Call the Shots lose guitarist

Local Brisbane pop-punk band Call the Shots has lost founding guitarist, Dion Cerreto.

In a lengthy statement, which you can read below, Cerreto explains his reasons for departing the band just a few weeks after releasing their latest EP 'Rise'.

"Here are some words about my decision to leave Call The Shots. My last shows will be on the Rise Tour starting next week in Brisbane. I hope to see a bunch of you there!

~

I remember taking all the skins off our drumkit so we could fit the shells inside each other and save space in my station wagon on our first tour. I couldn't believe it. I was driving all the way to Melbourne with my best friends playing songs from our first EP 'Crank Up The Happy' to people who really loved us. They knew the words. They wanted photos and signatures. I was 22. I really believed we had a chance at doing something memorable and I was right. We slept on the floors of relatives and friends or even just in our sleeping bags at truck stops along the motorway if we were all too tired to drive. It was so cramped in the car but we still somehow managed to fit in three skateboards jammed up against the back windscreen. We rarely got paid so we sold t-shirts to help pay for the fuel. To save money on the road I would buy a loaf of bread and make the whole thing in to sandwiches. Meat and cheese at the top, peanut butter and jam and vegemite further down. Oh yes we became experts at living cheap. To this day Call The Shots has never stayed at payed accommodation!

I’ve been fighting this decision for quite some time and it’s not one that I’ve taken lightly whatsoever. When my housemate and good friend Moke left last year that was the last straw for me. I left too. I just couldn’t face working in new members again. Then after a week of being unsure of myself and feeling lost I asked if they’d have me back. Fast forward a few months and I am now surer than ever that it’s time for me to move on. I guess it just comes down to the realization that I am no longer passionate about what Call The Shots is.

We played with the first band I ever saw live, Kisschasy, earlier this year. It was quite surreal as I looked up to them so much when I was a kid going to shows and they still remain one of my favorite bands. Hanging out with them was almost like closure to me. It’s all come full circle. I mean, I never even dreamed of playing with them as it was so unlikely but it happened and that’s life.

I also managed to tour a fair bit of Australia, go on the radio a few times, have my CD in JB Hifi and be described as a ‘teen heart throb’ in Dolly Magazine. This band has achieved more than most local Brisbane bands could even hope for and for that I am very thankful.

To Josh and Riley, the two guys I started this journey with, thank you for all the love, the fights, the highs and the lows. You’ve both had a huge effect on me as a person and I know we’ll stay friends even though we’re not forced to be anymore! To our manager Dayna, and past members Kevin, Will, Moke, Mitch, Greg and Damien, thanks for the parts you've all played in this chapter of my life.

Finally, to everyone who’s ever listened to us, bought our merch, seen us play, got a CTS tattoo (you crazy, crazy kids), given us a floor to crash on or helped us out in any way, thank you so much. You are the fire in my balloon.

As for me, I don’t have any desire to join another band anytime soon. I’m just going to spend my days playing guitar and hopefully jetting off overseas for a while. Maybe then I’ll discover what I’m truly passionate about.

Please continue to support Call The Shots as they rebuild and relaunch.

See you around!" - Dion Cerreto

The band themsevles also released a much shorter announcement:

CALL THE SHOTS FANS:

We regret to announce that our guitarist Dion has decided to leave Call The Shots for personal reasons. We still remain good friends and we truly wish him the best in his future pursuits. In wake of Dion's departure our two newest members have also left to dedicate their time to their other band.

Our upcoming tour will be going ahead as planned and will be Dion's last shows with us. Our old member Mitch will be filling in on bass and Josh will be taking over on guitar.

You can download the band's newest EP here and read our Aussie Feature with Cerreto and vocalist Josh Setterfield here. The band will embark upon the 'Rise Tour' in a matter of days. Dates in the poster below.