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Vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen Leaves The Gathering

Photo of The Gathering

Band Photo: The Gathering (?)

Anneke van Giersbergen, singer for world-renowned Dutch rock act THE GATHERING, has decided to pursue new goals in life and music.

In a statement, she says:

”Dear people, I wanted to send out this message to all of you to inform you that I have decided to leave The Gathering. After much consideration and some serious soul searching, I feel that it is time for me to change my direction in life and develop and search out new goals.

In all the wonderful years that I have been a part of The Gathering, we, as a band, have always strongly believed in sincerity: both personally and within our music. I have always been able to give one hundred percent of myself to the band and its music. Over the last year I developed an urge to initiate my activities from a different place in my heart, focusing on myself and my family.

In order to stay true to myself, the band, crew and the fans, I see no other option than to leave the band and pursue my new goals in life and music.

I loved my 13 years with The Gathering and I take pride in all the beautiful music we have made together and will always cherish the good times we shared on the road and in the studio. The decision to leave all of this behind has been incredibly difficult, but since it's made from the heart, I strongly believe that I have to go with it. Although it saddens me to say goodbye, I have made a lot of exciting plans for the future both personally and professionally.

Thank you for all the love and support and I hope we will meet again in life and music -- Anneke.”

The band has posted a statement on their website regarding the singer’s departure. It reads:

"We are very sorry to announce the fact that Anneke has decided to leave the band in August 2007. Anneke has several reasons not to be a member anymore. We really regret the fact we could not find a way to continue together.

However, we (the Gathering) will be working on new material with male & female vocalists. Expect a CD release somewhere in 2008.

With Anneke we've made great albums and did fantastic shows, which we are very proud of! We had a great time! We wish Anneke all the best for the future. The remaining festivals we will play together with Anneke. No new gigs will be scheduled. The last gig with Anneke will be the Ankkarock Festival in Finland, the 4th of August.

Also the new DVD, A Noise Severe, as well as the double live CD will still be released this summer -- Frank, Hans, Marjolein & Rene."

The band released their latest album, Home, last April on The End Records.

Source: bravewords

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10 Comments on "Vocalist Anneke Leaves The Gathering"

RememberMetal?'s avatar

Former Contributor

1. RememberMetal? writes:

Never my cup of tea but they had a good long run and left a pretty big dent on their genre.

Now Playing: Soundgarden "Rusty Cage"

# Jun 6, 2007 @ 2:05 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
deathbringer's avatar

Founder, owner & programmer

2. deathbringer writes:

I was given Mandylion long ago as a gift and I liked it. It's got a very Ride The Lightning feel to many riffs, but the female vocals and more melodic parts make it different. They got softer and more ambient sounding with each album and I gave up on them 2 albums later.

# Jun 6, 2007 @ 3:38 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
i_KILL_u's avatar

Member

3. i_KILL_u writes:

heard a few songs, never really liked them. i don't think it's a big deal. hope they get a better vocalist.

Now Playing: Right Now - Korn

# Jun 7, 2007 @ 10:44 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

4. Jrizzle writes:

This band always scared me

Now Playing: The Red Chord - Antman

# Jun 7, 2007 @ 9:26 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

5. Everdream writes:

It's kinda sad to see her go, I really enjoyed their music. I don't think The Gathering will ever be the same now.

# Jun 8, 2007 @ 5:14 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

6. Dre writes:

Just saw them Live in Vancouver.... Wonderful show, supporting Lacuna Coil no less.
I'm just glad I got to see them before the split. Good luck.

# Jun 9, 2007 @ 2:22 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

7. fuck The Gathering writes:

The Gathering sucks

Anneke van Giersbergen rules

i will kill all of you if hate on them for no reason so f*** you

shut the f*** fa**ot f*** off you muther fuicker

# Jun 10, 2007 @ 9:27 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

8. Zago writes:

It always comes down to a time when a musician faces within himself looking for answers. Maybe this is Anneke's time.
I wish her good luck and also for the remaining band.

# Jun 12, 2007 @ 12:28 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Neurotictim's avatar

Supporter

9. Neurotictim writes:

I like them - in small doses - and they've done a lot for female-fronted bands - not as much here in the States as Evanescence, but in Europe they were huge. They should at least get credit for that.

Now Playing: Between the Buried & Me - "Selkies: The Endless Obsession"

# Jun 14, 2007 @ 6:12 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

10. rk writes:

and let thy bashing of kmadd begin. This is pretty bad news i just caught on to their music at a friends party really pretty decent for euro pop the music had a tapping the vien/portishead kind of feel to it. Sheeit imho she has a great voice i can see her embarking on a fairly decent solo career.

# Jun 20, 2007 @ 11:22 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address

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