Former Bad Wolves singer Tommy Vext launches GoFundMe; raises over $95k in 3 days

This past weekend we learned about the split between LA metal act Bad Wolves and their singer Tommy Vext.

Bad Wolves members issued statements via a Facebook live stream and noted that cancel culture was not the reason for Vext’s departure. Though, shortly after, Vext released his own lengthy statement saying that “cancel culture came after my band” due to his (mostly conservative) political views. “I was threatened, ridiculed, blackmailed and smear campaigns were launched to destroy my career, my reputation and my livelihood,” noted Vext, he added, “However, this is my fight. I realize I cannot drag my band members and people around me into this. I on my own decided to go solo.”

Vext has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to kick-off said solo career, and in four days has already raised a whopping $96,000 of his $100,000 goal with 26 days to go. In a statement posted on his crowd-funding page, Vext said:

Dear Wolfpack,

In April of 2020 I began recording what was to be the 3rd Bad Wolves Record as well as a double covers album. Due to covid 19 I found myself collaborating digitally with the same outside producers and songwriters that have contributed largely to the bands debut & sophomore albums.

After tracking 37 songs without much input from my ex band members it was clear I had created a solo project. Many of the songs were previewed on patreon but now it’s time to finalize all three albums. As a result I got stuck with a studio bill and no label to advance the completion of these recordings. Times have been tough for many of us and It’s my intention to GIVE AWAY THIS COVER ALBUM FREE TO EVERYONE WHO DONATES wether it be one dollar or one hundred dollars for helping me finish what I started and continue my passion.

Over the past 11 years of my sobriety I’ve spent some of the best moments of my life giving back. I’ve helped organize campaigns that have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to various charities. I saw it through that Bad Wolves would donate the proceeds from sales of zombie to the late Dolores O’riordans children. As a band we have donated proceeds to non profits like rock to recovery, the global recovery initiatives & fallen law enforcement officer wounded in the line of duty.

So it comes with great humility that I now have to ask my friends family and supporters in the Wolfpack to help me this time. Every show night end our concerts by saying “thank you for giving me a life beyond my wildest dreams” words that you all have breathed truth into. It has been an honor and a privilege to meet and connect with all of you wether in person or through the healing power of music.

In 2018 we broke world records together and Its my hope that we can all do it one more time by saying fuck you to the system & allowing honest artists to exercise free speech. This is a call to action like I never have before. with Love & Respect Tommy Vext

In an update a few hours after the campaign launched, Vext said:

Holy Shit guys thank you so much for the outpouring of love and support and PATRIOTISM

ITS BEEN 2 hours and we passed 20k
If this goes viral I’ll do a run of Merch on top of putting out the free album !!!!

#Vexit

In an update on January 13th, Vext stated:

Hey everyone I just wanted to send an update. This has been a crazy 24 hours. I can’t believe we passed our goal in less then one day of a 30 day campaign. I’m going to continue this and share with people the next thirty days.

If we raise enough money I can start my own record label and Merch company. Additionally I can hire an attorney to handle this separation properly. You guys have no idea how much this means and what a statement it’s making to the record industry and other artists

Our Independence is our freedom !

Meanwhile, Bad Wolves have said that their new record, the follow-up to 2019’s ‘N.A.T.I.O.N.,’ is set to drop sometime this year. No word yet on who will replace Vext in the band.

Featured photo via Tommy’s Facebook