“It's a big change for us and the four of us ask for your trust, respect and care as we grow into the next chapter of our lives,” the team collectively wrote in the statement.
After almost one decade as Big Thief's bassist, Max Oleartchik is leaving the band. The team announced the news in an Instagram post on Thursday. “After many beautiful years together, Max is no longer in Big Thief,” the group wrote collectively. “Our love for each other is infinite and we are so grateful for everything we have shared over these many years together since the beginning of our journey as a band. We wouldn't be who we are without Max. This separation marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one for Big Thief.”
The rationale for Oleartchik's departure was unclear. “This change was made for interpersonal reasons with mutual respect at our heart,” they said. The post featured a carousel of photos of the four of them, ending with a video of them all singing in a creek and wishing the world a happy Pride.
The band released their most recent album, Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You, in 2022. The band is scheduled to perform at Project Pabst 2024 in Portland, Oregon at the end of the month. A number of dates are also planned across Europe in August, including a show at Gunnersbury Park and the Playground supporting PJ Harvey.
The group did not say how Oleartchik's breakup will affect the upcoming dates, but asked listeners for patience. “This is a big change for us and the four of us ask for your trust, respect and care as we grow into the next chapter of our lives,” they wrote.
from our partners at https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/big-thief-max-oleartchik-leaves-band-1235058271/