Of Virtue guitarist Damon Tate unable to join Canadian tour dates due to past legal matter

Metalcore troupe Of Virtue guitarist and co-vocalist Damon Tate recently shared some unfortunate news with fans via social media saying he will not be joining his band on the Canadian dates of their upcoming North American tour with Upon A Burning Body, Until I Wake, and Mike's Dead. 

Grab tickets to that tour here.

Tate posted a video to Instagram sharing his regret with fans over the setback, and talked about sobriety, recovery, the importance of accountability, and taking responsibility for one's actions. 

He explained:

What's going on everyone? I've got some bad news for you. I'm not going to be able to join my guys on our Canadian dates with Upon A Burning Body, Until I Wake, and Mike's Dead.

As most of you already know, I've been pretty forthright about my sobriety, my road to recovery and what's been going on throughout 17 years. Unfortunately this is another setback that I have faced.

It really does pain me to even have to say any of this because I love playing shows, I love getting out there, meeting all of you. Giving you guys high fives, hugs, and all that. To not be able to be there, it really does hurt. This sucks so bad.

What I will say is if there's anything to be taken away from it, it's again, the true nature of accountability. Learning to accept the responsibility of your actions. What your actions can do to yourself, to other people, and how far reaching they can be, even after all this time has passed.

So, if anything please go out to these shows. Have fun, stage dive sing along, mosh, and show these bands the love and support that they really deserve. I know I am looking to the day where I can put all of this behind me and be right there with you. 

So again, I love you, be safe, and enjoy these to the best of your ability, please. 

Thanks.

Despite the initial vague message, Tate does not appear to have fallen back on old habits and says this is related to a past legal matter that restricts his access to the country. 

He further clarified in the comments:

Just to clarify - I have not relapsed or fallen back into any self destructive habits. This is purely a legal ramification/restrictive measure by the Canadian government regarding access to the country. I appreciate all of the messages and lve received so far but I just wanted to clear the air. We are still 17 years STRONG and feeling better than ever ❤️

To everyone else out there doing their best to overcome their past - I see you and appreciate everything you are doing. Kicking the habits that brought you down are always the first battle. The battle to take back full control of your life, how people view you and to not be judged by mistakes and old version of yourself can last for a very long time after the fact so stay strong, vigilant and wake up knowing you are absolutely worth the fight ❤️