Saosin split with Shekoski

Guitarist Justin Shekoski says he’s been kicked out of Saosin and blames “questionable reasons” for the decision.

He’d been a member of the US outfit since their inception in 2003 and has spent the last year playing with The Used in place of Quinn Allmann, who officially left the band last week.

Shekoski reports: “I started working with The Used in January on a temporary basis and, in a nutshell, it has turned into something more serious. Their new guitar player, I am.

“I couldn’t be more excited or feel more fortunate to travel and write music with this group of guys. Over the past year of touring, fans of The Used have treated me with an incredible amount of respect and love.

“In light of this news, after years of writing and waiting to produce a new record, some of the members of Saosin have decided to end our 13 year relationship for questionable reasons. This was a shock to me.

“Even though all of this happened a few months ago, I’m still processing it. I’m sure I’ll discuss this in greater detail at a later time.”

Shekoski says the situation within Saosin had appeared to be “happy” as they worked towards a new album, and adds: “To be turned away right before we tracked the record that we had spent years writing and our entire career working towards is saddening at best and angering at worst.”

“If anyone’s heart or commitment to Saosin could have possibly been in question, it certainly wasn’t mine, ever. C’est la vie.”

Saosin have yet to comment on the situation.

The Used will perform their first two albums during their two-nights-two-shows tour next year. They’ll release Live & Acoustic At The Palace in April. Saosin recently announced a show at London’s O2 Academy Islington, featuring returned original vocalist Anthony Green.

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent 35 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott keeps Louder’s buyer’s guides up to date, writes about the best deals for music fans, keeps on top of the latest tech releases and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more for Louder. Over the last 10 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, The Tragically Hip, Marillion and Rush.