Trent Harlow removed from Bad Reception following backstage incident

Bad Reception has removed temporary bassist Trent Harlow from its lineup following a backstage confrontation Friday night that left Harlow with a broken nose and preceded vocalist Riley Carter’s disappearance from public view. Studio B - Hollywood confirmed Saturday that Harlow will no longer perform with the group. The decision came after Bad Reception’s Jan. 12 performance, Harlow’s first and ultimately only live appearance with the band. The show ended abruptly during “Don’t Leave Me Alone Tonight,” when Carter became visibly distressed during the closing song and left the stage before the performance was completed. A confrontation occurred backstage afterward. Harlow sustained a broken nose during the incident, but neither the band nor Studio B has identified who caused the injury. Bad Reception said it has been advised not to discuss the confrontation in detail because of possible legal implications. “We’re aware of what people are assuming, and we’re not going to confirm or deny anybody’s involvement in what happened backstage,” guitarist Evan Parker said. “There are legal concerns now, and we’ve been told very clearly not to make that situation worse.” No arrests or criminal charges connected to the confrontation had been announced as of publication. Harlow’s departure follows allegations that he repeatedly directed unwanted personal attention toward Carter during his brief time working with the band. People familiar with the situation described persistent contact and behavior that allegedly continued after Carter had indicated the attention was unwelcome. The allegations have not been adjudicated, and Harlow has not publicly responded to them. Band members declined to provide further details. Parker said Harlow’s removal was unrelated to his musical performance. “It had gotten beyond that,” Parker said. “There were boundaries that weren’t being respected. That’s about as much as I can responsibly say right now.” Drummer Nico Alvarez was similarly cautious. “There are probably several sentences our lawyer would prefer I never finish,” Alvarez said. “So I’m going to show tremendous personal growth and stop talking.” Harlow had been brought in after longtime bassist Jace Holloway stepped away from touring while recovering from an accidental overdose. Studio B - Hollywood selected Harlow for the temporary position despite Parker having offered to move to bass himself. Harlow, best known as the bassist for Los Angeles alternative rock band The Ivory Divide, was announced by Bad Reception on Dec. 28. His Jan. 12 appearance became his only performance with the group. Studio B said Saturday that Harlow’s assignment with Bad Reception had ended but did not say whether the decision would affect his other professional relationships. Attention has also turned to Carter, who left the venue following Friday night’s events and has not returned to the band or made any public statement. Bad Reception has asked anyone with direct information about her whereabouts to contact the group privately and has urged fans not to circulate rumors or unverified sightings. The band has not suggested that Carter is wanted by law enforcement or that her absence is connected to any criminal investigation. “Whatever else happened Friday night can wait,” Parker said. “We just need to know Riley is safe.” Bad Reception has not announced whether its upcoming performances will proceed.