Cradle of Filth have officially added guitarist Joff Bailey as a permanent member, replacing Marek Šmerda (also known as Ashok). Ashok notably exited the band soon after his wife, Zoe Marie Federoff, left mid-tour last year, with the couple later entering a public dispute with frontman Dani Filth and the band’s management that has since led to a lawsuit filed last fall.
Bailey joins from Savage Messiah and, according to the band’s announcement, has also contributed to their upcoming 15th studio album. He is currently performing with the group on the “Majestic In Death Tour,” where Cradle of Filth are headlining alongside Suffocation, with support from Ghost Bath and Cultus Black.
Meanwhile, Cradle Of Filth continues to navigate backend legal challenges. Last year, a lawsuit was filed against Dani Filth and the band’s management by six former members.
According to the court filings, key allegations in the suit include:
- Unauthorized Use of Likeness: Several plaintiffs claim they never signed agreements permitting the band or its management to use their names and images for commercial purposes, yet merchandise and promotional materials featuring them continue to be sold.
- Intellectual Property Theft: Schoolcraft alleges that the band has misused her original copyrighted “sigils” artwork on merchandise without authorization.
- Unpaid Wages and Royalties: The suit claims the band withheld financial accounting regarding merchandise, recording royalties, and publishing agreements. Baxter specifically alleges she was never paid for her appearances in the music videos for “Malignant Perfection” and “To Live Deliciously,” only to later discover merchandise featuring her image from those shoots being sold.
- Defamation: The complaint addresses public statements made by Dani Filth following the acrimonious exit of Federoff and Smerda in August. It alleges Filth made disparaging and false claims regarding Federoff‘s alcohol consumption and a miscarriage, causing significant reputational harm.
- Property Disputes: Federoff claims her custom microphone was destroyed and her in-ear monitors were never returned.
The legal action followed a public meltdown in late August, where Federoff and Smerda quit the band mid-tour, citing a “threatening” work environment and refusal to sign what they described as an unfair contract. At the time, Filth fired back on social media, accusing the couple of unprofessional behavior and alcohol abuse—claims the lawsuit now vigorously contests.
While Dani Filth has yet to offer a direct public statement regarding the active lawsuit, he has previously noted his refusal to “let unfounded slander define this band or diminish the work we’ve put into it.”
Cradle of Filth 2026 Tour Dates:
- May 05 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
- May 07 – Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome To Rockville
- May 08 – Pensacola, FL – Vinyl
- May 09 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
- May 11 – Washington, DC – Black Cat
- May 12 – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian
- May 14 – Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple
- May 16 – Saginaw, MI – The Vault
- May 19 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge
- May 20 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater
- May 21 – Lawrence, KS – Granda Theater
- May 22 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theater
- May 23 – Denver, CO – Gothic Theater
