Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid has reportedly been branded a “snake” by his former bandmate Jonny Quinn’s wife, amid claims of “bad blood” with the star.
The band’s frontman Gary Lightbody said he was “heartbroken” when he announced that drummer Jonny and bassist Paul Wilson had left the band last week.
He confirmed at the time that Snow Patrol would continue as a trio with himself, Johnny and Nathan Connolly.
But days after the amicable explanation, it appears that there is tension within the group, as Jonny’s wife Mariane is said to have branded singer Johnny a ‘snake’.
There are also claims of ‘bad blood’ on Johnny, with one source claiming that this led to departing members Jonny and Paul leaving the band.
Feud? Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid (pictured in September 2021) has reportedly been branded a ‘snake’ by his ex-bandmate Jonny Quinn’s wife, amid claims of ‘bad blood’
Jonny’s wife Mariane reportedly targeted Johnny in a statement shared on social media, claiming the singer is a “snake.”
She took to Instagram to point out that Jonny’s relationship with Gary and Nathan was still good, but added of Johnny, “The last f***er is a snake though,” according to The sun.
She also reportedly made a lengthy statement about Jonny and Paul’s departure, but failed to mention Johnny in the message.
The statement was said to read: ‘I am so incredibly proud of my husband and it is with very mixed feelings that Jonny announces his departure from the band.
“So many great times, so many incredible people and experiences. I couldn’t have dreamed it.
“Sad that the reason for our departure is not the best, but I am excited about what lies ahead.
“I wish Gary and Nathan all the best as they continue to develop, hopefully you can keep it together.”
It is also alleged that there is ‘bad blood’ with Johnny, which led to Jonny and Paul deciding to no longer want to work with the singer.
Lashing out: Jonny’s wife Mariane reportedly took aim at Johnny in a statement shared on social media, claiming the singer is a ‘snake’ (Drummer Jonny is pictured in 2018)
A source told The Sun: It became totally untenable for them to stay together. Johnny has some bad blood about some of the band.’
MailOnline has reached out to Snow Patrol representatives Johnny and Paul for comment.
It comes after Gary announced that Jonny and Paul had left Snow Patrol wishing them well in their future endeavors.
He wrote: “Hello everyone, Sorry to bring you this sad news, but both Jonny Quinn and Paul Wilson have decided to leave Snow Patrol.
“We are heartbroken that they have decided to leave us, but we wish them nothing but happiness, success, joy, compassion and everything they want in all their future endeavors.”
“This first post is purely to let you all know what is happening. The next two posts will be dedicated to Jonny and Pablo separately, as they deserve to be given proper and individual farewells.”
“Nate, JMD and myself will continue with SP and have a new album coming out next year, but more news on that will come at an appropriate time.
“For now, we want to pay tribute and be thankful for all that Jonny and Pablo have given and shared with us over the decades.
“I love Jonny and Pabs, and I love you all. See the next two posts. GL.x’.
Exit: It comes after the band’s front-runner Gary Lightbody (pictured in 2019) said he was ‘heartbroken’ when he announced that drummer Jonny and bassist Paul Wilson had left the band
Angered: Fans told X – formerly of Twitter – that they were “devastated” by the news
Over and Out: The frontman explained that drummer Jonny Quinn and bassist Paul Wilson left the group because he wished them the best in their future endeavors (LR Johnny McDaid, Jonny Quinn, Gary Lightbody, Paul Wilson, Nathan Connolly in 2019)
Fans told X – formerly known to Twitter – that they were “devastated” by the news.
One wrote: ‘So devastated at the news of Snow Patrol, the only band I’ve really been a fan of… but now that I’ve left a few bands myself, I totally understand. I wish both Jonny and Paul the best for their future adventures. Now if only I could play drums or bass…”
Another fan typed, “Can’t believe Jonny & Pabs are quitting” and “Absolutely gutted to see JQ & Pabs leave @snowpatrol.” Thank you both for the memories – the band won’t be the same without you and we will continue to support you wherever you end up!! Massive love to @garysnowpatrol, Nate & JMD. X’
Snow Patrol was founded in 1994 by Gary, Mark McClelland and Michael Morrison, students from the University of Dundee.
Jonny Quinn joined them in 1998 after Michael’s departure, while Paul joined in 2005 as Mark’s replacement.
Continuing member Nathan joined in 2002, while Johnny McDaid joined the group in 2011.
A few years ago, Gary admitted that he fears he will develop dementia because he forgets the lyrics to his songs while performing on stage.
In a new interview, the musician described his father Jack’s battle with the “terrible” disease and revealed that he does memory exercises to reduce his deductible.
The multi-instrumentalist shared: ‘My dad has dementia and I’ve always had memory problems. That has been a lifelong problem. I’m sure it will happen to me and that’s why I’m trying to get over it at the age of forty, instead of leaving it later.’
That’s what the media personality said The sun: ‘Hopefully I have a few more years before that hits me. The memory is close to my heart and in my mind. I try to do memory exercises. I hope at some point that will connect tissue when I’m on stage. Something disconnects the text when I’m there.’
His father – who lives in Northern Ireland with his wife Linda – was diagnosed with the disease in 2015 and died in December 2019.
