New Jersey hardcore band Gel are breaking up. Following guitarist Anthony Webster’s absence at several shows the past few months, the remaining members of Gel have posted a statement on social media saying they’re “no longer a band.” Gel go on to cite numerous “heinous” actions that Webster allegedly took that have harmed the band and that they found reprehensible. When reached by Pitchfork, a representative for Gel had no further comment to share.
As stated in their post, Gel will no longer be performing at any of their previously scheduled concerts. That includes upcoming tours opening for Spiritbox, Volbeat, and Anxious, as well as their sets at both weekends of Coachella next month.
Back in 2018, members of the powerviolence band Sick Shit—guitarist Matthew Bobko, drummer Zach Miller, and guitarist Anthony Webster—formed Gel with vocalist Sami Kaiser as a new side-project for their slower, more hardcore punk material. They released a demo tape and self-titled EP in 2018 before bringing onboard guitarist Madison Nave. Gel went on to release two more EPs, 2021’s Violent Closure and 2024’s Persona, and one full-length album, 2023’s Only Constant.