Cradle Of Filth frontman Dani Filth has issued a public statement following the sudden mid-tour departure of keyboardist and backing vocalist Zoë Marie Federoff.
From Buenos Aires, Argentina, Dani shared the following message on the band’s official social media channels: “Hello Filthlings,
A strange turn of events have manifested out here on tour for Cradle Of Filth in South America.
Our keyboardist/backing singer Zoe Smerda has chosen to leave the band mid-tour, effective immediately.
“We, of course, wish her all the best for the future and we as a band will continue onward and upward as always with a replacement singer here in Kelsey Peters, one of the very talented Crewdle members. In life, one cannot always foresee what the future holds for us, but we will remain ever-professional and continue on with ‘The Screaming Of The Americas’ concerts for our fans without allowing any of this to sully our onward trajectory.
“So, our South and Central American brethren, we will see you at the next spat of relentless shows. The shows have already been incredible in Brazil and we are just so exceptionally appreciative of your massive and passionate attendance, my friends and fiends alike.
“Long live the FILTH!
“Dani Filth, Buenos Aires, Argentina.”
Federoff herself had confirmed her departure earlier today, citing personal reasons and asking for privacy: “It is with deep regret I share that for personal reasons I am unable to continue this tour and continue in general with Cradle of Filth.
“Please respect my privacy and my family’s privacy. I will answer no further questions. Be kind to my successor. I wish her and my now former bandmates well. At least, like Roy Khan said over a decade ago, God was there after all.
“Yours,
Zoë”
Zoë Marie Federoff joined Cradle Of Filth in 2022 and performed on the band’s most recent studio album, The Screaming of the Valkyries, released in March 2025. Earlier this year, in January, she married Cradle Of Filth guitarist Marek “Ashok” Šmerda, who remains in the band.
Cradle Of Filth are currently in the middle of their “Screaming of the Americas” tour of South and Central America, with their next concert scheduled for tonight (August 24) at Palermo Groove in Buenos Aires, Argentina. With Kelsey Peters now stepping in on keyboards and backing vocals, the band has confirmed they will continue the tour without interruption.
Writer and extreme metal devotee, Ialdagorth has spent over a decade covering the darkest corners of heavy music. A black metal lifer, he spends his free time wandering the Carpathian Mountains, likely humming blast beats to the trees.
