Eyes Wide Open Parts With Vocalist Patrik

Eyes Wide Open just issued the following announcement about parting ways with vocalist Patrik M. Fahlin:

"We have some sad news to tell you. Patrik has decided to step down and leave his place as the lead singer of Eyes Wide Open. There are no issues in the band or bad blood between us what so ever. He leaves us as a friend and will always be a big part of us.

"Eyes Wide Open will continue as a band and we will still go on the tour with The Unguided, that starts on April 14. This with Erik handling the vocals instead of the guitar. Our upcoming album however will be delayed, more info about that coming later."

Patrik had this to say: "Wow, this is hard to write... As stated above, I am leaving Eyes Wide Open as of today. It has been terribly hard to make this decision, trust me on that. And if there was any other way, I would never make this decision.

"So, why am I leaving? There are three parts in my life that has required most of my attention; my family, my health, and Eyes Wide Open. It has been really hard to handle all three parts for me, and I found myself at a crossroads. I realized that I had to let one of the three go, or I would soon loose all three, simply because my time and strength wasn't enough to nurture all three at once.

"As stated by my friends, brothers and previous bandmates; there is NO bad blood whatsoever between us, and even though they have not taken my departure lightly, they understand and support me, and that's the exact reason why I decided to be in a band with them from the start. They are the most loving and understanding people you could ever hope to call your friends, and I love them with all my heart.

"It is important to know that I'm not just quitting Eyes Wide Open - this is also my farewell to music. For me, music IS Eyes Wide Open, and now I bid farewell. To all of the people I've met through the years, and to all our fans, from the bottom of my heart: Thank you so much! You made my lifelong dream come true, and for that I am forever grateful. Thank you for everything, and farewell."