Former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes recently addressed whether he would ever consider rejoining the band if leader Blackie Lawless asked him to. He revealed his one condition for a potential reunion in an interview with Rock Interview Series.
Holmes was direct about his stance on a possible W.A.S.P. reunion. He cited unresolved publishing disputes as the primary obstacle.
“No. No. Do you know what happened with my publishing? Why would I play with [Blackie] again? It’d be pretty stupid, wouldn’t it?” Holmes said. “He’d have to pay me my publishing [before I would even consider going back], and he’s not gonna do that. I’d be an idiot. I’d be an idiot to go back.”
The guitarist expressed deeper frustrations with the band and its treatment of his contributions over the years.
“Why do you think I don’t like signing the [W.A.S.P. records]? I never got a penny of my publishing. I can’t stand that band. I can’t stand the band. I can’t stand what he’s done,” Holmes continued. “So, that’s the way it is. And that’s why I wanna play with people I enjoy.”
Holmes’ latest comments reflect a long-standing dispute that has persisted for over two decades since his final departure from the band.
Blabbermouth reported that Holmes has not played with W.A.S.P. since his second stint with the band ended in 2001. The guitarist first joined the group in 1982 and remained until 1990. He returned in 1996 for a five-year period.
The publishing dispute appears to be the central issue preventing any potential reconciliation between Holmes and Lawless. Holmes has consistently maintained that he was never paid the royalties or songwriting money he believes he was owed from his work with the band during his tenure.
Holmes has indicated in previous interviews that he felt misled about the business side of W.A.S.P. He trusted the wrong people regarding financial arrangements. This has created a lasting rift that extends beyond just musical differences.
The guitarist’s recent health concerns have also been in the spotlight. The Metallist noted that Holmes canceled his May 2026 UK tour due to a minor prostate condition. His wife and manager Catherine Holmes announced the cancellation via social media.
Holmes’ comments highlight ongoing tensions between former bandmates regarding financial arrangements and publishing rights from their time together in W.A.S.P.
