News
Torche guitarist Juan Montoya out of the band?
It would seem that this year's heavy metal IT band Torche has parted ways with its mustachioed guitarist Juan Montoya (second from right in the picture). Details are still sketchy and no official announcement has been made as of yet, but various fan reports suggest that the band was playing as a three-piece for the last few days of its recent headlining tour, and that frontman Steve Brooks had a newly-minted black eye.
That said shiner was a result of Montoya-related fisticuffs isn't a foregone conclusion (perhaps System of a Down's Shavo Odadjian was on the prowl again?), but his name has been removed from the list of band members on Torche's MySpace page. The band will apparently continue as a trio.
This news comes at a crucial time for Torche -- they are just about to embark on a five-date trek in England to play All Tomorrow's Parties, and their second album Meanderthal is steadily accruing a crapload of accolades on end-of-the-year critics' lists. Montoya was also the creative force behind most of Torche's distinctive album artwork and merch.
[via Brooklyn Vegan]
More on Torche
Torche Announce New Album 'Harmonicraft,' Stream Lead Single "Kicking"
Stream: New Albums From David Lynch, Atlas Sound, Oneohtrix Point Never
"Exit Flagger" (Guided By Voices Cover)
- Watch Nicki Minaj's Insane Grammy Performance Of 'Roman ...
- Did The Bonnaroo 2012 Lineup Leak? | Prefix
- Paul McCartney : 'My Valentine' (Live At Grammys) ...
- Watch Adele's Comeback Performance At The Grammys (Video) ...
- Watch The Beach Boys' Grammy Performance With Maroon ...
- Watch Bruce Springsteen's Grammy Performance (Video) | Prefix
- New Order, Joy Division Masters Found Under Manchester ...
- Look At These Ridiculous 'Who Is Paul McCartney?' ...
- Listen: Diplo And Usher Collaborate On 'Climax' | ...
- Burial's 'Kindred' EP Streaming In Full | Prefix
- What Does It Mean to Be "Authentic"?
- Blue Sky Black Death, Nacho Picasso: "Phantom Of The Opera" (Video) (Prefix Premiere)
- The Make-Up Reforms For ATP Event In London
- Quarantining The Past: Liz Phair's 'Exile In Guyville" And Lana Del Rey
- Dirty Three: Toward the Low Sun
- Damien Jurado: Maraqopa
- New Order, Joy Division Masters Found Under Manchester Restaurant
- Watch Erykah Badu & Mark Ronson Perform "A La Modeliste" On Letterman
- Watch: RZA Talks 'Californication,' His iPhone App On 'Conan'
- Stream New Albums From Sleigh Bells, Grimes, Poliça
- Official Bonnaroo 2012 Lineup Announced
- Listen: Diplo And Usher Collaborate On "Climax"
- MMOTHS: "Heart" F. Keep Shelly In Athens (Video) (Prefix Premiere)
- Mixtape Roundup: Curren$y, Deniro Farrar, Gucci Mane, Jackie Chain, Project Pat And Nasty Mane
- Errors: Have Some Faith in Magic
- Mux Mool: Planet High School
I was gonna say, isn't he a huge part of the band?
Totally and an amazing performer too. No idea what to make of this but for a band whose sound is so based on maximal heaviness, we'll prolly be able to feel his absence.
This is really bad news. Juan is the man. Hope they can work it out. They just got #1 album of 2008 in the new issue of Decibel magazine.
Paul
sheeit
Potiondranks
Torche is pretty much done now... What happens when you lose the talent?
J
Juan's guitar playing is unique and it will be impossible to replace him. I can't imagine what happened with them, but my impression of Juan every time I've talked with him over the years is of a VERY nice mellow guy. I really hope they are able to talk this through.
jorge
I don't know the rest of the mates in "Torche" however Juan Montoya is a special soul! and as far as the music...? Puzzle pieces created in the universe can not be crafted by man$$$$ every dog has its day some have a weekend.Hope Torche enjoyed it's Sunday nite.Juan is the real deal******
crawford redgate
LOL!!, well, thats it for Torche. Are u kidding me. Torche is nothing without Montoya, bottom line. Yea, I know, this band was set up by the" originators" of the band Floor or whatever. They started that guttaral deep guitar slow sludge sound. Strings all fluttery and stuff. Big deal. Floor sucked. Montoya is a bad ass guitar player with an original sound that cannot be duplicated. He rips and is a power showman. Lol!!, oh man, whats gonna save this band? The singing? Please. Its not looking good for this band at all. Juan made Torche what it is today. In my opinion, they need to think this one over.
Bigdog
I almost went to see them with harvey milk ,but when i heard that Montoya wouldn't be there i just didn't bother to go .good luck of whatever is left of the band, aw!! wait a minute we can't see s**t in here anymore oh ! maybe because we all know who walked away holding the torche!!RIP
Eddie Alvarado