The friend did agree to be there at the killing, but refused to actually do anything untoward.

He really wanted to get back in the good graces of the band that fired him. He went from making lots of money and attending the best parties, to just being a hanger on. He knew the band wanted full control of their name. He knew there was a battle going on. He asked one of his friends to help him, but the friend said no. What did he need help with?