaw Stop
13 Portland OR at Analog Cafe
14 Seattle WA at The Vera Project
15 Vancouver BC at The Cobalt
