Image credit: Nuclear Blast
Bassist And Vocalist Marko Hietala Leaves Nightwish
Marko Hietala has announced his resignation from the band Nightwish. Within his statement, he states “chronic depression” and disillusion as the main reasons for his exit.
A passionate Hietala expressed his dissatisfaction with the music industry. He said “We have streaming company big guns demanding 9/5 work from artists of inspiration while unfairly sharing the profits. Even among the artists. We’re the banana republic of the music industry. Biggest tour promoters squeeze percentages even from our own merchandise while paying dividends to the Middle East. Apparently some theocrasies can take the money from the music that would get you beheaded or jailed there without appearing as hypocrites. Just a couple of examples here.”
The bassist would go on to say “This past year forced me to stay home and think. And I found myself very disillusioned about these and a lot of things. I found out that I need that validation. For me to write, sing and play, I need to find some new reasons and inspirations. “My Walden” so to speak.”
Marko has never been quite about his chronic depression issues and even says “It’s even in my book that I’m a chronic depressive. It’s dangerous for me and the people around me if I continue. Some of the thoughts a while back were dark.” He goes on to reassure fans he is ok though as he states “Don’t worry, I’m fine. I have my two sons, a wife, the rest of the family, friends, a dog and lots of love. And I don’t think that I’ll be gone for good.”
Marko has also made quick work of dismissing the idea that him leaving had was caused by a decision from the band’s main man Tuomas Holopainen, “Conspiracy is the word of the day. For the people who like them, I need to say that my 55th birthday is now on the 14th of Jan and I’ve certainly done my time for now. Blaming for instance Tuomas is an insult to both him and my free thinking. This is a very sad thing to all of us too. Have care please.”
Adding “There are a couple of things agreed on that I will do in 2021. Otherwise I kindly and with respect ask the media, bands, artists projects etc. to not ask me for anything within the next year. I have some reinventing to do. I hope to tell you about it in 2022. It’s not a promise though.”
He ends his statement by apologising.
Nightwish has also released a short statement on the matter. The statement reads “Markos resignation has left us with some difficult decisions and choices to be made. After much thought and consideration, we have, in mutual understanding, decided to perform the upcoming ‘Human. :II: Nature. -World Tour’ as planned, but with a session bass player.”
“The live lineup will be announced at a later point.”
“We respect Marko’s decision and wish him all the very best. We will not comment any further”
— Nightwish (@NightwishBand) January 12, 2021
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