Courtesy Reno Divorce
Audio By Carbonatix
Reno Divorce has been a staple of the Denver music scene for decades, a prolific band known for the Social Distortion-influenced songs of singer-guitarist Brent Loveday. But on November 10 at the rock venue JK ‘t Hoekske in Gierle, Belgium, Loveday was involved in an altercation that resulted in the cancellation of the group’s European tour.
Reno Divorce played the show with Seattle punk band Zeke, which posted about the incident on social media. According to Zeke’s drummer, Don “Donny Paycheck” Hales, Loveday was physically assaulted by members of the audience after Reno Divorce’s set – in retaliation for Loveday’s alleged assault of his girlfriend, Valerie Cardenas of Denver.
“We came off the stage,” Hales says, “and in walked Brent with blood all over his face and a bruised face. He said, ‘Oh, I got in a fight.’ Then [Reno Divorce’s] drummer [Jason LaBella] came in, and we asked him what happened. He said, ‘Brent was arguing with a girl, and some guys got pissed and kicked his ass.’ Then someone told me he had beaten up his girlfriend, who is also their merch person.”
Hales continues, “We were having breakfast in the morning, and we ran into his girlfriend. She had a scab on her nose and looked like her eye was turning black. She told us that she had looked at his phone, and he got pissed and hit her then, and some guys kicked his ass. She said [Reno Divorce] stranded her there. She said she couldn’t get into their van, and she needed help. My wife and our female tour manager, who speaks Belgian, were able to help find her a train to get to a flight that she had booked in Brussels to go home.”
Via email, Cardenas tells her side of the story:
“I want to start by setting the record straight and stressing the word ‘alleged.’ Our argument was totally blown out of proportion by Zeke and others in attendance. There were many drunk people there, and Brent and I were having an argument (we may have been the only sober ones there) outside of the venue. The next thing I knew, he was attacked by two people and beaten as he was choked. I ran into the venue for help. It’s unfortunate that this was so blown out of proportion, and it seems that the only reason you want to reach out is to look for some dirt on a very great band from here.
“Brent did not assault me,” she continues, “and the fact is HE was assaulted. He’s living his best life with me sober, and it’s unbelievable that they had their tour canceled for this. This was to be our vacation together, and although I was upset by our argument, it certainly didn’t warrant ANYTHING that happened afterward. This cancel and boycott culture is out of CONTROL! Brent and I have been very happy since we’ve been together, but we have arguments just like all couples do. I’m perfectly fine, and please relay that on BOTH of our behalves. That is my statement, and that is ALL!
“Brent would say this himself if [his alleged assailants] hadn’t broken his phone, by the way,” she then adds.
“Nothing is clarified yet,” says Sandra Billig of Billig People Booking, Reno Divorce’s Germany-based booking agency, acknowledging that the remainder of the group’s European tour has been canceled. “The band is still in Germany and on their way out back to Denver by tomorrow. I was in touch with [Brent], and I’m sure when they are home, we will hear something official.”
In response to Westword inquiries, Loveday offered this statement on November 12:
I want to begin by expressing that we take allegations of abuse and violence very seriously. I have deep empathy for anyone who has been a victim of these experiences. No one deserves to be assaulted, regardless of the circumstances, and I stand firmly against all forms of abuse-be it verbal, sexual, physical, or financial. I’ve witnessed many instances of these abuses throughout my own life-as a child, as a teenager, and as an adult. I myself have struggled with addiction issues and have witnessed first hand the consequences that lifestyle brings. Because of this, I believe I can recognize these harmful behaviors when I see them, and I know where the line is crossed. I also want to make it clear that I did not assault Valerie Cardenas. I encourage you to read her statement, which, to the best of my knowledge, is both honest and sincere. It certainly was not coerced in any way. It saddens me that her words have not been given the consideration they deserve. In fact, they were only referenced at the end of Jason Heller’s article, which I believe does not reflect the gravity of the situation.
The voice of the alleged victim should be the most prominent in any conversation about these matters. I was not present when Valerie made her statement to Jason, but she has shared with me how blindsided she was by the aftermath and the repercussions of her actions that night. She is devastated by the way things unfolded, and I respect her for owning her feelings. I won’t go into the details of the argument we had, as those are personal matters between us. What I will say is that Valerie was deeply upset and acted out of character, but I do not believe this moment defines her as a person. The situation was complex, and emotions were high. While I do not want to delve into specific details or assign blame, I want to be clear that I never intended to harm or did harm to Valerie, nor did I act with any malice. I hold a great deal of respect for her and for all individuals who have suffered in past abusive relationships. I would never consciously engage in or condone any form of violence. It is important to address these matters directly, thoughtfully, and with care. I remain committed to resolving this situation with respect and understanding for all involved.
I also find it unfortunate that a post made by another band’s member, with such limited information, has led to a snap judgment and ultimately caused our tour to be canceled. I believe this was unfair, it was a financial burden for the band, and it is a reflection of the environment we live in today. You are guilty in the court of public opinion and given no trial. There’s no evidence to support these claims other than hearsay. I am eternally grateful for the support of my family, my friends, and my fans. Their unwavering belief in me and the band means the world to me. To those who have made harsh and snap judgments, I ask that they be careful with the stones they throw. We are all human, and we all deserve the chance to be understood fully.
According to court records, Loveday has been arrested twice in recent years for domestic violence. The first was in Arapahoe County in October 2021, on misdemeanor charges of domestic violence harassment and harassing communication; the charges were dismissed. In May 2023, he was arrested in Jefferson County on felony charges of third-degree assault, simple assault and domestic violence assault; he was convicted of second-degree assault causing serious bodily injury.
