PARKWAY DRIVE have released a public statement following the guilty plea of Jed Gordon, the band's former merchandise manager and brother of drummer Ben Gordon. Gordon, 44, appeared in Byron Bay Local Court on March 16 and pled guilty to charges of sexual intercourse with a minor aged 14 to 16, with the offenses occurring in 2002 and 2003.
The band moved quickly to condemn the actions and distance themselves from their former employee. "We want to be clear — the offense committed by Jed Gordon is appalling," the statement read. "His contract with the band was terminated immediately upon learning of these charges."
In a notably candid admission, PARKWAY DRIVE acknowledged a broader moral dimension to the situation. "We bear moral responsibility for contracting him and placing him in proximity to our community," the band stated, taking a level of accountability that goes beyond what many acts in similar situations have offered.
Gordon's sentencing has been scheduled for May 19, where he will face the court for the full weight of his charges. The case has drawn significant attention within the Australian music community and beyond, raising ongoing questions about vetting processes for touring personnel.
PARKWAY DRIVE, who are scheduled to appear at Welcome to Rockville festival in May, did not indicate any changes to their touring plans as a result of the situation. The band has been a cornerstone of the metalcore genre for two decades, and this episode represents one of the most challenging moments in their career off the stage.
The statement concluded by expressing support for victims and directing those affected to appropriate support services.