Asking Alexandria Face Backlash Over Danny Worsnop’s Warped Tour Performance As Sam Bettley Issues Apology

Asking Alexandria bassist Sam Bettley has apologised after Danny Worsnop’s heavily criticised Warped Tour set in Washington, DC.

Asking Alexandria have found themselves under fire following a controversial set at the Washington, DC stop of the Vans Warped Tour. The band’s performance over the weekend, held at RFK Stadium Grounds and livestreamed globally, sparked immediate backlash across social media and Reddit, with fans zeroing in on vocalist Danny Worsnop’s apparent lack of energy and engagement.

Frustration grew as viewers noted Worsnop’s delivery seemed apathetic, with comparisons being made to Mötley Crüe’s Vince Neil, whose recent live performances have become infamous for their inconsistency. Many fans expressed disappointment, describing the set as uninspired and questioning Worsnop’s continued commitment to the band.

One of the biggest sticking points for fans was the use of vocal backing tracks, particularly during the closing performance of ‘The Final Episode (Let’s Change the Channel)’. The track, one of Asking Alexandria’s best-known songs, was under extra scrutiny as fans accused the band of relying too heavily on pre-recorded vocals.

As criticism mounted, bassist Sam Bettley stepped in to address the situation. Posting to Instagram, Bettley issued a brief but direct apology: “I’m sorry.”

Though he didn’t initially elaborate, fans interpreted the message as a response to the growing outrage over the Warped Tour set. According to follow-up replies, Bettley later confirmed the apology was indeed for that performance.

Worsnop, meanwhile, has not directly addressed the backlash. He has instead continued to promote his solo country rock work on social media. Whether the Vans Warped Tour set was a one-off misfire or a sign of deeper issues remains unclear.

Check out a fan-filmed video of the performance here:

It’s not the first time Worsnop’s status in the band has drawn attention. He left Asking Alexandria in 2015 and returned in 2016, but this latest controversy has reignited debate about whether he’s still invested in the band’s future.

For now, fans are left hoping that future shows deliver the energy and connection that helped define Asking Alexandria’s early success.