BLACKGOLD Pulls Out of CKY Tour Citing Frontman Chad I Ginsburg’s "Narcissism" as the Cause

BLACKGOLD quits CKY tour over frontman’s behavior, calling out Chad I Ginsburg’s disrespect and narcissism.

When Touring Turns Toxic: BLACKGOLD’s Sudden Exit

There’s nothing quite like hitting the road with your favorite band, sharing the stage, and soaking in the thrill of live performances with your crew. That’s why BLACKGOLD’s recent announcement to pull out of their UK tour with CKY caught many fans by surprise—and not for the usual reasons. The nu-metal band abruptly canceled their scheduled gig at Bristol’s The Fleece, citing none other than CKY’s frontman, Chad I Ginsburg, as the dealbreaker.

Chad I Ginsburg, frontman of CKY, at a live show.

BLACKGOLD had been riding alongside CKY on their UK tour and were set to perform one more time together. But instead, they took to social media to reveal that the backstage atmosphere was far from harmonious.

The Fallout: BLACKGOLD Calls Out Disrespect and Narcissism

In a heartfelt Instagram post, BLACKGOLD addressed their Bristol fans directly:

“PEOPLE OF BRISTOL, it hurts to say that we won’t be playing Bristol tonight. Our whole touring crew cannot perform alongside the frontman of CKY. The level of disrespect we’ve been shown by this individual leaves us no choice but to exit. Don’t be a narcissist, don’t be a dick… We’ll be back soon with a headline.”

Going deeper in a video message, the masked five-piece nu-metal outfit didn't mince words. They openly stated they "cannot support that type of narcissism” and lamented how what was supposed to be a fun nostalgia trip turned “absolutely horrendous.”

“We want to play for you guys and we do this for fun, but this has turned not fun. We cannot be around that guy.”

Unfortunately, that "guy" is Chad I Ginsburg, whose behavior evidently created a toxic environment for the supporting band and their crew. BLACKGOLD’s departure speaks volumes about the behind-the-scenes drama that can unfold on tour—reminding us that band dynamics are often as complex as the music itself.

A History of Troubles: CKY and Chad I Ginsburg’s Controversial Reputation

If you’ve been following CKY’s saga, this isn’t the first time Chad I Ginsburg’s persona has sparked controversy. Just about a year ago, during a joint UK and European tour with Alien Ant Farm, the band was booted from the tour amid serious drama.

On November 9, hours before the UK leg kicked off in Margate, Alien Ant Farm’s frontman Dryden Mitchell publicly accused Ginsburg of punching him in the face. Mitchell’s now-deleted Instagram post called out Chad for failing to "cohabitate with others after all these years," leading to CKY’s removal from the tour.

He said:

“I’ve watched him treat multiple crew members and opening band members like trash through the Europe shows and cause general drama around our camp… Well, he punched me in the face and pretty much ran away like I imagine he’ll do for all of his future problems.”

The tension was palpable and apparently not a one-off incident. Mitchell also made it clear that while he held no grudge against other CKY members, he couldn’t stay in what he described as a “volatile situation.”

In contrast, Chad I Ginsburg defended himself, claiming self-defense. His words from that time still ring loud:

“Nothing wrong with defending yourself from a bad guy. If you are attacked or feel truly threatened, have no fear and stop the threat however you can… I had to protect myself. It was a split-second reaction to a very angry guy muttering then yelling #*%! at me from 10ft away charging at ME, into my personal space!”

What’s Next for CKY and BLACKGOLD?

Despite the turmoil, CKY’s UK and Ireland tour is moving forward, supported by bands like False Reality, Molly Vulpyne Band, and Jools. The final show is slated for November 21 at London’s O2 Academy Islington. Meanwhile, BLACKGOLD promises to return with a headline show soon, leaving fans eager to see them back on stage in a drama-free environment.

On the music front, CKY recently dropped a new track titled ‘Can’t Stop Running,’ teasing their upcoming sixth album, New Reason To Dream—though the release date remains under wraps. BLACKGOLD, for their part, released an EP called E.P Phone Home on October 24, giving fans fresh material to dive into while they regroup.

The Band Drama That Keeps Us Talking

Behind every tour bus and backstage curtain, there’s a story, sometimes one full of clashes and egos. The split between BLACKGOLD and CKY offers a rare glimpse at the toll touring can take—not just physically, but emotionally. It’s a reminder that great music doesn’t always mean smooth sailing behind the scenes.

As BLACKGOLD put it bluntly, what was supposed to be “a little bit of nostalgia to end the year” instead turned “absolutely horrendous… fuck Chad.” Harsh words, but they mark a stance many artists might hesitate to take publicly.

FAQ

• What led BLACKGOLD to pull out of the CKY tour?
  BLACKGOLD cited disrespect and what they called the "narcissism" of CKY’s frontman Chad I Ginsburg as the reason for their withdrawal.
• Has Chad I Ginsburg been involved in similar controversies before?
  Yes, notably last year during a joint tour with Alien Ant Farm, where Ginsburg was accused of punching the Alien Ant Farm frontman, leading to CKY being removed from the tour.
• Will BLACKGOLD be touring again soon?
  BLACKGOLD assured fans they will be back soon with a headline show, signaling more music and live performances ahead.
• Is CKY continuing their UK tour despite the issues?
  Yes, CKY’s UK and Ireland tour is proceeding with support from other bands and wraps up at London’s O2 Academy Islington on November 21.
• Has CKY released any new music recently?
  CKY released the single ‘Can’t Stop Running’ last month, ahead of their upcoming album New Reason To Dream.

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