The Temperance Movement part ways with frontman Phil Campbell

Phil Campbell
Phil Campbell (Image credit: Will Ireland)

The Temperance Movement have parted company with frontman Phil Campbell.

The band made the announcement on Instagram with a message along with shot of the group onstage.

The statement reads: “Sadly, we have to announce that Phil is leaving The Temperance Movement. We’d like to thank him for all the amazing times we’ve spent, and music we’ve made together.”

Campbell adds: “After eight years in studios, splitter buses, trains, planes and venues all over the world, it is with a heavy heart that I announce my departure from The Temperance Movement.

“It’s been a wild ride with many many good times and memories to cherish forever: Touring Sweden in the early days, selling out The Borderline in London, our first UK headline tour, Koko when Jimmy Page showed up, the Classic Rock Awards, the shows with The Stones, the first American tour, Marrakesh, Germany, Paris… too many to mention.

“From our first play on Planet Rock, the band’s success took us all somewhat by surprise. For myself, the pride I felt in my mid 30s, learning how to sing for the first time and being commended for it is something I’ll wear on my heart forever.”

However, Campbell reports he’s “taken it as far as I can” adding that “personal circumstances, home, family and other musical projects have taken centre stage in my life.”

Campbell goes on to thank his bandmates Paul Sayer, Nick Fyffe, Matt White and Simon Lea, along with former drummer Damon Wilson and guitarist Luke Potashnick.

He continues: “Fans of The Temperance Movement are the greatest fans in the world. Your support of the band has always propelled us forward. You are an incredible loving audience to play for. Thank you to all of you everywhere and wherever you are. 

“Together the band is a true force of life. I have enjoyed such great rewards from the whole experience. I am truly grateful for all of it.”

Campbell performed on all three albums by The Temperance Movement: Their self-titled 2013 debut, 2016’s White Bear and 2018’s A Deeper Cut.

Sadly, we have to announce that Phil is leaving The Temperance Movement - we’d like to thank him for all the amazing times we’ve spent, and music we’ve made together. In his own words…. "After 8 years in studios, splitter busses, trains, planes and venues all over the world, it is with a heavy heart that I announce my departure from The Temperance Movement. Its been a wild ride with many many good times and memories to cherish forever… touring Sweden in early days, selling out The Borderline in London, our first UK headline tour, Koko when Jimmy Page showed up, the Classic Rock Awards, the shows with The Stones, the first American Tour, Marrakesh, Germany, Paris… too many to mention. From our first play on Planet Rock, the band’s success took us all somewhat by surprise. For myself, the pride I felt in my mid 30’s, learning how to sing for the first time and being commended for it is something I’ll wear on my heart forever. I have however taken it as far as I can. Personal circumstances, home, family and other musical projects have taken centre stage in my life. I realise how loved this band is and I realise also that there are too many people to thank in one post. The most important of them are my fellow band mates, Paul Sayer, Nick Fyffe, Matt White and Simon Lea. I also thank Damon Wilson and Luke Potashnick for times past in days of old. Thank you for taking me from obscurity, handing me a microphone stand and teaching me how to properly perform. Fans of The Temperance Movement are the greatest fans in the world. Your support of the band has always propelled us forward. You are an incredible loving audience to play for. Thank you to all of you everywhere and wherever you are. Together the band is a true force of life. I have enjoyed such great rewards from the whole experience. I am truly grateful for all of it. Peace & Love, Phil x." The Temperance Movement

A photo posted by @thetemperancemovement on Jan 20, 2020 at 12:46pm PST

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent more than 30 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving to the e-commerce team in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, scouts out the best deals for music fans and reviews headphones, speakers, books and more. He's written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog and has previous written for publications including IGN, the Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.