November 1994 Pierce was arrested for brandishing a Samurai sword in his local Kensington Pub after an argument. He was due in court early 1995 but flew to Japan where he did some radio work and joined a Japanese band onstage, until he was hospitalised after a mugging Pierce flew back to London in February to collect his belongings then left for America, having been requested to leave England following his arrest and lack of visa. He settled in Los Angeles, near to Viper Room club owned by his friend Jonny Depp