US rock band kicks support group off tour after frontman ‘is punched in the face in brutal behind the scenes clash’

AN AMERICAN rock band has sacked off its support act after a reported clash on-tour.

The Noughties hitmakers - who revealed their new set of gigs earlier this year - made the shock decision after one of their members was allegedly punched in the face.

Alien Ant Farm star Dryden Mitchell, 48, told of the line-up switch up after CKY's Chad I Ginsburg, 52, supposedly dealt out a blow towards him.

It is said to have come shortly before the UK leg of the Smooth Criminal singers' tour, which kicked off in Margate on Saturday.

Dryden has now taken to his Instagram page to break the support act news in a lengthy message.

He wrote: "Sadly, Chad from CKY hasn’t figured out how to cohabitate with others after all these years.

"They will no longer be on the Alien Ant Farm Tour through the rest of the UK shows after Chad punched me in the face earlier today.

"I’ve watched him treat multiple crew members and opening band members like trash through the Europe shows and cause general drama around our camp.

"Before the last Europe shows I went to Chad and asked if he had any issues with anyone specifically and if he wanted to have a meeting with the whole crew and bands to discuss what’s going on, he up ended the table in the dressing room and threw his phone, and then cancelled their show."

Talking of the alleged physical altercation he added: "Well he punched me in the face and pretty much ran away like I imagine he’ll do for all of his future problems.

"I’m grateful for my sobriety and grateful that I didn’t retaliate physically in any way whatsoever.

"I would love these shows to continue and apologise to all the CKY fans for Chad’s behaviour.

"We have zero hard feelings for Jess and Elvis in CKY and are gutted to see them go, but I will never knowingly put myself in volatile situations so this had to end."

The California-born singer - who has also forged an acting career - added: "Stay safe everybody.

And Chad, Go To The Gym… After That, Find A Therapist, And Maybe In 25 Years… We Can Shake Hands.

Until Then Though…. GET HELP, Love Dryden."

A representative for Alien Ant Farm told The Sun: "CKY are no longer on the tour."

The Sun has gone to CKY's management for comment.

FRESH START

Alien Ant Farm's fresh tour was revealed back in May.

It came just a month after the Movies singers announced the release of their sixth studio album, Mantras.

The band formed in 1996 but it wasn't until 2001 that they achieved international success.

As well as Dryden, the group also includes Terry Corso, Tim Peugh and Mike Cosgrove.

Speaking about the upcoming concerts, Dryden told OriginalRock.net: "We’ve always loved our UK tours! For over 20 years we have been able to play shows all around our 'home away from home' and we’re excited to see old friends and fans on this run."

Alien Ant Farm had a huge smash hit with their cover of Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal in 2001 but in 2003 Terry shocked fans when he quit the group, citing "irreconcilable differences" at the time.

But he returned in 2013 and confessed the time away from his band mates had actually helped them.