Howard jones joins killswitch engage onstage to sing ‘the end of heartache’

In 2011, Howard Jones (currently of Light the Torch) and Killswitch Engage parted ways, ultimately leading to the return of original singer Jesse Leach. Now, the two shared the stage for the first time as Jones was brought up as a special guest last night (Aug. 10) at the O2 in London during Killswitch's support spot for Iron Maiden.

Leach let Jones handle almost all of the singing to the band's classic "The End of Heartache," as seen in the video above, an occasionally backed him up, countering his crooning voice with a feral roar. Following the performance, Leach posted a photo on Instagram of him and Jones sharing an embrace on a couch backstage, beaming with smiles, relaying a message of positivity and unity stating, "This is not about division or comparison. It is about solidarity, respect and friendship."

Expanding on this message, the singer explained the band's reconciliation with their former frontman and how their issues have dissolved, allowing them all to be friends. "This level of respect and friendship is admirable and I'm honored to be a part of it," he added, noting that he decided to focus on the positive aspect of this ordeal, having already invited Jones to sing on a track on Killswitch's next album before asking him to join the band onstage in London. Read the full message in Leach's post below.

Jones will also be reprising his guest role at tonight's (Aug. 11) O2 performance.

Killswitch have been on the road opening for Iron Maiden on their "Legacy of the Beast" European tour, still promoting their 2016 effort, Incarnate. They've made headway on a new record, but had to halt the process earlier this year to allow Leach to get vocal surgery to remove nodules from his vocal cords. He said the band had written 21 songs in preparation for the new album.

Meanwhile, Howard Jones has been promoting 2018's Revival, the debut album from Light the Torch, who changed their name from Devil You Know after releasing two records under that moniker.