BUTCHER BABIES Bassist Quits Band To Focus On Raising His Daughter

Longtime BUTCHER BABIES bassist Jason Klein has announced his departure from the band. He will play two final shows with BUTCHER BABIES — on August 1 at Gathering Of The Juggalos in Springville, Indiana and on August 3 at Pain In The Grass in Auburn, Washington — before exiting the group to focus on being a full-time father to his 11-year-old daughter.

Klein wrote on Instagram: "Getting to tour the world, playing music with my friends, experiences that could never have happened without BUTCHER BABIES. This is my farewell to a decade of a life that I could only dream of as a kid. I want to thank @carlaharvey @heidithebutcher @henryflury @chasethedrums @chrissywarnerdrums for all the good times and memories! And most of all...I’d like to thank you! The fans! You guys are the ones that kept me going night after night, I thank you all! My obligation now is to be a father to my daughter, and be with her as she grows up. #butherbabies"

Co-vocalist Heidi Shepherd shared Jason's post and added in an accompanying message: "My brother is moving on to focus on the most important job in the world. Being an amazing father!!! We love you, Jason. Thank you for a decade of incredible memories. We sure did accomplish a lot together. Now let's go slay these last two fests!!!"

Added co-vocalist Carla Harvey: "The night I met @b_b_bassplayer we talked about two things: heavy metal and his daughter. He was helping some band load in and out that night at the HOB in the hopes that he'd get a gig playing bass for them. At the time @heidithebutcher and I were putting together @butcherbabies so when he told me how much he loved CANNIBAL CORPSE, ANTHRAX and VAN HALEN I suggested he play with us instead. The rest is history. Our brother is now hanging up his bass to spend more time with his daughter, but I am beyond grateful for his friendship over the last decade that we have spent making music and touring the world together. Jason you are a stellar musician and even better father, I will miss you so much!! #butcherbabies #jasonklein"

BUTCHER BABIES recently spent time in the studio working on their fourth album. The disc will be the follow-up to "Lilith", which was released in October 2017 via Century Media.