Eugene S. Robinson, longtime frontman and creative force of Oxbow, has announced his departure from the band. In a Substack newsletter posted on Sunday (July 7th), Robinson attributed his decision to leave Oxbow to “the weight of irreconcilable differences, none of them aesthetic or musical.”
“Recent circumstances have caused me several dark nights of the soul,” he wrote. “And while it feels/seems crazy to kill my involvement in that which I started, I think it necessary so that maybe a kind of healing can take place that will make Oxbow a comfortable place for me to be again. If not, then not.”
Robinson had been Oxbow’s vocalist and bandleader since the act’s formation in 1989. He’s performed on all eight of their records, beginning with their debut Fuckfest. As of the time of writing, it’s unclear whether Oxbow intends to move forward without Robinson, though the remaining shows of their current European tour have been canceled.
In addition to announcing his departure, Robinson used the Substack post to reflect on Oxbow’s “good run,” explore how his mental state has changed throughout his career, and ask fans for guidance on what he should do next.
“So though, traditionally, I ask for very little, right now I’m asking, you specifically, for a lot. So, please, if you would, tell me: what should be done here?” he wrote. “DM me your thoughts. Your input will be kept in confidence if that’s your desire.”
Read Robinson’s full post here.
Oxbow’s most recent album was 2023’s Love’s Holiday. Robinson also revealed on Substack that he had just put “the finishing touches” on their next record, Follow Me Now in Merry Measure, though the release trajectory for that project remains unclear.
