I think it's time for Black Midi, New Road to become a proper thing.

Im happy Issac decided to put his own health first before his art. We dont need another Ian Curtis or Kurt Cobain

Actually a super brave move by Issac To walk away from a band this big with this much hype. It Would be super easy to keep going and ignore his problems until he gets worse. Very thankful for all the music he made with the band. Hope we here more music from him one day when he's better off

That’s a shame, but mental health is more important. Wish him and the band the best.

I genuinely hope Isaac gets better with whatever he’s going through. I’m very grateful for his contributions to the band and their music. He’s already a legend in my book

"then Isaac will suffer. Concorde will fly" has a new meaning now.

Mental health should always come first. This band is incredibly mature for being this supportive of their friend. From a financial/ band perspective - this is a nightmare. So the fact that they put aside their own dreams and aspirations to make sure he got out safely is deserving of all our respect,

Sad to see Isaac go, hope he’s ok. The lyrics were the bands biggest strength imo.

I can’t help but remember Matt from Black Midi leaving for what I assume the same reason, it’s sad to see more artists feel this way.

This band has slowly become one of my favourites over the past year, so this hits really hard. I wish Isaac all the best in the future, and I for one will still continue to champion the band with all my heart x

I've been thinking about this all day. I think an Isaac shaped hole can only be filled by Isaac. The smartest move for the band would seem to be moving in a new direction with an entirely new vocal style. Several of the band members are members of other groups or have solo work where they sing as well. They're skilled enough to reinvent and adapt to a different direction, and they're new enough where such a change can still be seen as an organic and meaningful move. If there's one silver lining for the band in all of this, it's that they've dealt with this sort of thing before and managed to overcome it once, so us fans will just have to believe that they can do so again. On a final note, nothing but the best thoughts and words to Isaac Wood. As Prof. Skye said in his own new video on this topic, "this is adversity, but it is not tragedy."

The statement from Isaac is... kind of incoherent. Man, I really hope he's okay.

I can’t help but be a little concerned with the phrasing of Isaac’s statement. Maybe I’m reading too far into it but he sounds disjointed and really heartbroken just from the wording. I genuinely hope he’s doing okay and wish him the best of luck with whatever route he takes in life. He seems like a genuine and passionate guy, not to mention extremely talented, I’m sure he’s gonna succeed with whatever he decides to do.

Absolutely heartbreaking, I really hope Isaac does better in the future. Really interested in what BCNR will do from here

Damn, poor Isaac. He's definitely not OK but maybe backing out before the tour is the smart and safe thing to do.

he's probably one of the most moving singers ive experienced in a while :(

This is actually devastating; For the First Time was my favorite record of 2021 and to see them suffer a roadblock of this proportion is awful. I hope they’re able to get over it and continue to make amazing music.

In an era where dealing with disappointing news on a weekly basis has become tantamount to being alive, this still hits extremely hard. Easily the most high potential band of modern times, it's a such a shame for them to lose the core piece of their identity as a band. I hope Isaac can get the help he needs the rest of the group can find a path forward to success (I remember a recent article about how they're all in debt and need the money from the band to pay off debts). I wonder if that means hiring a new vocalist who will learn the old songs and help write new ones (Ethan P Flynn would seem like a great candidate for this) or just turn full on instrumental post-rock. Either way I will be looking forward to what they do, but ngl I do hope I one day get to hear these amazing songs from the first two albums live, with Isaac on vocals ideally, or a replacement otherwise. They hold a special meaning to me.

As someone who was just diagnosed with Anxiety and Depression, I really hope he finds the peace he needs. It's really tough. It's like everything is just harder enough than normal that it's all too much.

They have a few vocalists already in the band, esp Georgia who is part of Jockstrap. I think they can def find people from within like New Order did to make a change in direction if they wish

"So that's what things would be like if I'd invented the fing-longer." -Professor Hubert J. Fantsworth, Anthonology of Interest I

i’m so fucking torn. bcnr had the potential to be one of the greatest rock bands of all time. i’m not sure if they’ll be the same without him :(

This sucks. I haven’t been this excited about a band in many years. Was set to see them in Brooklyn next month and was my most anticipated show in a while :(

I thought maybe a new NAV album was dropping

Mental health is worth more than a few more albums

Its really important that we as fans emphasize that Wood's decision is a brave one. Imagine how he must be feeling to leave now, right before the new album drops.. he must be going through very difficult times. People have to know that it is important that they will take care of themselves and that their communities are supportive of them.

That’s really sad. I feel like with a new frontperson BCNR gonna change so much it’ll basically be another band. Isaac is so unique and talented, hope he’s ok

bad feelings, new frontman

A very brave and correct decision for Isaac. I hope he finds stability and safety, and that he may someday share his art again. I commend the band for their classy and sensitive handling of the situation, and putting mental health first. I agree the band’s unique talents and skills will allow them to create something fresh. I am heartened by the listeners who are responding favorably to new sounds and exciting music- opening the gateway of music to something brand new. Anthony Fantano did a superb job in hitting all the key points, while being sensitive to what is most important: mental health. Happily Anthony reminded fans of the possibilities that lie ahead- something to look forward to. I greatly appreciated Anthony highlighting this band’s distinct musical chops, I hope this sets the stage for listeners to keep their ears open generally to new sounds/styles, fresh listening experiences, and possibly even new music genres,. Because it is happening out there!

I hope BCNR can find a frontman equally as good as Isaac. They don't have to imitate Isaac but I hope they can match his presence and lyric writing. And I hope Isaac is able to bring himself to a better place mentally.

The band helped me with the loss of my Poppa, loneliness, rejection, my nanna, my nan as I wished I saw her more the whole time, not given a chance and having it snatched away a lot of the time but sometimes self inflicted, no one is perfect. Life is so lonely and lovely; find the tender moments. I thought I was too old for the band recently but now I know they still cared for me as I kept going back so much and loved the genuine kindest I found searching there. I want to go back but only when I need their help. When I’m sane I have trauma but I am strong. I need sleep. I will get sleep, but you know I made so much of my own music because I love music and releasing talent to the world. Anyway, who are this band? Cool name

was absolutely stunned when i heard the news this morning. hope isaac is okay.

Get Geordie from Black Midi and tour it out... freaky deaky Friday style.

ruined my entire month man. hope isaac is okay

I don’t even know this band but I hope Isaac feels better and gets back to a place where he can continue playing guitar and singing or find what he wants to do.

Heartbreaking news. I bumped into the band at a festival I went to alone last summer and they were kind enough to invite me backstage to hang out with them... I've never met such an openly selfless and lovely group of people before! Having been orphaned in the last year, going to BCNR/Jockstrap shows was a huge part of processing and accepting my grief. And to get unprompted personal messages saying things like "We were so glad we saw you in the crowd!" on those occasions genuinely made for life-changing experiences that gave me newfound hope and positivity. They're wonderful and I hope that they can find a way to overcome this moment as a band and as friends.

This was my most anticipated show of the year. Gutted that the band will never be the same, but hopefully Isaac can find peace before making his way back to creative endeavors.

I personally hope they get an assortment of different vocalists to provide lyrics moving forward. Situations like this are always so touchy, as a fan, I hope for nothing more than Isaac to get better and return someday. But as a human I want Isaac to focus on himself without any pressure or expectations on what he should do artistically. At the very least, using assorted talent without outright replacing the frontman position leaves Isaac's spot open while also being the potentially more interesting route the band could take in the present.

they’re literally like a top 3 band for me right now... i have never really gone through something that hits like this. literally the second worst news i have ever woke up too (i guess that’s a good thing). but i am glad Isaac did what he needed to, it’s better to not continue suffering for other people. will be so unbelievably missed though, one of the most interesting frontmen out right now for sure.

The message from Isaac sounds like someone not well. For real.

We have seen many musicians struggling with mental health continue to push on to make everybody around them happy. This has led to countless young artist dying at young ages. Many of which we still celebrate to this day. Glad Isaac got away from it before anything got worse. Thank you for the music.

Was meant to see them in December, it was delayed until February now cancelled. Such sad news, hope he’s doing ok!

It is incredibly sad to see however I’m proud Issac knew to step away when he needed to. Not to be dramatic but I can’t help but think this could’ve been a joy division Ian Curtis moment since they were on the verge of an important US tour and he was feeling depressed. That stress could’ve pushed him over the edge. I hope we see Issacs music again eventually with or without BCNR

damn, this is sad. the absolute pinnacle of sadness.

Was wondering if you would make a video about it. It actually made me cry a lot. I feel so bad about it, For the whole day I was in a melancholic mood. Makes the music all the more real to me.

Damn, that is really sad, I loved Isaac’s unique vocal style and songwriting, but his health is more important than our entertainment, so get well soon man.

Hope he returns, truly an amazing vocalist

Brockhampton, Sweet Trip, The Bosstones, and Black Country all before February

2022 for music is starting out weird, I have a bad feeling about this... Thereʼs good albums that are out yet I cannot forget BH taking an indefinite hiatus & Isaac Wood leaving Black Country. I have a bad feeling about this...

This is a sad day.... a sad day indeed.

no not slint pt. 2 :(

It could be a journey like from Joy Division to New Order. Possibly.

i'm really sad but i hope he's ok

This is crushing to hear. I wish Isaac all the best, I don't know how this band is gonna keep moving, his vocals were so integral to the vibe of the music. This is a sad day

This news was heartbreaking to me. As far as the future of the band goes, I think that they’ll either go instrumental or have one of the other members like Tyler sing. I don’t think they’ll get a new member to replace Isaac

Really sad seeing such a ground breaking band with so much potential go out like this. It’s kinda Joy Division all over again, they release a phenomenal debut album and a year later they release a second phenomenal (assumed by the singles) album as the vocalist is lost.

Phew, you had me thinking for a sec Cal Chuchesta died

I don’t know why, but this feels like Neutral Milk Hotel to me and how everything with that turned out.

This is so unfortunate man. Why do every one of my favourite bands do this, especially they were just getting started

They could easily have Georgia as vocalist with Nina Lim taking over on violin? Or else Tyler could take lead vocals. There’s that second guitar spot though but maybe Ethan P. Flynn could join and fill both gaps? It’s hard to judge what will happen but it’s good to know Isaac has taken the necessary steps to help himself with the support of his friends.

Oh man! I almost got to see them a few months ago but it got cancelled due to illness :( I wish I had seen them with him just once! Hope he's ok

Brockhampton, sweet trip and BCNR breaking up all within the first month of 2022

can't even imagine the weight and pressure these guys must be under... i truly hope they all find the path that's healthier for them.

We have seen too many examples where people havent been able to walk away due to pressures. More power to Isaac, hope he gets better❤️

This new album is going to be a 10 and it’s going to make this even more painful.

Black Country, New Road fucked me up big time. Especially songs like Sunglasses and Athens, France have burned themselves into my soul like few things have in recent years. They made me feel like I found some sort of reborn form of The Velvet Underground in a weird way. I’m still excited for the new record and I hope they can pull this difficult change off. I hope all the best for Isaac. Thank you for the emotional connection your art gave me.

really sad to see this. i listened to them for the first time last month and was really excited for their future. sad to see him go

Mental health is a challenging obstacle to have to deal with and I really hope Isaac can sort himself out and become a healthier person. I wish him and the band going forward nothing but the best.

Man what a bummer. I wanted to hear them in November in Leipzig but it was canceled. I really like Isaac's vocals and his presence. Hope the guy is looking after himself.

I don't think they will be looking for another member to fill his shoes. There are loads of members of that band already and probably a few of them are able to provide vocals. Doubt they will play any of the first 2 albums live without Isaac but I think they can carry on with a new direction pretty well.

Yeah isaac might be gone, but they speedran their entire career and made their 10-years-in-pre-breakup-masterpiece and now we get to see an alternate timeline where Isaac was never in the band

Such a shame when exciting new bands suffer setbacks like this. Leaving a band with such a strong trajectory must be a huge decision so I hope whatever's caused it can be resolved

This is such a bummer to hear about. This time last year when their first album came out I was kinda confused by it at first but as the year went on it really grew on me and now I consider it my favourite album of 2021. You're right, Isaac is such a unique personality and its really sad to see a lyricist as original and creative as him leave the band, but at the end of the day mental health is never something you should just sweep under the rug and I wish the best for him. At least he ended it on a good note in terms of the music, because Ants From Up There is already looking to be even better that the first album in my opinion. I guess from here BCNR enters a new era. Despite the sadness of it all, I am also excited to hear what the band will sound like without him - this band is fortunate enough in my view to be in a position where they could take their sound in all sorts of possible directions and make something great, but great in an entirely different and unique way than what made the first albums great. 30 years from now we could look back upon this band as having one of the most interesting stories/career arcs in modern music.

Hey it's the band with the Blacked poster album cover.

Got to see BC,NR three times (the first being back in 2018) and it was a privilege every time. It must be hard growing so popular when you’re performing songs so revealing about your life and psyche, so in some ways I’m not surprised this has happened, though the timing did come as a shock. I hope he can work through whatever issues he’s having, and find a potentially healthier way of channelling himself into his art in the future. The rest of the band are equally incredibly talented, so I’m excited to see what they do going forward, either with a new frontperson or as a six-piece.

Geordie would be a good pick. Black midi and BCNR should get together

Damn, groups are really taking this Brockhampton speedrun challenge seriously

I just wish for Isaac to get better, and if it's possible to reunite with BC,NR

Cannot wait for the album and your review of it. Thanks for sharing this. I shed a tear for a moment but am excited for what's to come hopefully it's positive for the band and Issac.

As someone who has regularly travelled on the actual Black Country New Road I do find this bands name incredibly confusing 🤣

The way the letter is written is really odd to me but still sad

I think the band has huge potential to go instrumental. Isaac's shoes are so hard to fill

Wow what a tough decision to make at this time. Very admirable. I hope he finds what he needs and would like to hear him in music again!

First Sweet Trip with Valerie Cooper and Now BCNR with Issac Wood? Jesus, 2022 is shaping up to be an absolutely fine year for lead vocalists leaving their critically acclaimed cult bands all of a sudden. Most of all, I'm worried about Issac's mental health above all. It seems like his lyrical content with the band was all an expression of a darker beast lurking underneath. Hope he gets better at his own leisure and starts a new project with a similar finesse as BCNR is.

Damn. I had never heard of these, but they were on the bill of a festival I was at over the Summer and they blew me away. A real shame

Oh no. This shit hurts.

fucking hell i hope Isaac gets well asap so he doesn't suffer more

3:37 melon is the best fr ♡

Sad to hear, I hope they're all ok and able to express themselves creatively going forward!

nooooo 💔 One of the bands I’ve been most excited about since Sunglasses came out. But more concerned for Isaac. He does not seem well in that message. I have faith in all of them though. Big bless.

Even though Issac is leaving the band, I hope he knows the work he and the rest of BC:NR made some of the best singles I've heard in a long time, and I'm looking forward to the album immensely

I always thought fronting such a somber band would be incredibly taxing. Having to live in that mood all the time is very heavy. I completely understand not wanting that life.

Man I hope he’s alright,

All the love to Isaac. I don't know if it's his voice or his poetry, but he kind of reminds me of Ian Curtis. I hope to fucking god his story turns out different.

I'm very sad about it, I love the band and really enjoyed their music in the past two year, especially these past few weeks with the new singles coming out and knocking it out of the park each time, But I'm happy that Issac is doing what's best for him. I love his voice and lyrics, but I'd rather him getting the help he needs and deserves rather than putting the music as priority and harming himself. Really hope the band as a whole can get a breather, I'm looking forward to this new LP and to whatever comes next from the band, and Issac, if he chooses to return to the music world at any point

fuck first Brockhampton hiatus and now BCNR hiatus, damn all my favorite artists are feeling like shit, this sucks fuck 2022 man

Damn, right when I was really starting to get into this band. I knew having a group as talented as they are with a frontman as talented as he is was too good to be true. Nonetheless, I am both excited and curious to see what this band comes up with next, and hopefully Isaac finds some stability and solidarity in his future endeavors.

instrumental jam band bcnr - here we goooo!

Althought i agree that Isacc brought a very unique take to the band, however its the bands instrumentation which is what makes the core of there music great.

Damn - my best wishes to Isaac - hope he finds the peace he seeks - and also to the band with their future output. A true force together and I will miss that, but his health must come first.