New Jersey hardcore band Gel was set for a massive 2025. Their latest EP, Persona, dropped in August, and they were gearing up to tour with Spiritbox, Volbeat and even perform at Coachella. Instead, they’ve broken up—and the reason why is brutal.
In a statement, the band laid the blame squarely on former guitarist Anthony Webster. It accused him of financial theft, endangering the band, and violating their privacy in ways that are hard to stomach. According to Gel, Webster stole tens of thousands of dollars and used band funds on OnlyFans. They also say he put them in physically dangerous situations, including reckless driving and provoking threats against them online.
“Gel is no longer a band,” the group wrote. “Anthony Webster has committed such heinous acts in trying to forward himself in his musical career that he’s done irreparable damage to the band in the process, and it’s affected us as human beings more than we can even attempt to explain.”
The band alleges that Webster controlled their finances, cutting off access to the rest of them while he spent freely on personal expenses. The most disturbing claim though is the fact that they have accused Webster of leaking nude images of band members on Reddit. “Let that one really sink in,” they wrote. “He did that all while still in a band with us.”
Beyond that, they describe a pattern of manipulative and dangerous behaviour. This includes: smashing their van window after provoking online fights, erratic driving that put them at risk, and physical aggression towards his own bandmates. They compare it to an abusive relationship, explaining why they didn’t leave sooner.
“This is our life’s work, our passion. It’s not so easy to just give something up,” they said. “We saw it through to the very end, until it simply couldn’t go on anymore.”
Gel apologised to their fans and the bands they were set to tour with, including Spiritbox and Volbeat. “We are so sorry that we have to end it this way,” they wrote. “Take care of each other, and love your friends.”
While many fans are hoping that the band can continue without Webster, that remains to be seen. So for now at least, Gel are no more. While it is a shame it all had to end so abruptly and in such dire circumstances, at least their music will live on.
