Earlier this week, Philadelphia hardcore band Jesus Piece announced they were breaking up after more than a decade together, citing the abrupt departure of a core member. The band’s official farewell statement notably did not name vocalist Aaron Heard, but his absence from the accompanying photo immediately sparked speculation that he was the one to quit.
That suspicion grew stronger when, just minutes before the breakup announcement, Heard shared a festival lineup on his Instagram stories featuring a band billed as JE$US PIECE — a rebranded version of the band with himself still on vocals. Heard‘s Instagram bio now reads “Proud papa & vocals for JE$US PIECE“, and the band’s booking agent has already updated their site to reflect the new name.
On August 27, Heard issued his own statement on Instagram, confirming his split from his former bandmates and explaining why: “Yes it’s been 10 years but those men are not friends and they haven’t been for almost the entirety of us being a band. Just because we’re a band doesn’t mean we are best buddies. I’ve got love for Lu but that’s really it.”
Heard accused members of attempting to replace him multiple times — including on tour with Sepultura and Show Me the Body — and claimed they disrespected his decision to prioritize time with his young son: “Throwing the birth of my son in my face during an argument. Saying my son is ruining things for the band? Fuck that. ‘We appreciate you inviting us to your son’s birth but he’s got nothing to do with us.’ Would you want to work with people who think this way?”
Heard concluded by thanking fans and stating he would continue to play shows under the new JE$US PIECE name: “I love the people and friends I’ve made through this shit. … But I just won’t ever work with them again.”
Jesus Piece drummer Luis “Lu” Aponte directly challenged Heard‘s claims in the comments of the post: “First of all no one can or wants [to] replace you in this band… ever. When you said you quit, you said we could move on without you and none of us wanted to. We were happy to let it rest in peace.”
He also denied ever asking Heard not to prioritize his son: “Never in my entire life would I ever ask you not to be with your son, for any circumstances. I’m still proud of the video I made for you and him when we were there the night he was born.”
But Lu alleged Heard was dishonest with the band about his intentions: “You told us you were done to be with your son, then went behind our back with the label/money to do this and make a quick buck. I just wanted the band to end on the legacy we created together.”
When a fan asked for clarity, Lu replied: “So much more to be said but that’s no one’s business but ours.”
What was meant to be a dignified ending for one of hardcore’s most acclaimed modern acts has turned into a highly public dispute. Jesus Piece‘s official statement suggested closure, while Aaron Heard has chosen to carry the torch forward with JE$US PIECE — a move that both confused and divided fans.
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