Holy Roar Records Owner Accused of Sexual Assault.
*story updated: 15:00 09.09.2020*
For years now Holy Roar Records has been the stronghold for British underground music, championing the underdog and publishing ground breaking music. It is the home of the likes of Rolo Tomassi, Ohhms, Bossk, Conjurer, Svalbard and more.
Shocking news broke late on Monday evening when label owner Alex Fitzpatrick was accused of sexual assault. Two women released statements their accusations.
As this news started to filter around the internet on Tuesday morning, vocalist and guitarist from Svalbard, Serena Cherry, also came forward with a statement of her own. Having been signed to the label for many years she has had her own issues with Fitzpatrick and added her statement to that of the two other women.
With accusations growing and the news spreading, a number of bands signed to the label spoke out. Rolo Tomassi, possibly the biggest band on the label, issued a statement saying they had "ended their relationship with Holy Roar as a label, effective immediately".
Other bands followed suit with Svalbard, Boss Keloid, Ohhms, Mol, Giver and more all severing ties with the label.
It was then on Tuesday evening that staff at the label, Justine, Sam and Wil, issued their own statement. Having been shocked by the allegations and given time to take in all of the accusations, all three employees were resigning, effective immediately.
With a label that has an owner accused of such acts, that has lost all it's staff and is haemorrhaging bands, it's hard to see a way forward to Holy Roar.
Alex Fitzpatrick released his own statement on Wednesday morning:
No doubt the story will develop more over the coming weeks and months. We will keep you updated.
