Nevermore guitarist Jeff Loomis and drummer Van Williams recently discussed their decision to exclude founding bassist Jim Sheppard from the band’s reformed lineup, explaining why bringing him back would be a “backwards” move, in an interview with TrueMetal.
The musicians explained that the decision was driven by a desire to avoid past negativity and start fresh with positive energy.
“It’s just we haven’t spoken to Jim in, like, so long,” Loomis said. “We decided just to move on from the negativity. We wanted people on our same level of thinking and people on our same page. And when you go on stage with people that are thinking like you, like, positive, it makes for such a bigger force as a band. And there was a lot of negativity going on at that time.”
Williams then elaborated on their relationship and the decision to move forward without Sheppard.
“Fortunately, Jeff and I kept in touch since the band broke up,” Williams said. “We were always really good pals on the road, and we all were, actually, at one point, and then the separation happened, it seemed. But when the split-up happened, we stayed in touch throughout this long period of time when he was in Arch Enemy, and I was doing my things or whatever, and we just supported each other, and even personal things.”
Williams continued, explaining that they wanted to maintain a positive direction and avoid returning to past conflicts.
“We both went through things, and we just stayed positive with those things,” Williams continued. “Unfortunately, Jim was part of something that we weren’t really in contact with because of a lot of that negative space back then, and that we could tell it’s not gonna change. People have to change for themselves. And I can’t blame it all on one person or anything like that, but it just… We knew we couldn’t go back backwards ’cause that would be backwards, and not knowing where he’s been in this space for the amount of time, but knowing the individuals, that it’s still not gonna be a good thing.”
He added that the band sought permission to proceed with new members to ensure a fresh start.
“We needed fresh energy, and we made sure we had permission to continue with that fresh energy before anything,” Williams added. “So we didn’t owe anyone a call or anything. It’s just that’s the way it was ’cause the higher-ups told us we were okay to go ahead, and that’s what we did. Nothing against the guy — not at all — but it’s just for us to start fresh in a new mindset, we had to go this direction personally.”
This decision marks a new chapter for the reformed band as they focus on a positive working environment.
