Last week, melancholic metallers AMORPHIS returned from touring North America with their countrymen SWALLOW THE SUN. The band now prepare for several shows in Russia, European festivals as well as supporting Danish rockers, VOLBEAT across the continent. To bridge the gaps between these open air shows, AMORPHIS have also announced eight headlining shows in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Poland and Denmark. The band’s whole tour itinerary can be found below!
But sadly, there is also some bad news, as the band announces:
“Dear all,
We just arrived back home from almost an 8 week North American tour that was a great success in many ways. A humble thank you to all who came to the shows and meet & greets to tell us that we were truly missed last 8 years. Next tour will take place much sooner, that’s for sure.
“There are a lot of things happening right now in AMORPHIS camp but the saddest part is that our dear brother Niclas Etelävuori has decided to part ways with AMORPHIS. His decision has nothing to do with the band, no bad blood, no hard feelings between us so it is better that you read his statement and thoughts below. It’s really hard to describe the feelings everyone is going through right now, especially when we have worked as a family with him for so many years.”
People should understand that AMORPHIS has always been a democratic band and it’s pretty obvious that not all choices can please everyone. Some people don’t get along with each other, that’s life. The focus and all decisions have still aimed for the greater good and only what is best for AMORPHIS. We will continue with our current management as we feel that there is no distrust between us whatsoever.
“Even in these circumstances the show must go on, so we are happy to announce that our old friend and original AMORPHIS bass player Olli-Pekka (Oppu) Laine is going to play the forthcoming shows and festivals with us. It’s been a long time since we played together but it sure is going to be nostalgic and great fun. Rest of the year continues busy as we are now heading to Russia after couple of weeks and from there to Radio Rock (FIN) cruise before the festival season starts. “Under The Red Cloud” tour will end in September and after that we start to work on a new album. We’ll keep you informed about that later on.
“Most of all, we want to wish Niclas nothing but the best in the future and he will always remain as a close brother to us.”
Niclas Etelävuori also states:
“Hello everyone,
I’m very very sad to inform you that after 17 years I’ve decided to leave my duties as bass player of AMORPHIS. This is probably the hardest decision I have ever made in my life. I still love the music and the guys and the crew are still my brothers and I wish them all the best in the future.
“There’s absolutely no bad blood between us. The reason for my departure is 100% due to the (mis)management of the band. It probably sounds crazy to most of you, but that’s how it is (music business can sometimes be very complicated). I got the guy his job back in the day and now I only heard lies and bulls**t for the last many years, I just had enough so I gotta go. I can’t work or live like that. It is pretty obvious to me that the manager only works for his own best interest not for the bands best interest, and that’s not how it should be.
“Strange enough for me ”most” of the band still wants to continue on this path so I better find another one.
We all gotta do what we believe in and I don’t believe in our manager anymore. I have left the door open if the band would decide to change things.
“Staying true to yourself is most important in life and that’s what I’m trying to do, you only live once and life is too short for bulls**t. I could probably write a book about it but I’ll save that for later – now I’m too tired and I have to look for a new job.
“I’d like to thank all the fans, companies, people I’ve met and worked with all over the world over the years, it’s been a blast. I hope we meet again some sunny day.”
Regarding to the management, the band comments:
“We don’t feel that there’s any distrust between band and management. It seems that issue is purely bad chemistry between Niclas and our manager. We don’t have any proof or whatsoever that our management has lied or other ways tried to ruin our career. Everything is better than ever, there’s so much great things going on and happened with AMORPHIS so it’s really hard to find reasons why to change the management. AMORPHIS is democratic band and decisions are based on everyone’s opinion. Obviously we can’t agree to change things upside down just because someone threats to leave the band.
This is a really sad decision and we truly hope all the best for Niclas. Despite his decision he will remain a really close friend for us.”
