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The remaining four members of Screeching Weasel have resigned following an incident at SXSW last week when frontman Ben Weasel punched two women. Guitarists Dan Schafer and Drew Fredrichsen, bassist Justin Perkins and drummer Adam Cargin have decided to exit the group in the wake of this altercation.

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The four musicians released a joint statement yesterday explaining their decision. “The members of Screeching Weasel would like to offer a sincere apology to our fans, our management (Ben Perlstein @ Motivation Management), Chad and Vanessa @ Fat Wreck Chords, Deborah Toscano @ Devil Dolls Booking, The Scoot Inn and its employees, all the support bands, and anyone else negatively impacted by the scene that developed in Austin last Friday night, March 18th,” they wrote. “The un-calculated act put forth by Ben (Weasel) Foster leading up to and including the violence that erupted on stage is seen by the band as shameful and embarrassing. The sentiments and actions expressed were completely out of our control and in no way represent the band members’ view points or moral compasses. As a result, the band has discussed at length and has come to the conclusion that as a group we will not likely be able to muster the dignity to attempt a live performance as ‘Screeching Weasel’ in the for-seeable future. We each look forward to re-evaluating our involvement in the band as we move forward if we are given the opportunity.”

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They added, “We all feel extremely deflated following this public spectacle and would no doubt be doing the music an injustice if we were to force a performance. As friends and band mates, we are absolutely positive that Ben regrets his actions last Friday night. We have no doubt that his apology is sincere and that if he could take it all back, he would. We don’t wish to place any more hardship upon him with our decision to discontinue our involvement at this time, but it is something that can not be avoided.”

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The statement notes that the other band members may consider rejoining Screeching Weasel in the future. They concluded, “If Ben feels the need to immediately carry on with a new cast of characters– we support his right to do so. Again, we would like to thank our fans for all of their past support and hope that they will continue to support us should the opportunity to perform as ‘Screeching Weasel’ present itself again in the future.”

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This resignation follows Ben Weasel’s apology statement, which offered contrition for his actions at the festival. Several artists have also dropped off the upcoming Weasel Fest in Chicago, which is meant to celebrate the band’s 25th anniversary. There is no word yet on whether Weasel will get new bandmates to play with him at those shows.