ELOY CASAGRANDE quits SEPULTURA
“decisions needed to be made thinking about new cycles that will come”
28-02-2024
Drummer Eloy Casagrande says that his decision to leave SEPULTURA was made “with a view toward new cycles that will come.”
The news of Eloy‘s exit from SEPULTURA came just two months after the band announced it would celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2024 by embarking on a “farewell tour” which will cover the entire globe.
Yesterday, Eloy released the following statement via social media: “I would like to announce my departure from SEPULTURA. Being part of the biggest Brazilian metal band was one of the best experiences of my life. I just want to thank the band and crew members.
“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.”
When SEPULTURA announced its split with Eloy, the band wrote in a statement: “The ‘Celebrating Life Through Death’ tour, a farewell tour over the next 18 months that will celebrate the band’s 40th anniversary and also its farewell to the stage.
“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 ‘celebrating life through death’ farewell tour.”
Greyson commented: “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 endeavors. 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.”
Casagrande joined SEPULTURA 13 years ago as the replacement for Jean Dolabella.
“Celebrating Life Through Death – European Farewell Tour 2024” dates:
Oct. 30 – Paris, FR – Zenith Paris – La Villette
Oct. 31 – Offenbach am Main, DE – Stadthalle
Nov. 01 – Hamburg, DE – Edel Optics Arena
Nov. 02 – Cologne, DE – Palladium
Nov. 03 – Den Bosch, NL – The Rock Circus
Nov. 05 – Brussels, BE – Ancienne Belgique
Nov. 06 – Esch-sur-Alzette, LU – Rockhal
Nov. 08 – Manchester, UK – Manchester Academy
Nov. 09 – Dublin, IE – Olympia Theatre
Nov. 10 – Belfast, UK – Telegraph Building
Nov. 11 – Glasgow, UK – Barrowland Ballroom
Nov. 12 – London, UK – Hammersmith Apollo
Nov. 14 – Zurich, CH – The Hall
Nov. 15 – Ludwigsburg, DE – MHP Arena
Nov. 16 – Munich, DE – Zenith
Nov. 17 – Budapest, HU – Barba Negra
Nov. 19 – Leipzig, DE – Haus Auensee
Nov. 20 – Vienna, AT – Gasometer
Nov. 21 – Katowice, PL – Spodek
Nov. 22 – Berlin, DE – Columbiahalle
Nov. 23 – Prague, CZ – O2 Universum
SEPULTURA was formed in 1984 in Belo Horizonte, the capital city of Minas Gerais, by Cavalera brothers Max (guitar, vocals) and Igor (drums). Guitarist Jairo Guedz joined the group the following year and played on the band’s first two releases, 1985’s “Bestial Devastation” EP and their 1986 full-length debut, “Morbid Visions”. He also participated in the early songwriting sessions for 1987’s “Schizophrenia”.
In early 1987, Jairo quit SEPULTURA and was replaced by São Paulo-based guitarist Kisser.
In 1996, Max exited SEPULTURA after the rest of the band split with Max’s wife Gloria as their manager.
Igor left SEPULTURA in June 2006 due to “artistic differences.” His departure from the band came five months after he announced that he was taking a break from SEPULTURA’s touring activities to spend time with his second wife and their new son (who was born in January 2006).
SEPULTURA’s previous live albums include 2002’s “Under A Pale Grey Sky”, 2005’s “Live In São Paulo” and 2014’s “Metal Veins – Alive In Rock In Rio”.
SEPULTURA’s last studio album ‘Sepulquarta’ came out in August 2021 under Nuclear Blast.
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