Cradle of Filth frontman Dani Filth has officially announced the band’s new guitarist following recent lineup changes. He shared the news in a statement posted on Instagram.
The announcement came during the band’s current US tour. It introduced Joff Bailey as the new addition to the lineup.
“Three shows into the Majestic In Death US Tour 2026 and we feel it about time to introduce the new guitarist in Cradle of Filth,” Dani Filth said. “Please join us in officially welcoming to the band JOFF BAILEY.”
The frontman also revealed that Bailey has already contributed to the band’s upcoming material.
“Joff has already worked on the forthcoming album and now begins his touring adventures with the Filth!” he continued.
This announcement follows the departure of previous guitarist Marek ‘Ashok’ Šmerda. He parted ways with Cradle of Filth after his wife Zoe Marie Federoff left the band mid-tour and subsequently filed a lawsuit against Dani Filth.
The official confirmation of Bailey’s permanent position comes just days after the band’s performance at The Aztec Theatre in San Antonio on April 30, 2026. This was part of their ongoing Majestic In Death Tour.
The PRP reported that the British gothic metal band has officially welcomed guitarist Joff Bailey into their lineup as a permanent replacement for Marek “Ashok.” The announcement was made on May 4, 2026. It marked a significant milestone for the band’s current touring cycle.
Bailey’s integration into the band appears to have been seamless. The guitarist already contributed to studio work before joining the live performances. His involvement in the forthcoming album suggests that Cradle of Filth had been planning this transition for some time. This ensured continuity in their creative process despite the recent lineup changes.
The timing of the announcement came three shows into their US tour. This indicates that the band wanted to test the new lineup dynamics before making the official announcement. This approach demonstrates Cradle of Filth’s commitment to maintaining their high performance standards while navigating the challenges of member transitions.
The Majestic In Death Tour continues to showcase the band’s resilience and ability to adapt. Bailey is now officially part of the gothic metal veterans’ ongoing musical journey. The tour represents not just a promotional cycle for their music. It also marks a fresh chapter in the band’s long-standing career.
