American rocker Caleb Shomo has come out as a “proudly gay man” after nearly 14 years of marriage to his wife, Fleur Shomo. The multi-instrumentalist is the frontman and co-founder of the metal band Beartooth, which formed in 2012 and has since released five albums.
Posting a lengthy statement to social media on Sunday, the singer revealed that his announcement followed deep introspection and came amid external pressures threatening his private life. “There’s been a lot of speculation surrounding my personal life as of late and I feel compelled to set the record straight before it affects those I love any further,” he began. “I am a proudly gay man. This is something I’ve been unpacking and reckoning with in my life for quite some time now. It’s been difficult to navigate the feelings surrounding the subject and figure out what to do with this fact.”
Music as an Outlet
Shomo explained that much of his pain had been channeled into the band’s music, though the announcement may come as a shock to some. It follows Beartooth’s Pure Ecstasy world tour announcement, with gigs scheduled across Europe and the US this year, and Australia in early 2027. “When it comes to my art/Beartooth, I have always strived to chase who I am in the deepest part of my soul from album to album. As you could gather if you’ve followed the band at all in the earlier years, there are 4 very self deprecating albums about exploring my religious upbringing, depression, self hatred, self loathing, and hopelessness,” he added. “I am grateful for all these albums, yet feel embarrassed at times that I wouldn’t allow myself to really dig up the roots for so long.”
Struggles with Alcohol
Shomo admitted that he had spent much of the band’s lifespan suppressing his inner demons with alcohol. However, he believes that such transparency with loved ones and fans will bring him closer to “self-love”. “I spent a decade burying feelings with alcohol, and honestly when I decided to put it down and focus on exploring why I felt this way for so long, it’s been a direct path to me reconciling with my sexuality in hopes that it will eventually lead to me experiencing self love,” the musician continued. “One thing I decided before I wrote a single note or lyric of the upcoming album is that whatever happens, I will express myself whole-heartedly and fully.”
Shomo said he refused to “water any part of it down” — promising to be entirely transparent through his lyrics, sound, and portrayal of himself. He thanked fans for their love in response to his vulnerability and encouraged others in similar positions not to bury such feelings “deep” as he did.
Fleur Shomo’s Response
Shomo’s wife Fleur — a fellow creative and podcast host — released her own statement in line with the rocker’s. She paid tribute to their marriage while expressing sadness that it had ended, and applauded her husband’s honesty. “You can love and support your person through the hardest time in their life, whilst also be completely demolished and lose yourself at the same time,” she wrote. Fleur added: “Our nearly 14yrs of marriage was wonderful and full of so much fun, adventure & love. Nobody will know anything about our marriage like we do. And no one can ever truly know what depths of love exist between two people unless they are those people. I already miss it & my husband more than anything. Our story was a good one. And now it’s done.”
Fan Reactions
A groundswell of fans responded to the band’s tour announcement and Shomo’s revelation with support, though the news did not come without its fair share of haters. “You’re an amazing artist with an absolutely beautiful soul! I love that you’re embracing your true self and I am proud of you for choosing to be unapologetically YOU! Ignore any negativity that may come your way in any capacity,” one person wrote. “Nothing but love for you. This must have been so hard, and you are so brave for sharing your true self with everyone,” another said. One user wrote: “It is somewhat selfish not to mention the wife, after hurting her.” “Sad I have to unfollow now,” one more said.
Beartooth’s world tour kicks off in Germany in September, with the band set to arrive in Australia in January 2026 to play shows in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.
