VENOM INC. and the Departure of Jeff "Mantas" Dunn

Circumstances Surrounding Mantas’s Departure

In a recent interview with Soundterror, Tony "Demolition Man" Dolan, bassist and vocalist of VENOM INC., shed light on the events leading to Jeff "Mantas" Dunn’s departure from the band. The guitarist’s health issues were at the forefront of Dolan’s discussion. “Mantas had a heart attack about four or five years ago and died,” Dolan revealed. “They brought him back to life, and about 11 weeks later, he was out touring again. But then he took a second heart attack, and he said, ‘My mind’s fucked. And I don’t wanna travel,’ so he just stopped."

This shift left Dolan in a challenging position. With an album to fulfill with Nuclear Blast and upcoming show offers, Dolan decided to move forward with the band. He recruited Curran Murphy, who had previously played with ANNIHILATOR and NEVERMORE, to fill in for Dunn. The initial hope was that Mantas would recover and return, but he ultimately chose not to.

Communication Breakdown

Dolan addressed Mantas’s remarks from February, where Dunn claimed he was "fucking done with" VENOM INC. and would "never speak" to Dolan again. When asked about any communication since that statement, Dolan expressed disappointment. “Not after that statement. I was, like, ‘Okay. Well, I don’t get it.’ He said there was no communication, but I have all the communication.” Dolan shared that he had made several attempts to reach out to Mantas, including sending him a list of American tour dates.

Despite Dolan’s efforts to keep the lines of communication open, Mantas’s reluctance to engage became apparent. “He kept putting me off saying, ‘I’ll talk to you next week.’ And then, all of a sudden, he was releasing videos and music,” Dolan stated, expressing his bewilderment at Mantas’s accusations.

Personal Connections and Loyalty

Reflecting on their relationship, Dolan emphasized his loyalty to Mantas, stating, “At the end of the day, he’s not dead. And he’s my brother and I love him, regardless of what he says about me.” He recounted the support he provided to Mantas and his wife during Mantas’s health crisis, driving her to the hospital and ensuring they were taken care of. Dolan defended his commitment to the band and his financial responsibilities, explaining, “I have to earn money, ‘cause I live in London and I have to pay my rent.”

The Future of VENOM INC. and Potential Reunions

When asked about the possibility of reconciling with Mantas, Dolan was clear: “Not now. He said too many bad things about me that are untrue, and it’s not fair.” Dolan expressed frustration over being blamed for Mantas’s departure and the fallout with original VENOM members. He reflected on his experiences with the band and his desire to continue making music without the baggage of past conflicts.

Dolan also dismissed the notion of a reunion with Mantas and Abaddon, stating, “No, never. No.” He acknowledged the complexities of the original lineup’s relationships and expressed contentment with the current direction of VENOM INC., emphasizing his desire to play music freely.

Current Status of VENOM INC.

VENOM INC. continues to operate independently from the Lant-fronted version of VENOM, which remains active in touring and releasing music. Dunn’s decision to step back from the band was influenced by personal health considerations and family matters, particularly with his wife’s cancer diagnosis. In his absence, Mike Hickey took over guitar duties for the fall 2023 U.S. tour.

Conclusion

The departure of Jeff "Mantas" Dunn from VENOM INC. marks a significant chapter in the band’s history, underscoring the impact of personal health and interpersonal relationships within the music industry. As Dolan continues to navigate this transition, he remains committed to his musical journey and the legacy of VENOM INC.

FAQs

What led to Jeff "Mantas" Dunn’s departure from VENOM INC.?

Mantas’s health issues, including two heart attacks, prompted him to step back from touring, leading to his eventual departure from the band.

Who is currently filling in for Mantas in VENOM INC.?

Curran Murphy has taken over guitar duties since Mantas’s departure.

Will there be a reunion of the original VENOM lineup?

Tony Dolan indicated that a reunion is highly unlikely due to past conflicts and the current dynamics within the band.

What are the future plans for VENOM INC.?

VENOM INC. plans to continue making music and touring independently from the Lant-fronted version of VENOM.