Andrew Freeman Discusses Unexplained Exit From Last In Line

Singer Andrew Freeman has addressed his departure from the band LAST IN LINE, stating that he received no explanation regarding the decision to part ways.

In an interview with MetalTalk editor Steve Ritchie published May 9, 2026, Freeman discussed the end of his tenure with the group. He noted that he was not really given any reason at all about what happened concerning his exit from the lineup.

The news of the split was first made public by drummer Vinny Appice. During a March 25, 2026, appearance on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, Appice confirmed that the band had parted ways with Freeman and was actively searching for a new vocalist.

Appice further detailed the situation on April 5, 2026, during an interview with the Denim And Leather rock and metal podcast. He stated that himself, guitarist Vivian Campbell, and bassist Phil Soussan were listening to different singers to fill the vacancy.

Regarding the future of the band, Appice confirmed that LAST IN LINE maintains a recording deal with earMUSIC. The group intends to settle on a new singer and write new material before recording a follow-up to their album Jericho, which was released in March 2023.

LAST IN LINE was formed in 2012 by original DIO members Vivian Campbell and Vinny Appice, along with bassist Jimmy Bain and Andrew Freeman. The project was initially established to celebrate the early work of Ronnie James Dio, specifically focusing on material from the first three DIO albums: Holy Diver, Last In Line, and Sacred Heart.

While the band began by performing sets composed exclusively of early DIO material, they eventually transitioned into creating original music in a similar style. Freeman remained with the group for 16 years.

In the May 9, 2026, conversation with MetalTalk, Freeman reflected on the band’s activity, noting that LAST IN LINE has not performed a live gig in two years.

Freeman also spoke about the influence of the late Jimmy Bain, who was integral to the formation of the band. Freeman described Bain as a naturally funny person and shared an anecdote from Bain regarding his time in Rainbow, claiming Bain was fired from the group after setting Richie Blackmore’s bed on fire.

Following his exit from LAST IN LINE, Freeman is now focusing on a new project titled DIO Rules. He has described the project as a way to honor the legacy of Ronnie James Dio without attempting to mimic him.