In a recent interview with The Whatever, Buddy?! Podcast, former Thundermother vocalist Guernica Mancini opened up about her tumultuous departure from the band and the subsequent formation of her new group, the Gems.
Mancini revealed that the Gems came together in early 2023 after she was fired from Thundermother and the remaining members decided to quit in solidarity. She attributed her dismissal to conflicts with the band’s guitarist, whom she described as “polar opposite” and “abusive.” Despite the difficult circumstances, Mancini expressed pride in her dismissal, noting that she was the sixth vocalist to be fired from the band.
Despite the abrupt departure, the Gems wasted no time in releasing their debut single, “Like A Phoenix,” just four months later. Mancini explained that the band felt a responsibility to capitalize on the momentum they had built within Thundermother. She emphasized that the three members who left were instrumental in driving the band’s success and had ambitious goals for the future.
Mancini also expressed her gratitude to her former bandmates, Emlee Johansson and Mona Lindgren, who left Thundermother in support of her. She described them as “amazing people” who provided her with much-needed support during a difficult time. The trio channeled their emotions into their songwriting, resulting in the powerful and personal songs featured on their debut album, “Phoenix.”