Rhea Thompson sets record straight on Tailgunner departure
Rhea Thompson has set the record straight over her departure from Tailgunner, whereas it has been confirmed bass participant Tom Hewson will probably be stepping again amidst current allegations which have been leveled towards him.
It’s a major shake-up for Tailgunner, who impressed many – KK Downing included – with their fiery 2026 sophomore album, Midnight Blitzwhich has guitar solos and traditional heavy steel pomp galore.
Manchester, England-based guitarist Thompson joined the band following the discharge of their debut album, Guns for Hireand has helped the band’s inventory rise in recent times.
It comes after Tailgunner issued an announcement of their very own, confirming Hewson can be taking a step again from the band after they had been “made aware of recent allegations made against him.”
“I want to ensure my truth is told and set the record straight regarding the current situation with Tailgunner,” Thompson writes on social media. “I will not be addressing any details involving the allegations; however, I will confirm that, due to moral and ethical concerns, I am no longer playing for Tailgunner.
“This decision is something I wish I would never have had to make, but ultimately it was one I felt needed to be made.”
Thompson goes on to say that she “became aware through the band’s social media activity and later through word of mouth that I have been replaced for the upcoming shows this summer.”
“After many ignored communications, I initiated a call to discuss what was going on,” Thompson alleges. “At this level, I had by no means formally resigned. I simply said that I’m not snug enjoying with the band underneath the present circumstances.
“Due to the response from this, it became clear to me that stepping back was the only option, particularly as arrangements had already been made for the shows to move forward without my involvement,” she provides.
In a separate put up, Tailgunner revealed that Hewson won’t be working with the band in mild of the allegations Thompson talked about in his put up.
“Tailgunner has been made aware of the recent allegations against Thomas,” it reads. “While he denies all wrongdoing, he will be stepping back from the band while this situation is properly addressed.
“We as a band take this matter very seriously, and we approach it responsibly and respectfully towards everyone involved.”
The allegations haven’t publicly come to mild on the time of writing.
The KK Downing-backed band advised Guitar World they’re flying the flag for old-school metaland have appearances at Download Festival within the UK and Dynamo MetalFest within the Netherlands forward of them. They’ll even be touring with Accept this winter.
The Judas Priest guitarist says the band has “an unashamed appreciation for what came before them” and mentor helped the band whereas producing Midnight Blitz.