Drowning Pool has fronted several different singers since the death of original frontman Dave Williams in 2002. Now, it appears the hard-rock veterans are in for another lineup change, due as former vocalist Ryan McCombs is back in the band.
McCombs, also known for his work with SOiL, served as Drowning Pool’s lead singer for two studio albums. Now, he replaces Jasen Moreno, who led the group after McCombs left in 2012.
According to Metal Edge, McCombs will perform his first shows back in the crowd on Friday (March 17) at Club LA in Destin, Florida, and Saturday (March 18) at the Throwdown at the Campground Festival in Fruitland Park, Florida. Tickets are is here.
The singer will also continue to front SOiL and perform with both bands in the future. McCombs served as SOiL’s vocalist from 1997 to 2004 and returned to the metal band in 2011 after leaving Drowning Pool.
Speaking to Metal Edge, McCombs commented, “When I left music in 2004, I only got back into mixing because it was with me. [Drowning Pool members] CJ, Stephen and Mike, and because it’s also a way for me to be a small part of continuing their music with Dave. Just being back in the same room together after so many years, preparing for these shows, was a quick reminder of why I considered them my best friends in the business back then. As all living life can attest, sometimes our days can be chaotic – but in the words of one Dave Williams, ‘Everything happens for reasons, I don’t know…’ Some of the best moments in my career happened as a member of DP and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to perform with them again.
Drummer Mike Luce said, “I’m so happy that SOiL and Drowning Pool are in a place now where we’re not just together, but close enough friends to be together. We support and respect each other enough for us to make sure they can keep doing what they’re doing, and for them to let us go back to a bunch of cool songs we played a decade-plus ago, with the singer we -aw archetype after Dave.We can’t wait to be on stage together again and see where it goes.
“It’s exciting to have Ryan McCombs joining us again,” added guitarist CJ Pierce. “It’s been 13 years since the last time we were in a rehearsal room together, and from the second we hit the first note it’s like we never skipped a beat. I have never felt such a connection to musicians, true friends and family as I do with Mike, Stevie and Ryan. I can’t wait to be on stage together again.
“Never say never,” said bassist Stevie Benton. “It’s hard to believe that it’s been over 10 years since Ryan and I shared a stage. I think, deep down, we knew this partnership was going to happen. “
SOiL also issued a collective statement online, saying, “Ryan has an extensive history with SOiL and Drowning Pool, so when the opportunity came for him to continue as a singer in both bands, he knew We know we can do it together. Both bands aren’t kids anymore, and we’ve all grown as people, healed hard feelings, and are approaching the 25-year mark. Ryan wants to work. He wanted to tour and play as much as possible, and this allowed him to do that. As Dave Williams said just days before his death, ‘Wherever there’s electricity for DP and Soil that play, let’s do it.’
About Moreno, the said the band, “We appreciate everyone who asked about Jasen. We can’t speak for him but we believe he is just ready to move on to other things in life. Maybe he will make a statement. Maybe not him. Regardless, we wish him well. “
Watch footage of Drowning Pool performing their signature song “Bodies” with McCombs on vocals below.