Founding Hatebreed Bassist Chris Beattie Confirms Departure

Hatebreed have parted ways with founding bassist Chris Beattie ahead of their appearance at Knotfest Australia, the band revealed on social media.

The announcement was shared on Instagram on Tuesday (25 February). The American metalcore icons revealed that Matt Bachand from Shadow’s Fall will now handle bass duties “for the foreseeable future.”

In his own post, however, Beattie stated that while he couldn’t discuss the reasons behind his departure, the decision was not his own.

“I just want to take the time to let everyone know that I am doing just fine and I sincerely appreciate everyone who has reached out,” Beattie’s post began. “I was under the impression a joint announcement would be agreed upon in advance, but since that was not the case I wanted to address your concerns in my own post.”

Beattie continued, “At this time I am unable to discuss the specifics surrounding my departure from Hatebreed on November 13, 2024. However, I want to clarify that the decision to leave the band was not mine and that my departure was uncalled for and based on misleading and wrongful statements that will be subject to future actions.”

Hatebreed recently celebrated their 30th anniversary. At Knotfest, they’ll commemorate their 2002 classic album Perseverance, playing the album in its entirety at the festival in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.

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The band last toured Australia in 2013, performing at the Vans Warped Tour on their Divinity Of Purpose tour. In addition to their Knotfest sets, the band will perform sideshows in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane (and they just opened for fellow festival act A Day To Remember in Auckland).

Check out the dates Hatebreed are in Australia below.