Guitarist Xander Raymond Charles has issued a statement today, March 22nd, revealing that after being hired on to join Ill Niño as a new permanent member earlier this year, he has been abruptly let go. His dismissal came about less than a month before the band head out on their latest Latin American tour, which will find them celebrating 25 years of their debut album “Revolution Revolución” with (hed)p.e. and more this April.
Charles relayed he was blindsided by his dismissal, offering:
“In the beginning of 2026, I was hired by the band ILL NINO to become a permanent replacement and the newest member. Last night, I received a call telling me they no longer need me as a replacement. This was a total shock, as I was committed for several months, and the first show is 3 weeks away. I was informed this decision was completely out of my control, and I had nothing to do with it.
As of today, I am available for work. If anyone needs a guitar player, I’m here. I keep my word, and I commit to what I agree to.
Lastly, there is no bad blood, and I understand this is strictly a business decision. I wish ILL NINO nothing but the best.
XRC”
The band don’t appear to have publicly commented on the matter.