Brandwein at BottleRock 2021 // Photo by Stuart Levine

As the fallout from the sudden dissolution of Turkuaz continues, frontman and band co-founder Dave Brandwein has taken to social media to express his side of the story.

“I’d like a chance to address the events of the other day, which caught me, [fellow remaining member] Taylor [Shell], our fans and many others by surprise,” Brandwein begins.

The guitarist notes that he is “devastated” to cancel a slew of tour dates so last minute. However, he “respects the overall decision” of vocalists Shira Elias and Sammi Garett, guitarist Craig Brodhead, drummer Michael Carubba, multi-instrumentalist Chris Brouwers and saxophonists Greg Sanderson and Josh Schwartz, as well as sound engineer Zach Fichter to leave the band.

“I have struggled. Through the pandemic, I’ve confronted obstacles that have changed my life forever. Alcohol abuse, rehab, divorce, sobriety and re-entering the live music world in a scary time. I am not a perfect person by any means, and I am always on a continuous and difficult journey to look inside, improve myself and try to be the best version of myself that I can be,” he continues. [Note: Brandwein’s former wife was Turkuaz creative director Dani Barbieri.]

Brandwein adds, “Some people just do not feel they can be a part of my life anymore. While this hurts me a lot, I understand they are doing what is best for them and this understanding is a part of the transformation process.”

Pre-pandemic, Turkuaz had made major strides in the live music scene, playing major festivals and and even teaming up with Talking Heads guitarist Jerry Harrison and touring member Adrian Belew for a special string of Remain in Light tribute shows.

The full Turkuaz lineup played shows as recently as Oct. 29 and 30, celebrating a “Halloween Festivity Nightmare” at Webster Hall in New York City.

Turkuaz also released a new single, “Shaking in My Sheets” just this week. Brandwein said in a press release that the band had “a ton of material in the works” and explained how it was inspired by his struggles with addiction.

Read the full statement here or below:

I’d like a chance to address the events of the other day, which caught me, Taylor, our fans and many others by surprise. This includes our amazing opening act, Thumpasaurus, and all of the wonderful venues and promoters who were invested in this tour. I’d also like to be extremely clear that I am not here to express any ill will towards anybody. I merely wish to state my feelings on the matter and speak for myself.

I am devastated to be forced to cancel the dates on our calendar, especially in the middle of a tour. The first thing on my mind above all else is the fans. Our only goal in persevering through the nearly-impossible climate of post-pandemic touring was to give to the fans. I could go on about the difficulties of trying to hold together an enormous operation like this under these circumstances, but I would hope that it’s self-evident and that anybody could imagine that the logistics, math and context does not present us with an easy road.

I have also had a very turbulent year personally. I have struggled. Through the pandemic, I’ve confronted obstacles that have changed my life forever. Alcohol abuse, rehab, divorce, sobriety and re-entering the live music world in a scary time. I am not a perfect person by any means, and I am always on a continuous and difficult journey to look inside, improve myself and try to be the best version of myself that I can be.

I am incredibly fortunate to have so many loving friends and family stick by my side through these difficulties, but I also completely understand that after years of complicated relationships, some people just do not feel they can be a part of my life anymore. While this hurts me a lot, I understand they are doing what is best for them and this understanding is a part of the transformation process. In the 6 months I’ve been sober, I’ve tried my best to continue doing my job and navigating things and I wish it had gone differently.

So while I do not understand why this happened this way and at this time, mid-tour, I respect the overall decision that has been made and I wish my former bandmates nothing but good health, success and happiness in all their future endeavors. These people were like family to me, and regardless of what has happened, I know that Taylor and I both cherish and value the experiences we had together with every single one of them. I look forward to playing and releasing more music, whether it be Turkuaz or the many other new, exciting projects I have in the works.

Again, I ask for privacy and respect at this difficult time. I have already received some nasty messages from people I’ve never met before, and I can’t express how much pain this brings me. I think we all could use a lesson in being more gentle, kind and loving — myself included. I hope this finds everybody safe and sound, and that you’re surrounded by positive people who support you and love you. That is the best we can all hope for.