Principal Smerda, Guitarist Cradle Of Filth Fired For Personal Problems

Priviously Ashok Smerda was fired from the Cradle of Filth (Instagram @marek_ashok_smerda)

JAKARTA - The legendary British metal band, Cradle of Filth Guitarist Julibat 'Askok' Smerda was officially fired from the group on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Even though the guitarist had planned to resign when the tour ended.

Smerda announced plans to step down via private Instagram posts some time ago. He made this decision along with the exit of Zoe Marie Federoff, his wife and band keyboardist.

"We simply don't feel that Cradle [of Filth] can guarantee our future, and instead hinder it. Apart from other reasons, this is a relatively low job for a large workload, the stress level is quite high, and we haven't felt for a long time that the band prioritized paying attention to its members," wrote Smerda at the time.

He also added that it was their unprofessional behavior that triggered their decision to leave.

However, not long after the announcement, vocalist Dani Filth immediately responded strongly through an official upload on the Instagram band. Instead of accepting his resignation, the band fired Smerda unilaterally and effectively instantly.

"Dengan berat hati, Cradle of Filth secara resmi mengumumkan pemecatan gitaris Ashok Smerda dari band, efektif segera," bunyi pernyataan tersebut.

The band insists that all tour schedules in South America will not be canceled. In the meantime, they will appear with only one guitarist to a replacement while being flown to join in the next few days.

The statement also refuted Smerda's claim, calling his efforts to "contaminate a good name and thwart the band" illegal. The band asks fans not to speculate and wait for clarity in the near future.

This drama is increasingly complicated with Smerda's request that all the compositions of the music be removed from the band's upcoming release, including collaborations that have been completed with pop star Ed Sheeran. According to him, the song collaboration now feels like a "catchy lulucon that isaiish (stupid)" to him.

The Cradle of Filth promised to provide further statements and explanations about this in the near future.