You’ve probably seen the video. Three guys standing on the America’s Got Talent stage, hair a bit messy, harmonies so tight they sound like they’ve been singing together since the cradle. That was Ashes & Arrows in 2024. Among them was Benjamin Voigt, the man behind the keys and one-third of that signature vocal blend.
But then, things changed.
If you go to a show today, the lineup looks different. It’s a classic "band on the rise" story, but with a twist of genuine Asheville soul. People have been scouring the web trying to figure out what happened to Ben. Is he okay? Did the band break up?
Honestly, the reality is a lot more human than a tabloid scandal.
The Asheville Spark
The story of Benjamin Voigt and Ashes & Arrows didn't start in a boardroom. It started in 2021 at an open mic night in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. If you’ve ever been to Asheville, you know the vibe—mountains, craft beer, and music everywhere.
Ben met Ciaran McMeeken (who hails from New Zealand) and Jonathan Calhoun. The chemistry was instant. Like, "we should probably quit our day jobs" instant. They didn't just play; they told stories. Ben’s piano work provided the melodic backbone for their folk-rock-country fusion.
They released an EP called Forward in 2022. It was good. People noticed. But the big break was waiting on a much larger stage.
The America’s Got Talent Whirlwind
In 2024, the world met the trio on Season 19 of America’s Got Talent. They weren't just another cover band. They performed original songs like "Wild Horses" and "Born to Love." The judges were floored. Howie Mandel might have been his usual skeptical self at times, but the audience wasn't. The band made it all the way to the semi-finals. Ben’s role was crucial here. His piano playing and vocal harmonies were part of that "wall of sound" that made Simon Cowell take notice.
They were radio-ready. They were concert-ready. They were, by all accounts, "making it."
The Departure of Benjamin Voigt
Success is weird. It’s exhausting. It’s a lot of van rides and late nights. In late 2024, right as the band was gearing up for the release of their debut album, Chapter One: The Long Road North, the news broke.
Benjamin Voigt was stepping away.
It wasn't a "creative differences" blowout or a legal battle. According to the band’s own communications, it was a difficult, personal decision. Ben chose to move on to a new chapter of his own life. While the band’s official "About" page notes that his influence remains an integral part of their story, he is no longer a touring member.
Today, the band has expanded. They brought in Asheville locals like Justin Roelant on lead guitar, Ted Marks on drums, and Trevor Stoyer on bass. It’s a bigger, fuller sound now.
What You Need to Know About the Current Lineup
- Jonathan Calhoun: Still handling those powerhouse vocals and guitar.
- Ciaran McMeeken: The New Zealand connection, still writing and singing.
- The "New" Sound: It's moved a bit more toward a full-band country/rock feel compared to the original trio’s folkier roots.
Why the Music Still Hits
Even without Ben on the keys for live shows, the songs he helped create are the foundation of the band’s success. "Riverbend" and "Heart Attack" are staple tracks that show the evolution of what they started in those Asheville bars.
The band is currently touring hard. They have dates lined up through 2026, hitting spots like the Sunrise Theater in Southern Pines and Space in Evanston. They are living the "Long Road North" that their album title promised.
What This Means for Fans
If you’re a fan of the original AGT trio, it’s okay to feel a bit bummed. That specific three-way harmony was lightning in a bottle. But music is a living thing. Bands evolve. People's lives change.
Practical Steps for Ashes & Arrows Fans:
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- Listen to "Chapter One": It’s the definitive record of the band’s transition and features the songwriting Ben was heavily involved in.
- Watch the Old Sessions: The "Live In-Studio" EP from Rukkus Room in Nashville is arguably the best way to hear the original trio’s chemistry.
- Check the Tour Dates: The new five-piece lineup is getting rave reviews for their energy. It’s a different show, but the heart is the same.
- Follow Ben’s Journey: While he’s stepped back from the spotlight of a touring rock band, his footprint on the Asheville scene is permanent.
The "arrows" are still flying; they're just pointing in a slightly different direction now.