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Opeth Guitarist Peter Lindgren Steps Down
Band Photo: Opeth (?)
Peter Lindgren has stepped down from his guitar wielding duties after 16 years in Opeth. Below is an open letter from Peter addressing the issue:
"It is with sadness I announce that Opeth and I are going separate ways after almost 16 years. The decision has been the toughest I've ever made but it is the right one to make at this point in my life."
"The reason behind this is that I feel that I simply have lost some of the enthusiasm and inspiration needed to participate in a band that has grown from a few guys playing the music we love to a world-wide industry. The love of music has always been, and still is, our motive, but I personally have lost something along the way."
"The massive amount of touring has taken its toll. Opeth has worked extremely hard to get where we are right now and in order to persist and maintain the quality of the music, it is necessary that we continue to work hard and always stay focused. But in doing so, it means that we nowadays spend 18 or 19 months on the road and I don't feel the same enthusiasm for the upcoming world tour that I have felt earlier."
"I have come to a point where I realize I won't be able to give the band 100%, and from both sides this will not be good enough for what Opeth stands for. I will always love playing, listening to, and living music, but I will do it differently from now on."
"These years have easily been the best of my life and I will always cherish the memory of what we have experienced together. I would like to thank the band, our management, record label people, all the bands I've made friends with for everything. Most of all, I would like to thank the fans from the depth of my heart for the support throughout the years."
"I wish Mikael, Martin, Per and Axe all the best and I am confident they will continue doing the greatest music in the world!"
/Peter"
Fredrik Åkesson (ex. Arch Enemy, Talisman) has been confirmed as the new guitarist in Opeth. Visit his MySpace page.
Says Mikael Åkerfeldt: "Well, I think it's too soon right now to fully be able to explain what I feel. Peter and I had been working in this band together for almost half of our lives and we shared some unforgettable experiences together all over the world. We will obviously remain friends and this 'break up' has been on very good terms from both sides. We all wish him the best of luck with his future ventures!"
"Fredrik was the only name that popped up thinking about a replacement for Peter. In my opinion he's one of the top 3 guitar players out of Sweden. We all get along great as we've known each other for maybe 4 years, plus he already has the experience to take on the circus-like lifestyle we lead as members of Opeth."
"I can't wait to see what he can bring to the table musically and also to get out on the roads touring together. His first gig will be at the Ilosaari festival in Finland. I'm sure he'll shit his pants before that one, but then again...so will I!"
What's Next?
31 Comments on "Opeth Guitarist Peter Lindgren Steps Down "
Member
9. writes:
Former Contributor
12. writes:
That knocked the wind out of me. First Lopez then Lindgren.
Lindgren has penned some outstanding guitar parts (solos and riffs I've probably attributed to Ackerfeldt as well). Many of my favorites from him being in Still Life and Blackwater Park.
This next album will be a major departure with only Mikael, Per and Martin remaining. I'm hoping Axe and Frederick can bring something new to the formula. I think Opeth are the longest standing band that has never(not once) let me down with an album.
I'm wondering if this will set things back in terms of that late 07 album release.
Now Playing: Opeth - "Closure" (yes, thats deliberate)
Member
17. writes:
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! The combination of Mikael and Peter doing their guitar thing is the BEST in the business. No other duo can do what they do, because they do it all. From acoustic, to jazzy breakdowns, and to some of the heaviest guitar riffs ever. Peter is definitely gonna be missed! Death to the remaining numetal bands!
18. writes:
Opeth is what doom metal is all about. Peter is an amazing guitarist, but ya, their replacement can play also. I think they won't change their sound hardly at all, and even if they do, it won't be a big deal, cause Fredrick has a lot to offer. Best of wishes to Peter also, and Opeth will continue to make good music still.
Member
Former Contributor
Writer, Reviewer
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Writer, Reviewer
24. writes:
true, but my god, if it does happen, I'll probably orgasm. Of course, music from a grouping of such as those guys COULD turn out sounding crap, but somehow I just don't think there's a high possibility of that happening. I mean, all three of their bands are awesome. It's almost impossible to think it'd turn out gay.
Now playing: Rage Against The Machine - Maria
Member
30. writes:
Opeth will always be Opeth and I'm sure the new album will be great. As for Peter leaving that is sad to hear, but I'm sure he will either do something on his own or be involved with another band in time. Either way he is a great guitar player and will be making good music for a long time (at least one should hope).
Former Contributor
31. writes:
I too would like to hear an instrumental Lindgren album (or non instrumental for that matter).
I can't see how a Wilson/Ackerfeldt/Portnoy album could fail(don't put James Lebrie in though, heh) to be honest, that should be the most profound album ever - period. Love the new PT can't wait for the new Opeth.
Now Playing: Insomnium - "In the Groves of Death"
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1. FocusShift writes:
Sorry to see Peter go, he has helped them create some completely unforgettable tracks. At least his replacement is someone who can hold his own end.
Best wishes to Peter and Opeth alike.