Two members of Bad Wolves have departed the band, with former guitarist Chris Cain returning to the fold.
Co-founding guitarist Doc Coyle shared the “bittersweet news” that he had quit the Los Angeles heavy metal outfit after nearly a decade. In his update, he wrote: “It was not an easy decision to make.”
Ex-member Cain, who initially left in 2022, is replacing Coyle in the line-up.
Coyle said that leaving Bad Wolves was “a massive life change” for him, but told fans that it was “a completely amicable split”. He continued: “I love John, Kyle, DL and AJ. Not being in the trenches going forward with my boys is the hardest part of all this.
“Not being in the trenches going forward with my boys is the hardest part of all this. But this has been coming for a long while, and I think my time in the band has just run its course.”
The musician said he was “still rooting for Bad Wolves to take over the world”, adding: “And it warms my heart knowing that our old guitarist, Chris Cain, is coming back to take the baton from me on lead guitar.”
Recommended
Coyle told his followers that he wouldn’t “provide an in-depth explanation” about why he had quit. However, he said he’d likely “share more details at some point when it’s appropriate”.
“I feel like I’ve lost a bit of who I am as a creative and where my passion lies,” he went on. “Being in this band has brought challenges that have taken quite an emotional toll and burned me out.”
Later, Coyle revealed that he was “writing music” currently. “I’m on a journey to find out what hell it is I want in my life,” he wrote. “And it’s ok to not have all the answers right now. If you know me, you know that I’m not very good at staying idle, so I’m sure I’ll see you all soon.”
The guitarist signed off in the caption with the quote: “The unknown future rolls toward us, I face it… with a sense of hope.” You can read his statement in full above.
Shortly after the news of Coyle’s departure, it was announced that bassist Kyle Konkiel had also quit “amicably”. He will be replaced in the band by Kevin Creekman.
Konkiel wrote: “After eight amazing years, I’m stepping away from Bad Wolves. This wasn’t easy, but I can’t give 100 per cent right now, and the music and fans deserve nothing less. Huge love to my bandmates, John, DL, AJ and Doc. And to the fans, crew, and everyone I’ve met, thank you. This isn’t goodbye, just a new chapter.”
In their own joint statement, the remaining members of Bad Wolves said: “Bad Wolves officially announce the departure of longtime guitarist Doc Coyle and bassist Kyle Konkiel as they step away to pursue new creative endeavours.
“In light of this change, original guitarist Chris Cain is rejoining Bad Wolves. His return marks a homecoming, bringing Cain’s signature energy and musicianship back into the fold for the first time since 2022. Additionally, the band welcomes Swiss-born Kevin ‘The Creekman’ Creekman as new bassist stepping in for Kyle Konkiel. Creekman, a Las Vegas based musician previously played with Payton Perish.”
Bad Wolves founder and drummer John Boecklin commented: “Words can’t really express what Kyle and Doc mean to me as bandmates, as well as friends. I love them with all my heart and I wish them luck on their journey.
“Having Chris return home feels so right, we’ve already been writing so he’s back in the saddle. Creekman is brand new.. to us and the fans, so let’s welcome him into this next chapter and go kill it.”
Formed in 2017, Bad Wolves have released four studio albums together – the latest being 2023’s ‘Die About It’.
2516