Guitarist Pat O’Brien, formerly of CANNIBAL CORPSE and currently with EXHORDER, has revealed his plans to embark on a solo project
The 58-year-old musician, infamous for his arrest in December 2018 during a house burglary and assault on a police officer incident while his Florida residence was on fire, discussed his future endeavors while addressing his involvement with EXHORDER, the influential New Orleans thrash metal band, where he has been a touring member since May 2022.
In a statement shared on EXHORDER‘s social media, O’Brien confirmed his continued commitment to EXHORDER, expressing his intent to contribute to the band’s future and participate in tours when possible. Additionally, he disclosed plans for a solo project, although no concrete details have been established.
Pat‘s statement reads: “I am in EXHORDER and will be contributing as well moving forward. I will also be on tour with the band when I’m permitted to. I also will be doing a solo project at some point but no solid plans on that as of yet.”
EXHORDER also commented on O’Brien‘s involvement in the band, writing: “We have been getting a lot of questions asked about whether or not Pat O’Brien is a permanent member of EXHORDER, or if he will perform with us when we play Latin America in December/February. The good news is Pat is our guy. He wants to be in this band moving forward and we want him with us as long as he wants to be.
“Unfortunately, he is still sorting out his travel restrictions, and is limited to shows in the United States at this time. Therefore, we are fortunate that our friend and brother, Waldemar Sorychta [GRIP INC.] is once again stepping up to help us bring the show to you all in Latin America! We’re looking forward to seeing everyone on tour soon!”
Pat O’Brien made his debut with EXHORDER at the 2022 Maryland Deathfest, stepping in after guitarist Marzi Montazeri‘s departure. Montazeri cited his decision to no longer be part of the band at that time.
The guitarist’s tumultuous past includes the 2018 arrest during which he burglarized a house, assaulted a deputy with a knife, and was subsequently subdued with a stun gun. A fire broke out at O’Brien‘s rented house during the arrest, revealing a cache of weapons, locked safes, explosive devices, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
O’Brien, who was born in Northern Kentucky, allegedly broke into a Northdale, Florida home and shouted that “the rapture is coming” before pushing a woman to the ground. He ran toward a responding deputy with a knife and was subdued with a stun gun.
Less than half a mile from where O’Brien was arrested, a fire broke out at the house he was renting, sending flames billowing into the night sky from the roof.
The owner of the home where O’Brien was arrested told ABC Action News he thought Pat was hallucinating when he spoke to him and claimed “someone was after him.” The homeowner noted that O’Brien did actually seem scared and at one point even hid in his closet.
Pat was eventually released on bail and later sentenced in March 2021 to time served, five years of probation, restitution, community service, and substance abstinence, following his departure from CANNIBAL CORPSE in early 2021. Erik Rutan replaced O’Brien in CANNIBAL CORPSE, known for his contributions to MORBID ANGEL and HATE ETERNAL.