Venom Inc. Guitarist Jeff “Mantas” Dunn Exits Band Citing Health and Personal Reasons
Legendary guitarist Jeff ”Mantas” Dunn has announced his departure from Venom Inc., the band he co-founded in 2014 with former Venom members Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan and Antony “Abaddon” Bray.
Dunn, 63, shared the news on social media on December 1st, citing health concerns and personal reasons for his decision.
“The last few months have been incredibly difficult on every level,” Dunn wrote in a heartfelt statement. “To cap it all only a few days ago one of my most beloved cats, Spooky, passed away in front of me after a short but very aggressive illness. I was with him every step of the way.”
This declaration comes after a challenging year for Dunn, who suffered a second heart attack in May. He previously underwent a double bypass surgery in 2018.
Dunn also missed Venom Inc.’s fall 2023 U.S. tour due to his wife’s cancer diagnosis. Mike Hickey, known for his work with Venom, Carcass, Cathedral, and Cronos, filled in for him during the tour.
A Legacy of Heavy Metal
Dunn’s departure marks a meaningful moment for Venom Inc., a band that emerged from the ashes of the legendary British metal pioneers Venom.
Dunn, alongside vocalist Cronos and drummer Abaddon, formed the classic Venom lineup in the early 1980s. Together, they released four seminal albums – “Welcome To Hell” (1981), “Black Metal” (1982), “At War With Satan” (1984), and “Possessed” (1985) – that helped define the extreme metal genre.
Venom Inc. was formed to continue the legacy of that classic sound, with Dolan taking over vocal duties. The band has released two studio albums, “avé” (2017) and “There’s Only Black” (2019), and toured extensively worldwide.Looking ahead
While Dunn will no longer be part of venom Inc., he assured fans that he will continue to make music.
“On a far more positive note there is new music and a return to social activity on its way,” he wrote. “As I have said so many times, music is my therapy, my release and my connection with all of you who have supported me over the years and for that I am eternally grateful.”
Dunn’s departure leaves a void in Venom inc., but his contributions to heavy metal history remain undeniable. Fans eagerly await his next musical chapter.
Jeff “Mantas” Dunn: A Heavy Metal Legend Reflects on Departure from Venom Inc.
In a recent interview with newsdirectory3.com, legendary guitarist Jeff “Mantas” Dunn spoke candidly about his recent departure from Venom Inc., citing health concerns and personal reasons. Dunn, a founding member of both Venom and Venom Inc., has faced a especially challenging period in recent months.
“The last few months have been incredibly difficult on every level,” Dunn shared. “To cap it all only a few days ago one of my most beloved cats, Spooky, passed away in front of me after a short but very aggressive illness. I was with him every step of the way.”
this news comes on the heels of a second heart attack for Dunn in May. He previously underwent double bypass surgery in 2018.adding to the difficulties, Dunn’s wife was recently diagnosed with cancer, forcing him to miss Venom Inc.’s fall 2023 US tour.
Despite the hardships, Dunn assures fans that music remains a vital force in his life.
“On a far more positive note there is new music and a return to social activity on its way,” he stated.”As I have said so many times, music is my therapy, my release, and my connection with all of you who have supported me over the years, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”
Dunn’s departure leaves a important void in Venom Inc., a band created to carry the torch of the legendary Venom sound. Having played a pivotal role in shaping extreme metal with Venom’s classic lineup, Dunn’s contributions to heavy metal are undeniably profound.
While fans mourn the loss of Dunn’s presence in Venom Inc.,they eagerly anticipate the next chapter in his musical journey.
