There is a strong possibility that indie rock band Beach Slang broke up onstage last night at their show in Salt Lake City. According to Spin, fans who were at the show have taken to social media to describe a scene in which frontman James Alex announced onstage that this would be their last show, and the crowd would be given refunds at the door.
The fans present at the show state that Beach Slang gave off an awkward vibe throughout the night, and had to start several songs from the beginning before walking offstage in anger. One Twitter user even claimed that a guitar was smashed onstage, shortly before Alex made the announcement. While the band or any representatives have not commented on the incident, there is plenty of social media evidence that the band is officially over, including a video uploaded to Twitter in which Alex tells the audience that this would be the band’s final show.
@Maxquinn James told their tour manager, at least 3 times over the mic, to give everyone in the crowd their money back.
— Ben (@BenHibsh) April 29, 2016
@Maxquinn band had to start at least three songs over. One James said “we gotta get this tempo right.” Very snarky.
— Ben (@BenHibsh) April 29, 2016
@BenHibsh what else happened, Ben? Were they angry?
— Max Quinn (@Maxquinn) April 29, 2016
@BenHibsh what else happened, Ben? Were they angry?
— Max Quinn (@Maxquinn) April 29, 2016
Formed in 2013, the band has gained a loyal following with their infectious riffs and punk-rock roots. Vice positively reviewed Beach Slang’s debut EP, Who Would Ever Want Anything So Broken? Vice writer Paul Best says of the album, “It’s got the kind of genuine nostalgia that can only be achieved by having a combined fifty or so years spent in punk rock among three members, and when guitarist James Snyder growls, “This guitar wants to die” in raggedy, torn, pissed off vocals that are equal parts Robby Takac and Paul Westerberg, it’s all I can do to stop myself from getting these lyrics plastered all over my body.”
Before the news of a potential break-up, the band had several exciting projects under their belt. They were set to participate on the upcoming Nirvana tribute album and performed at SXSW in Austin back in March. Stay tuned for updates regarding the band.