Refused has confirmed in recent reports that they fired guitarist Jon Brannstrom. Brannstrom reports that he was never clearly told why he was let go by former band mates.
Raymond Flotat
In a long winded post via facebook on Refused’s page, Brannstrom announced that he was fired from Refused in 2013. After their 14 year hiatus, Refused reunited for a world tour in 2012. The controversy surrounding Brannstrom’s firing has escalated now that the band’s new statement seems to reveal that the band will continue without him.
Following Brannstrom’s post, Refused released statement the very next day:
“Any collective effort will have its ups and downs and when people really pour their hearts into something, things get complicated. We cut ties with Jon already in 2013 because he did not share our passion for the band. We don’t know why he decided to emit this narrative on facebook or why he did it now, instead of just calling one of us up, but we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Decide for yourself if Brannstrom’s feelings on the situation are valid. His full comment that was posted to Refused’s Facebook is located below.
“I was fired from Refused a while ago. I wasn’t given a reasonable explanation and wasn’t even invited to sit down and talk about it, so I’m not completely sure why they decided to go on without me. We’ve always been better at punk rock than democratic processes and dealing with conflicts, so I guess I’m not too surprised it went down like this. Quite sad indeed, but perhaps it’s all for the best. I have always been more interested in writing music than reproducing it, more at home in the studio than on the road. Comfortable with slow intellectual processes rather than reacting instinctively in tumbling settings. What hurts me the most, is obviously the gesture. We’ve had our ups and downs, but we’ve made art together and have been tied to together through Refused for twenty years. I used to be proud to call these people my friends.
Enough rationalization and moaning, though. I’m writing to you through this forum to express my gratitude. If it weren’t for you Refused wouldn’t have happened in the first place. All of you who made, and still make, wonderful art, thus inspiring us to also try to do so. All the people whose fights fueled ours. Those who couldn’t stand oppression, who took action against capitalism, racism and sexism. All of you who through words and activism lit sparks, kept ideas of solidarity alive, who actually made a change. And of course all you beautiful people who came and made our shows. Who gave us feedback on our music through dancing, shouting, late night discussions, through bombarding us with human faeces. You made it happen in the nineties, you made it happen during our reunion a couple of years ago. Touching to say the least. And I know you’ll keep it up. Fighting, dancing and creating forever. I know I will. Through my music, through my work, through interactions, through speaking up. Just not through the forum of Refused anymore.
From the very bottom of my heart, thank you. See you in the pit.”
Love.
Jon Brännström
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