Legendary 90s rock band’s drummer quits group ahead of final ever tour – leaving fans shocked
AN iconic metal band have lost their drummer just days before beginning rehearsals for their farewell tour.
Sepultura members and fans were shocked when Eloy Casagrande quit the group with immediate effect.
The Brazilian group have moved quickly to install American sticksman Greyson Nekrutman behind the kit for the upcoming 18 month long goodbye.
The band wrote: "Beginning of December the group clearly defined the intention at the announcement, it is a 'conscious and planned death'. As poetic as it sounds, a tour of this magnitude took nearly of year of preparing and planning which would require a lot commitment, ethics and loyalty to their fans, as well as respecting for the band's history — something that is a clear priority to Andreas Kisser, Derrick Green and Paulo Xisto.
"However, on February 6th a few days prior to the first rehearsal, drummer Eloy Casagrande informed the band that he was leaving Sepultura to pursue a career in another project. The band were taken by surprise, without prior warning, he immediately left the band, abandoning everything related to Sepultura. Luckily American virtuoso Greyson Nekrutman will take the position of Eloy Casagrande and is welcomed as the band's new drummer for the the 'celebrating life through death' farewell tour."
Stunned fans think Casagrande could be joining fellow metallers Slipknot, who axed their drummer Jay Weinberg out of the blue late last year.
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Casagrande posted a statement himself on Instagram addressing his departure from the band, calling it "one of the best experiences of my life".
He continued: "It was a story of almost 13 years, in which I had the opportunity to learn and contribute with every song, show and recording. These were years of great dedication, intensity and commitment. We did 3 studio albums very well received by the critics, countless shows on 5 continents and a lot of stories to tell. So, first of all, I reiterate my thanks to Sepultura and the fans for everything we’ve been through.
"Maybe for the band’s fans it doesn’t make sense at this point, but decisions needed to be made thinking about new cycles that will come. We are made of choices and they are not always easy. My departure will never erase my respect and gratitude to the band.
"There is a lot to come and I hope to continue making a lot of music and art. See you on the road."
After 40 years and multiple line-up changes the band will begin an 18 month goodbye tour later in the year.
No founding members remain in the group, though guitarist Kisser and bassist Paolo Jr have been present since the eighties and frontman Green has been in the group since 1997.
The band was formed by brothers Igor and Max Cavalera in 1984 and began making an impact towards the end of the decade.
A bitter feud over the group's management divided the band in the mid 90s.
The row, which followed the death of Max's stepson Dana, saw the band try and fire then manager and Max's wife Gloria for allegedly giving him preferential treatment.
Max ultimately quit in 1996.
In 2006 former drummer Igor quit the band too and, after healing his decade-long feud with Max, formed a new group called Cavalera Conspiracy.
The latest musician to join the Sepultura family, Greyson Nekrutman, is relishing entering the fold.
He said: "Today I express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible opportunity to join the legendary ranks of Sepultura for their farewell tour. To contribute to this legacy is a privilege that fills me with both honor and excitement.
"Sepultura's fearless approach to exploring new territories in the metal sphere is something that I have always admired and strived to emulate in my own musical endeavours. I am eagerly looking forward to adding my own spirit and passion to the mix, to connecting with the fans who have supported the band through its evolution, and to the electrifying experiences we'll create together on stage. Here's to the new chapters we'll write together, to the stages we'll conquer, and to the powerful music we'll unleash upon the world."
The band had always spoken highly of his predecessor, who joined 13 years ago.
In a previous interview Kisser said Casagrande was made for the band, adding: "he's really exploding; he's really free to express himself the way he wants to."
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The band's pounding tribal rhythms play a huge part in its sound.
They've sold more than 20 million records worldwide and are best known for their trio of early 90s albums Arise, Chaos A.D. and Roots.
