Stampin' Ground kicks out longtime drummer

After seven years together, English metal band Stampin' Ground has parted ways with drummer Ade Stokes. Essentially, Stokes was fired, since the band felt he no longer regarded the band as a high priority. Here's a portion of the statement Stampin' Ground released on the matter: "This was a particularly agonising and difficult decision for us to make, but certainly one we spent many months over and made for all the right reasons. The best and most honest way we can explain this, is that the killer drummer we were so proud of on the last 3 albums and the tours that followed, was just not with us anymore. Sure, he can still shred, but it's playing with heart that counts. It was as if the flame that ignited his fire had died out, and it seemed S.G became a lower priority in his life. We don't want to drag out the bands dirty laundry here, or put Ade down in any way, as he served us well through many good and bad times; and was a good friend to us all." The band will soon be recording a new album, which is entirely written. Last month they hooked up with producer Andy Sneap at his studio to demo the album live. They've also been playing three of the new songs at various live shows as of late. Obviously, they'd like to find a new drummer as soon as possible. If you live in England and would like to drum for these guys, send some convincing material to: Stampin' Ground P.O. Box 15, Ledbury Herefordshire, HR8 1YG England