Posts Tagged ‘departure’

Flamenco Legend Paco De Lucia Dead At 66

Though this isn’t technically heavy news in terms of music, we are sad to see the departure of such a legend as Paco de Lucia , the famed flamenco-style guitarist. The man was found dead earlier today at the age of 66, apparently from a heart attack . The story goes that he was at the beach in Cancun with his child and he began to feel unwell, perishing on his way to the local hospital. Thank you for everything you did for music, sir. May your legacy never be forgotten. -KG

Adam Gontier to Headline ‘Rock for Recovery’ Benefit Show in New York City

Facebook: Adam Gontier While singer Adam Gontier shocked his fans by announcing his departure from  Three Days Grace  yesterday (Jan. 9), he’s not retiring from the stage entirely. The vocalist will play his first show since leaving the band next Thursday (Jan. 17) as part of the special acoustic ‘Rock for Recovery’ benefit for victims of Hurricane Sandy at New York’s Gramercy Theatre. Gontier will share the bill with such acts as Art of Dying , Hurt , Smile Empty Soul , Edisun, Before the Curtain and Slipknot  DJ  Sid Wilson . Proceeds from the show will benefit the Mercury One Foundation. Gontier confirmed his participation in the event via his Facebook page, and even offered the opportunity for fans to win a pair of free tickets by simply sharing his Facebook post . Tickets for the ‘Rock for Recovery’ benefit may be purchased here . The singer’s newly solo status came as a surprise to many, but it was revealed that the decision to step away from the band was made just prior to Christmas. With Three Days Grace already committed to a co-headlining tour with Shinedown , the band moved quickly to recruit My Darkest Days ‘ Matt Walst to fill-in for the departed Gontier. The vocalist said of his exit that even though a “health issue” was cited with the announcement of his departure that he had not fallen prey to his drug or addiction past and that his sobriety remains intact. He added, “After twenty years of being part of an ever evolving band, I have been inspired by life, to move on and to continue to evolve on my own terms.” See his full letter by clicking below: [button href=”http://loudwire.com/singer-adam-gontier-explains-departure-from-three-days-grace/” title=”Next: Read Adam Gontier’s Letter of Resignation From Three Days Grace” align=”center”]

Sal Costa Explains Exit From My Darkest Days

Island Def Jam My Darkest Days announced over the weekend that their guitarist Sal Costa (pictured at far right above) had left the band , but the musician’s exit actually dates back several months. With the news now out, the guitarist talked about the specifics of the split and why it took so long to reveal with Noisecreep . Costa explained that he actually left the band in October, but the decision to announce his departure was put on hold until everyone felt they were ready to proceed. He added, “Leaving a band isn’t easy. There are relationships from both the band, fans and people who work for you that you have to give an explanation to. I really wanted to sort out everything before any public announcements were made.” The mohawked musician says that even though he had prepared to leave for some time, he stayed on to play shows because he felt he owed it to the fans who paid their money to see the lineup as it was. He also stated that the group was still trying to sort out how they wanted to continue and he felt it would be unprofessional to leave them in a bad situation. As for why left, he explained, “When I think of a band, I think of a group of artists sitting in front of the same canvas painting different parts of the same scenery. I had felt for a long while that I was painting a different scene on a different canvas altogether. We were just not on the same page on many fronts. However, that is okay. Everyone is entitled to their own journey. That is the beauty of life. How can I tell my fans to follow their heart and dreams and then not do the same for myself? That would be hypocritical for me to stay.” Though the band has yet to name a replacement, they have stated in recent days that work has begun on their third studio album. Costa, meanwhile, is currently on his honeymoon after marrying his longtime girlfriend, and has yet to reveal his next musical project. [button href=”http://loudwire.com/my-darkest-days-save-yourself-lyric-video-premiere/” title=”Next: Watch My Darkest Days’ ‘Save Yourself’ Lyric Video” align=”center”]

Flyleaf Singer Lacey Sturm Exits Band

A&M/Octone Big news out of the Flyleaf camp today, as longtime lead singer Lacey Sturm has announced her departure from the band. The news comes right before the group’s final album with Sturm, ‘New Horizons,’ will arrive in stores and online on Oct. 30 via A&M/Octone Records. Bassist Pat Seals has already announced that Kristen May, formerly of the group Vedera, will perform with the band on future tour dates to promote ‘New Horizons.’ “When listening to ‘New Horizons,’ I would hope that fans would be able to lose themselves in the story of each of these songs and form their own connections to them—as we have in the band,” Seals added. “There is a great deal of our souls laid bare on this record, and I feel like it really comes through on the tracks.” Here’s the official statement Pat Seals on Sturm’s departure: As Flyleaf begins this new cycle to introduce our third record New Horizons, we feel our fans should know that Lacey has stepped down as lead vocalist of the band.  Her statement below expresses her reasons for leaving.  In order to continue on with ‘New Horizons,’ Sameer, Jared, James, and myself have selected Kristen May, formerly of Vedera, to assume lead vocal duties for future tour dates.  We are excited for this new chapter in the history of Flyleaf, and hope that our fans will accompany us as we continue on this journey to bring hope and inspiration through our music.  We would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years and we are looking forward to playing for you again soon. This is what Sturm has to say about her departure: I have been beyond blessed to be in Flyleaf for the past ten years, touring with 4 amazing men and the Flyleaf crew, whom I love like my flesh and blood family. They have all given so much.  It took everyone on our team to make the beauty in Flyleaf possible. I am honored to have met so many wonderful people who love Flyleaf music all over the world. Your incredible stories continue to inspire me. I am very thankful to have recently become a mom to one of the greatest blessings of my life, my son Jack. You may have also heard that we recently lost our brilliant sound engineer, Rich Caldwell, in a devastating car accident. Now, more than ever, I understand the phrase Memento Mori. I understand that, for me, living life to the fullest in this season means to step down as the lead singer for Flyleaf. I wish the best to Jared, Pat, Sameer and James and I know that as I continue to pursue the highest heights of what I am created for, it will free them all to pursue that for themselves too. The guys will continue to tour and write music together.  I’m so very grateful that they are able to do what they desire and that there is a beautiful and talented, warm hearted girl like Kristen May to sing for them. Because of this, you will all get a chance to see a new Flyleaf show and support the new album. As I take this first step on a new journey, I pray that each one of you would pursue your highest calling with reckless abandon as well, understanding that sometimes the fullness of life comes in doing things that are only understood by you, God, and the special people God has put in your life that truly love you for you… not for what you do, but for who you are.  I love you guys so much and in many ways, I will stay in touch. May God bless you all with healthy hearts, full of courage to weather the journey to your own ‘New Horizons.’ [button href=”http://loudwire.com/flyleaf-bassist-pat-seals-talks-upcoming-album-new-horizons-more/” title=”Read Our Recent Interview With Flyleaf’s Pat Seals” align=”center”]