Chris Burney, the former guitarist for Bowling For Soup, shocked fans with the news that he had to have two toes amputated -- just one month after his retirement from the band. Burney, 55, posted a photo showing his foot missing both his big toe and index toe, leading fans to send their well wishes as he navigated this difficult time.
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His decision to leave the band in January, due to "medical developments," was met with full support from his bandmates. In a heartfelt statement, Bowling For Soup expressed their understanding, acknowledging the loss of their longtime friend and guitarist.
"While we are bummed not to have Chris by our side, we absolutely support his decision," the band wrote.
Lead vocalist Jaret Reddick, drummer Gary Wiseman, and bassist Rob Felicetti made it clear that Bowling For Soup's legacy would continue to grow despite the change. They emphasized that Chris Burney's departure did not mark the end of the band.
"The three of us will carry on, with Chris' blessing, and continue to build the legacy of this band we all love so much," they stated.
Band Marches On
In their announcement, the band also made it clear they would not replace Burney with another guitarist. "You can't replace a legend," they declared. "We were brothers when we started this journey... and brothers we remain."
However, Burney's exact health issues remain undisclosed. He has yet to reveal what condition led to his retirement. Though it's clear that his decision was driven by serious concerns for his health.
Burney's health problems had already been on display earlier when he took a brief hiatus from the band to recover from a leg injury. This break caused him to miss the band's performance at Download Festival 2024, leading fans to wonder what was going on behind the scenes.
The band's longtime bassist, Rob Felicetti, spoke of Burney's immense contribution to the band's success. "We wouldn't be where we are without him," he said, reflecting on the fact that Burney co-founded the group over 30 years ago. "He retires a legend."
One Remaining Member
As Bowling For Soup prepared for their 20th-anniversary tour of A Hangover You Don't Deserve, they made it clear that their future would not be the same without Burney. The UK leg of their tour kicked off on February 5. But Burney's absence was felt by fans, who showered him with messages of love and support.
The band's catchy pop-punk anthems, like "1985" and "Girl All the Bad Guys Want," were always a staple of their energetic live performances. But Burney's absence highlights the deep changes within the group. The Texas-based band has experienced several lineup shifts throughout the years, and now, as the sole remaining founding member, Reddick carries the torch for Bowling For Soup.
Burney's departure comes at a time when the band's sound is still evolving. Their last album, Pop Drunk Snot Bread, released in 2022, showed that they weren't slowing down.
But even as Bowling For Soup moves forward without him, Burney's influence on the band's success is undeniable. The legacy he helped build will live on, and fans of both the band and the guitarist are wishing him a speedy recovery as he deals with his health challenges.
In his usual playful style, Burney posted a cheeky caption on Instagram, saying, "I'm a Free-nubbin, butt-rubbin son of a gun," showing that despite the challenges, his sense of humor and positive attitude remain intact. His health issues and the resulting amputation of his toes have undoubtedly been a difficult chapter in his life, but fans and bandmates alike are rallying behind him as he begins this new phase of life.
