Say Anything frontman delays concerts after accusations of inappropriate fan contact
Max Bemis of Say Anything has postponed a series of acoustic performances following allegations that he sent inappropriate messages to underage fans. The band cited his need to focus on mental health in an Instagram announcement, while screenshots of the alleged messages surfaced on a fan forum. The controversy has also cast doubt on an upcoming collaborative album with Wavves, whose frontman Nathan Williams publicly disavowed Bemis.
The postponed acoustic dates were part of a brief solo tour Bemis had scheduled for early September, separate from the band’s main activities. The Instagram statement did not specify a return timeline, only that he would focus on personal care. Meanwhile, the fan forum screenshots reportedly showed conversations with two teenagers, though no legal action has been mentioned. The collaborative album with Wavves, *Cherry Soda*, remains listed for pre-order, but its future is unclear after Williams’ blunt comments. Williams claimed he wrote most of the record, and that Bemis contributed minimally over just four days of studio time, contrasting with his own 11 months of work.
This controversy may reshape how fans and industry peers treat allegations involving indie-rock figures, especially when mental health is cited as a reason for stepping back. The public disavowal by a collaborator like Williams could pressure labels and retailers to reconsider releasing the album, affecting both artists’ careers. Younger fans, particularly those who idolize confessional songwriters, may become more cautious about direct engagement with musicians, while the broader conversation around power dynamics in fan-artist relationships could intensify, prompting more venues and promoters to adopt clearer conduct policies.