Rainbow Kitten Surprise announces its return, but a member was asked to leave the band

The popular alternative/indie rock band Rainbow Kitten Surprise is back from a nearly year-long hiatus — and is leaving a beloved original member behind, according to a statement posted to the band’s social media accounts.

The band announced it was canceling its tour and taking an indefinite break in May 2023 so lead vocalist Ela Melo — who was experiencing a “medical crisis” just over a year after she came out as transgender — could focus on healing her mental health, according to a statement previously posted to the band’s social media accounts.

During the hiatus, each person in the band “took the time to address ongoing issues in the band” and contemplated what its future would look like, the band said in a statement posted to Instagram on March 4. The statement did not address the nature of the band’s issues.

“On a heavier note, we must also announce the departure of our dear friend, Charlie Holt,” the statement said. Holt, who uses they/them pronouns, has played bass and sang backing vocals in the band since it formed in the mountains of Boone, North Carolina, in 2013.

“After a concerted effort to move forward together, Ela could not find a way to continue working with them…and the band seriously contemplated calling it quits,” the statement continued. It did not shed light on the nature of the tension between Melo and Holt.

“Charlie is one of a kind and will always be part of our legacy. They can’t be replaced in anyone’s hearts or minds,” the statement said. “We are extra proud of the new songs we’ll be dropping soon because they represent our last collaboration as our original lineup.”

The statement is signed by the four remaining band members: Bozzy, Ela, Ethan and Jess. The band also posted a separate parting note from Holt that revealed they were asked to leave the band.

“I’m so thankful for every one of you and all the beautiful moments along the way. This family’s imprint will last lifetimes,” Holt’s statement to fans said. “It feels impossible to put words to this, but I’ve been asked to leave the group. This is not the end of me making music, but I am accepting that this beautiful season has passed.”

Holt ended their statement with a quote from Laura Jane Grace, the lead vocalist of the punk rock band Against Me!, who is transgender.

“Don’t let this feeling ever go away / Let this memory forever be inside of me / Through every hour of every day / It’s with the company of these friends / That we drove on through the night / We were carried by the wheels of Armageddon,” the lyrics read.

Hundreds of fans shared their sadness about Holt’s departure, and many also shared that the statement seemed a bit “messy.”

“This sounds like Charlie got forced out, which is really disappointing,” someone said. “This is so vague and upsetting.”

More than 3,000 people liked the comment and dozens chimed in with agreement.

“Being ‘asked to leave’ is crazy,” someone else said.

Fans shared similar sentiments on the band’s Facebook post.

“This is big weird vibes,” someone said. “I appreciate transparency, but this is transparency in a questionable way that just leads to a lot of confusion. And conflicted, confused feelings, too, from what I can see from the comments.”

Many also shared that they would miss Holt’s presence in the band, especially when it comes to their live performances.

“Sad day, Charlie’s stage presence and overall vibes was one of my favorite parts of RKS live shows,” someone said. More than 70 people ‘liked’ the comment.

Another fan shared that the announcement breaks their heart.

“I absolutely adore Ela’s voice and creativity, but Charlie brings that extra umph to the band-especially live shows,” they said. “I really wish the band could have given it more time to see if they could work through things. Sending love to all the members, but most of all to Charlie.”

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