Hinder releases official statement about Austin Winkler’s departure from band

We had told you earlier this year about how Austin Winkler was taking time off from their tour and was temporary leaving for personal reasons.  Fast forward to today and Hinder have officially released a statement that they have parted ways with the Austin Winkler and a new vocalist will be announced.

On the HINDER website they have posted the following release:

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LOS ANGELES (November 20, 2013) – Multi-platinum rock band, HINDER has announced they have officially parted ways with their lead singer, Austin Winkler.

Earlier this year, Winkler left the band’s national tour due to personal reasons. Hinder continued to tour with guest lead vocalists helping out, including Jared Weeks from Saving Abel.

The band’s 2005 debut, Extreme Behavior, sold over 3 million copies in the US, while its breakthrough single “Lips of an Angel” hit #1 on the Billboard Pop Chart. The album’s follow up three years later, Take it to the Limit, surpassed gold status after debuting #4 on the Billboard Top 200 with over 80,000 copies sold the first week. Hinder has since released two more albums All American Nightmare in 2010, and Welcome to the Freakshow in 2012, and has shared the stage with everyone from Motley Crue to Nickelback.

“I’m really proud of what we accomplished over the years,” says Hinder drummer (and songwriter/producer) Cody Hanson.  “We hold no animosity towards Austin, and wish him the best.  Although it was a difficult decision, it was the best thing for everyone involved and time for us to move on.”

“This summer/fall tour was a tough one.  We want to thank the fans for all their overwhelming support.  We couldn’t have made it through everything without you.  We are very excited about the future of Hinder and can’t wait to share the next chapter with all of you!”

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We wish HINDER all the best as well as Austin Winkler who has completed a stay in rehab facility and has been reported as doing quite well. He has posted many photos since and he appears to be smiling and quite happy.  

We will keep you up to date on the announcement of a new vocalist. They recently had Marshall Dutton of Drankmore and even Jared Weeks of Saving Abel filling in on their tour this year.  You can also check out a video interview we did with drummer, Cody Hanson earlier this year.

~ Marisol

Our Previous Posts are below as well:

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Breaking News: Earlier this week Hinder had to cancel their Denver show due to illness and today a new report is in. It was reported on Hinder’s Facebook page a little while ago that Austin Winkler, the lead singer is temporary leaving the tour for personal reasons. Don’t worry if you have tickets for the upcoming shows because instead of cancelling, the show will go on with some surprises guests to help them out.

I really commend the boys in the band to continue on and play the tour out. I have had so many recent experiences where there were last minute cancellations due to member line up changes, etc. So make sure to show them your support and get ready to party at these shows.

Also let’s all please send Austin our thoughts and prayers for whatever he is dealing with and let him know we are all behind him!! We truly pray that it is nothing serious and that he will be back stronger and ready to ROCK!

Here is the post:

“Hey HINDER Fans! We wanted to let all of you know that Austin has decided to temporarily leave the tour for personal reasons. Our thoughts and prayers are with him in this time and know that he will be just fine. HOWEVER, the band has decided, instead of canceling shows and leaving our die hard fans hanging, we’re going to keep the good times rolling on the road this summer. We have some surprise guests coming to help us out and we promise you won’t be disappointed! For those of you that have your tickets already, get ready for a great time! For those of you that don’t, you won’t want to miss out! Thanks again to all of our amazing fans out there for your support!!!! We can’t wait to see you all this summer! Get ready for the party!!!!”

Update 7/4 Austin made the following post on the Hinder page:

“Dear Hardcore Hinder Fans: I sincerely apologize for not being able to finish the tour. I’ve appreciated all of the support over the years, however my disease has got the best of me right now and I am too sick to give you guys my best, that’s what you guys deserve. Please don’t give up on me, I am going to return stronger then ever! I appreciate your patience and I will be back soon.

I love you guys,

With love, Austin Winkler.”

Update 7/5 Marshal Dutton of Drankmore fills in for Austin

The show went on tonight in Missouri at the Black Oak Mountain Theater as Hinder played with Black Stone Cherry and Lynrd Skynyrd. Filling in for Austin was Marshal Dutton of Drankmore and who runs a studio and production company with Hinder drummer Cody Hanson called Back Lounge Productions . It turned out to be a great show for all and we truly are grateful for Marshal filling in and also have no doubt that Austin will be back stronger than ever! Even thought emails have been pouring in about the cause of Austin’s departure, etc. we are not planning on touching on any of that. We respect all their privacy and will continue to cover the news without invading one’s privacy. I do know that there are a tremendous amount of fans who love and care about each and every one of the Hinder band and we wish all of you well.

If you would like to get to know more about Marshal Dutton, you can read our interview with him  here.

Update 7/10 Statement on Hinder website also lists Jared Weeks of Saving Abel in addition to Marshal as filling in for Austin. So even more great shows up ahead! All these guys have stellar vocals that will have you entertained at every show! I have listed below the dates with the appropriate fill in. 

Update 8/6 Statement on Hinder website. Today there was as post from Austin Winkler as to how things are going. 

I am so glad to hear how Austin is doing and how supportive everyone has been to the Austin, the band, Marshall Dutton and Jared Weeks. HINDER fans truly know the meaning of family when they show their love and respect for their favorite musicians. I am proud to be part of the HINDER family.

~ Marisol

Information & Links:

• Website: www.hindermusic.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/Hinder
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/hindermusic
• Instagram for Austin: http://instagram.com/austinjohnwinkler
• Twitter for Austin: twitter.com/austinhinder