Stratovarius - Drummer Jörg Michael Quits The Band
Official statement from the band
Stratovarius, one of the most successful Finnish acts with over 2.5 million albums sold, says farewell to longtime drummer Mr. Jörg Michael who will leave the band after 15 years for personal reasons. Jörg will play all the remaining tour dates until the end of January, and will celebrate with a special Finnish Farewell Jörg tour in Finland November 18th - 26th.
Jörg joined the band in 1995 and the first Stratovarius album he played on was Episode (1996). He played on nine albums and nearly 1000 shows with the band.
"The rest of us just has to accept Jörg's decision with a lot of sadness and wish him all the best for the future. But we can also assure that the band will still go on", says the singer Mr. Timo Kotipelto.
The band and Jörg are not going completely separate ways though, since Jörg will still be working for the band with his booking agency Twisted Talent Concerts. "Our long journey of over fifteen years together has not ended yet, as Jörg remains among our background forces - and we couldn't be more happy about that. Not only has he been a great drummer but also a close friend and a true professional. We're honoured to have Jörg by our side for this farewell Tour. We can't wait to rock with our 'German Steamroller' one last time! These shows will be unforgettable for all of us", Kotipelto continues.
Stratovarius, one of the most successful Finnish acts with over 2.5 million albums sold, says farewell to longtime drummer Mr. Jörg Michael who will leave the band after 15 years for personal reasons. Jörg will play all the remaining tour dates until the end of January, and will celebrate with a special Finnish Farewell Jörg tour in Finland November 18th - 26th.
Jörg joined the band in 1995 and the first Stratovarius album he played on was Episode (1996). He played on nine albums and nearly 1000 shows with the band.
"The rest of us just has to accept Jörg's decision with a lot of sadness and wish him all the best for the future. But we can also assure that the band will still go on", says the singer Mr. Timo Kotipelto.
The band and Jörg are not going completely separate ways though, since Jörg will still be working for the band with his booking agency Twisted Talent Concerts. "Our long journey of over fifteen years together has not ended yet, as Jörg remains among our background forces - and we couldn't be more happy about that. Not only has he been a great drummer but also a close friend and a true professional. We're honoured to have Jörg by our side for this farewell Tour. We can't wait to rock with our 'German Steamroller' one last time! These shows will be unforgettable for all of us", Kotipelto continues.
[Also thanks to The Zarto for sending in this news!]
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| Band profile: | Stratovarius |
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| Milena gloom cookie Staff Posts: 4603  |
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| Enissa Posts: 815  |
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| Mountain King K i K o Posts: 1361  |
He will be missed. The sound of his drums and the way he plays is perfect for Stratovarius. Hpe they get Aquiles Priester...
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| RhaegarTargaryen Telcontar Posts: 388  |
I just hope this won't end up as another Stratovarius Tolkki-comes-back saga or something. Shame he left, but he is a veteran, so I understand him.. and I hope they will get some young fresh blood to refresh the band.
---- ... For years I have traveled in coldness, But my heart is warm as the darkened sun above me... Nothing can never take away What I've seen with these tired eyes
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| ParL Posts: 6  |
Written by Mountain King on 17.09.2011 at 15:16 This will definately be an amazing opportunity for Priester indeed!  
---- "What you do in life, echoes in Eternity"
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| John Shock Posts: 500 |
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| mikeprado30 Posts: 1273  |
Come on, for myself there are better drummers in the power scene (cough... THOMEN STAUCH... cough...)
---- BARDS WE ARE, BARDS WE WILL BE!
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| Angelic Storm Melodious Posts: 6675  |
Written by Irritable Ted on 18.09.2011 at 12:18 I really hope that doesn't have anything to do with it. 
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| Angelic Storm Melodious Posts: 6675 |
Written by Irritable Ted on 18.09.2011 at 12:38 I am surprised at the lack of recent news regarding his cancer... which could be a good sign, I hope so. The fact he is going finish the tour which lasts to the end of January is hopefully also a sign that he's in good shape. Also the band saying they have to "respect his decision" would seem to indicate it's not connected to the cancer, as if it was, he'd have had no decision to make... I might be clutching at straws, but at the moment, Im trying to remain positive about the situation... I really hope he is over he worst of it.
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| LeChron James Helvetesfossen Posts: 3561  |
Mmm, I guess The Jörg is gonna move on to greener pastures. All the best to him.
---- Kick Ass, Die Young Less is More Stay Pure Stay Poor Music was my life, music brought me to life and music is how I will be remembered long after I leave this life. When I die there will be a final waltz in my head that only I can hear.
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| Angelic Storm Melodious Posts: 6675 |
Written by Irritable Ted on 18.09.2011 at 13:19 It was a big blow to lose Ronnie... the void in metal and music in general that was opened when he died, seems as big now as it did when he initially passed away. I guess at least he had a good innings, Jorg is only 48... it would be a terrible tragedy if he died at that age. But I think if his condition was deteriorating, he wouldn't be able to finish the tour, so I'm at least optimistic if not totally sure that he's over the worst of it. xD
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