Cradle Of Filth Fire Guitarist, Keyboardist Amid South America Tour

Cradle of Filth guitarist Marek “Ashok” Smerda and keyboardist/vocalist Zoe Marie Federoff, who is also Smerda's wife, have both departed from the band amid internal conflicts. While Federoff left mid-tour citing undisclosed reasons, Smerda initially planned to leave at the end of their South American tour but was fired immediately by the band’s frontman Dani Filth, who announced the firing on social media. Smerda criticized the band for low pay, high stress, and unprofessional management, requesting removal of his compositions, including a collaboration with Ed Sheeran, from upcoming releases. Dani Filth denied Smerda's claims, assured fans that the South American tour would continue as scheduled, and asked for patience and respect for the band's decision. The band is currently performing with a reduced lineup and plans to bring in replacements shortly. Both parties have promised to provide more clarity on the situation in the near future, with the band emphasizing their commitment to the tour and Smerda expressing resolve to complete his final performances with professionalism.