Drummer Eloy Casagrande parted ways with Sepultura just before the launch of the Brazilian band's 18-month farewell tour.
Casagrande's departure comes with little notice to fans, although he informed his bandmates of his decision on February 6, before their first rehearsal for the tour.
American drummer Greyson Nekrutman will replace Casagrande, according to an official announcement from Sepultura. The trek will begin on Friday (March 1) in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and the initial stretch of overseas dates will run through the end of the year (get tickets here).
Casagrande joined Sepultura in 2011 and performed on three studio albums during his time with the group. On Tuesday (February 27), the drummer released a statement regarding instagram announcing his departure:
“I would like to announce my departure from Sepultura. Being part of the biggest metal band in Brazil was one of the best experiences of my life. I just want to thank the band and the crew members.
It was a story of almost 13 years, in which I had the opportunity to learn and contribute with each song, show and recording. They were years of great dedication, intensity and commitment. We made 3 studio albums very well received by critics, countless shows on 5 continents and many stories to tell. So, first of all, I reiterate my thanks to Sepultura and the fans for everything we've been through.
Perhaps for fans of the band it doesn't make sense at this point, but it was necessary to make decisions thinking about new cycles that will come. We are made of decisions and they are not always easy. My departure will never erase my respect and gratitude towards the band.
There is a lot to come and I hope to continue making a lot of music and art. See you on the way.”
Sepultura also sshared a statementrevealing that they were shocked and surprised by Casagrande's sudden departure to play in another project:
“The 'Celebrating Life Through Death' tour, a farewell tour over the next 18 months that will celebrate the band's 40th anniversary and also their farewell from the stage.
In early December, the group clearly defined the intention in the announcement: it was a “conscious and planned death.” As poetic as it may seem, a tour of this magnitude took almost a year of preparation and planning, which would require a lot of commitment, ethics and loyalty towards their fans, as well as respect for the history of the band, something that is a clear priority for Andreas. . Kisser, Derrick Green and Paulo Xisto. However, on February 6, a few days before the first rehearsal, drummer Eloy Casagrande informed the band that he was leaving Sepultura to pursue a career in another project. The band was taken by surprise, without warning, he immediately left the band, abandoning everything related to Sepultura. Fortunately, American virtuoso Greyson Nekrutman will take Eloy Casagrande's place and be welcomed as the band's new drummer for the 'celebrating life through death' farewell tour.”
The mysterious and sudden nature of Casagrande's departure has led some to speculate that he could join Slipknot, who parted ways with drummer Jay Weinberg last year. However, so far there is no concrete evidence to support that theory.
Below you can see the respective statements of Casagrande and Sepultura.
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