What happens when the creative sanctuary of a band is violated, and the very fabric of their existence is threatened? The story of Gel, a hardcore punk band from New Jersey, serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the music industry, where betrayal and abuse can shatter dreams as quickly as they are built.
Gel, a band formed in 2018 as a side project, rapidly carved a niche for themselves in the hardcore punk scene. Their aggressive sound and energetic performances, particularly their "sonic parking lot show" in 2022, drew attention. In 2025, the band announced its disbandment, leaving fans stunned and the music community reeling. This announcement came after the release of their debut album, "Only Constant," and the EP "Persona."
The core of the conflict lies with former guitarist Anthony Webster. The band accused Webster of a litany of "heinous acts," including financial malfeasance and the dissemination of explicit images of band members. These actions, as the band described, were "irreparable damage" and "affected us as human beings more than we can attempt to explain, to the point of being completely unable to [continue]."
The band's statement, shared across social media platforms, including Instagram, revealed a narrative of betrayal, abuse, and the difficult decision to dissolve a project they had poured their passion into. The band stated that they were unable to continue after seven months of abuse.
The band's story is not just about the ending of a band; it's a cautionary tale about the power dynamics within creative collaborations and the potential for exploitation. It brings to the forefront questions about the ethical responsibilities of band members and the legal ramifications of these actions. The band had planned to perform at prestigious events such as Coachella, and had been scheduled to support Spiritbox and Volbeat on tour before being forced to cancel all shows.
Here is a summary of Gel's career highlights:
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| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2018, New Jersey, as a side project of Sick Shit. |
| Genre | Hardcore Punk |
| Key Releases | EP "Persona" (August 16, 2024), Album "Only Constant" (March 31, 2024). |
| Disbandment | 2025, due to internal conflicts and alleged actions by former guitarist Anthony Webster. |
| Key Events | 2022 "Sonic Parking Lot Show". Cancelled shows at Coachella and tours with Spiritbox and Volbeat. |
| Allegations against Anthony Webster | Theft of money, posting of nude images, and threats. |
| Legal and Financial Misconduct | Misuse of tens of thousands of dollars on rent, personal expenses, OnlyFans subscriptions, and Cash App transactions. |
| Impact on the Band | Irreparable damage to the band and negative emotional impact on band members. |
| Official website | Explore Gel's Official Site (Please note this is an example) |
The band's statement likens their experience to being in an abusive relationship, which highlights the profound impact of Webster's actions, extending beyond financial and reputational damage, to the emotional and psychological well-being of the band members. The band also expressed their deep regret at being unable to perform at future events. The other members released a lengthy collective statement announcing the groups disbandment and detailing Websters actions.
The bands rapid ascent in the hardcore scene was marked by an intense energy. Gels music, characterized by its aggressive delivery and raw intensity, resonated with a dedicated fanbase. Their performances, particularly their "sweaty, ecstatic shows," became a hallmark of their identity. The band had established a direct connection with their fans, even including voicemail messages in their debut album "Only Constant," further cementing their connection.
The band's debut album "Only Constant" was released on March 31st on Convulse Records. The album features a track called "Calling Card," which includes voicemail messages from fans. The album received a mixed reception. The band's ability to create music for the freaks as well as their ability to engage directly with fans through their music was unique and had contributed to their growing popularity.
Gel's story is a harsh reminder that even in the most passionate of artistic endeavors, vulnerabilities exist, and the potential for betrayal can lead to devastating consequences. The band had been scheduled to open for Spiritbox on their U.S. tour and had further appearances planned at the Coachella Festival and supporting Volbeat later in the year before their sudden split. The band's last tour dates included shows in seven countries with 34 concerts scheduled.
The bands breakup is a testament to the deep emotional toll that these actions can have on the people involved. The decision to disband, though undoubtedly painful, reflects a prioritization of the band members' well-being, which is often overlooked in the high-stakes world of music. The band members were following their passion for being a part of the band.
In the aftermath of the split, the bands fans have responded with a mix of sadness, understanding, and outrage, which underscores the strong connection Gel had forged with their audience. The band's abrupt end highlights the precarious nature of the music industry and the importance of addressing abuse and exploitation within its ranks. Gel was a fast and aggressive hardcore punk band from New Jersey, formed in 2018 as a side project of Sick Shit.
The band's legacy will extend beyond the music they created. It will also be the story of a band that was cut short by betrayal. It serves as a critical discussion on the ethical responsibilities of each band member and legal implications of their actions. Gel's experiences should remind us to provide better protections and support systems for artists, enabling them to continue their creative journey without the constant fear of being exploited.
