Conversation so far:
Why did Joe Loeffler leave Chevelle?
Due to different stories from the band members, it is unclear whether he was fired or left the band of his own accord.
Who took Joe Loeffler's place in Chevelle?
Dean Bernardini, the Loeffler brothers' brother-in-law and longtime friend, took Joe Loeffler's place in Chevelle.

Question: How did the public take his departure?
Self-contained rewrite: How did the public take Joe Loeffler's departure from Chevelle?