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Iced Earth Vocalist Matt Barlow Quits The Band
Band Photo: Iced Earth (?)
After returning to the band in 2007 following high demand from fans, singer Matt Barlow has announced that he will be leaving Iced Earth after their summer tour, citing family committment and the toll of touring as a result. An emotional message from Barlow reads as follows:
"Let me begin by saying how much of an honor it has been to share my time in Iced Earth with Jon and the guys…and with all of you! Since my return to the band in 2007, it has truly been extraordinary. I have had the opportunity to travel the world and see old friends and meet new ones. Though we had originally thought that the Iced Earth touring schedule would be very limited, we were able to play our fair share of concerts.
"During that time we were also able to have a live DVD produced (the forthcoming Festivals of the Wicked). However, due to the rapidly changing music industry, it has become increasingly clear to recording artists that the only way to keep a band viable and to truly reach its potential is through live performances. That means that a band must reach out to new regions of the globe and become pioneers for their own livelihood. Since 2007, Jon and I have always had the best intentions for the future of Iced Earth, and we still do. However, given the band’s projected touring schedule, Iced Earth’s future and mine must now take separate paths.
"On my departure from Iced Earth in 2003, I made a commitment to my wife and to the idea that we would start, and raise, our family together. Two years later, my first child was born and two years after that, my second. My youngest son was born about a week before Jon asked me to return to Iced Earth. It was a very exciting and emotional time for all of us, but we were all clear on our intentions. It is apparent to us now that regardless of our belief at that time, time can change an intended outcome. In this instance, I hope that change will not be regarded as a bad thing, but rather as a necessary part of evolution.
"Jon and the band must venture into new realms to continue to grow Iced Earth. I commend him for his ideals and wish nothing but to share in his vision. I know that this is not the last time Jon and I will work together, but it will be my last endeavor with Iced Earth. Iced Earth is a name and force of its own. It has been very good to me and has allowed me to live a dream that others would give most anything for. I have been truly blessed to share this experience with everyone. I will continue to support Jon and Iced Earth in every way. I will also continue to create and perform in my own capacity.
"These next months will prove to be a very emotional time for me. I am extremely happy to be able to share the experience with Jon, Brent, Freddie, Troy and the Iced Earth family. I am proud to know them and honored that they consider me their friend. It is going to be phenomenal to share the love of this music during several summer festivals and I know that it will be a time we will never forget.
"Please consider all that I have brought forth and all of Jon’s offerings before passing judgment on the future of Iced Earth. This band has always strived to give its listeners the very best and I know that Jon, as always, will continue to lead that charge.
"To Iced Earth and all of you…I wish you the very best!!!"
Founding member and guitarist Jon Schaffer has reponded to Barlow's announcement with the following retort:
"I knew Matt wrestled with this for a long, long time,” said Schaffer. “It wasn’t an easy decision for him. But I love him dearly and I can’t fault his reasons.”
Schaffer continued: "Matt is one of the most sincere people I know, and one of the most talented. His departure deeply saddens me, but I hope all fans of Iced Earth will cut him some slack. I wish Matt well, respect him greatly, and I ask everyone else to do the same."
With a new album in the works, and a world tour pending, Schaffer has already begun the search for a new vocalist.
"I have a few guys in mind," said Schaffer. "And as you can imagine, it is a very important decision. One thing is for certain: we are not looking for a Matt Barlow ‘clone’ – we are looking for a front man that brings power and character of his own to the table. There’s only one Matt, and that era of the band’s history will always hold a special place in my heart."
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48 Comments on "Iced Earth Vocalist Quits The Band"
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I'm very upset. I've been trying to see Iced Earth live since 2001. Sure, when Barlow left, I didn't really care for them. But when he came back I tried tooth and nail to go. Hopefully this summer tour comes close, or I will be forever in regret.
NP: "The Phantom Opera Ghost" - Iced Earth
I don't think that wanting to raise your family makes you a drama queen. But I don't know.....
I'm not really that much of an Iced Earth fan, not cause I don't like them, I just don't really have anything by them. But I know they're a great band with great players and I know they'll find a vocalist that works for them.
I think they should get Ripper Owens again. He really is a great vocalist. I like all his work with Priest (even though a lot of people don't), and Beyond Fear, and Charred Walls Of The Damned. And I've heard his Iced Earth stuff, and I think they should have him back.
Senior News Correspondent
After the way they handled the split, I can't see Ripper going back to Iced Earth. I'd prefer to see him join another band that needs a great singer. I saw Ripper with Malmsteen at the same festival I saw Iced Earth and was really impressed by him, though I thought Malmsteen kept Ripper in the back as much as possible so he could mess about on the guitar.
Member
owens is the obvious choice for schaffer....i would hope that bearen dog has the dignity of self to refuse if is his offered the gig...they hung that poor fvcker out to dry
i also hope ripper doesn't return because i hate his vocals...he is a capable singer, but his tone and delivery are just grating...i threw that fvckin inglorious BURDEN out the fvckin window on the second time around!
my favorite record is still night of the stormrider...and though he's a rather weak voiced fellow, ol' Greely sound just perfect on that album....but he doesn't have the chops for the later works
fvck, i don't know who would be the man for the task right now...
@ Diamond Oz. Malmsteen is a massive tool. I'm really not a fan. I'm not taking anything away from him, he's a good player I just really don't like him.
I don't really know anything about how Ripper left Iced Earth but that's sad to hear.
Have you heard any of Ripper Owens Beyond Fear stuff? Or Charred Walls Of The Damned? I don't think people give Ripper enough credit because he's been the replacement singer a lot in his carreer.
Senior News Correspondent
I agree ZMA, Malmsteen kinda ruined his own set for me. So much so, me and a mate went back to the campsite for a few hours before heading back to catch Saxon. Ripper is a great singer and certainly doesn't get the credit he deserves in my opinion, but I haven't gotten round to checking out Beyond Fear or Charred Walls Of The Damned yet, though a friend of mine saw Beyond Fear supporting Anthrax and said they were really good.
Diamond Oz. Haha I'm sorry to hear that. I hope Saxon was kick a$$ though.
Oh alright, well I recommend checking out Beyond Fear. When I met Ripper he told me that he's actually working on a Beyond Fear album, and it's gonna be heavier then their first. Beyond Fear has kind of a Rob Halford solo albums sound to it but I think he really came into his own with that band. If you're into anything like that definitely check it out.
And Charred is a really band. There are a lot of interesting riffs on it and Rippers vocals really give it a different feel. If you have the time give them a listen.
I'm sorry to hear that Matt's leaving, but it's not entirely unexpected. He's had a hell of a busy schedule, and when it comes to a choice between staying with the band or remaining committed to his family, well that's not really a choice at all. I'm sad to see him go, but I commend him for this. He made the right choice.
Iced Earth have had some mad line-up changes over the years, but it's never stopped them before and it won't stop them now. Jon's a man of integrity, and won't hire anyone who can't live up to the Iced Earth name. Good luck to both Matt and Iced Earth!
IN the real press release of this story he did NOT quit the band but Matt retired from Iced Earth
I'm a fan of Iced Earth for that last 2 years now i'm very sad to hear about this news but i do understand and respect Matt's reason for retired from Iced Earth. I am very said i will never get to see Matt live with Iced Earth.
I look forward to the new DVD coming out and the new album.
I look forward to see what a fresh new lead singer will bring to Iced Earth.
Cause Iced Earth rules!!
Member
AHHHHH BALLS!!! I guess I'll take seeing Barlow with Iced Earth off my bucketlist, was really hoping to see them and for another album with him on vox.... And personally, I don't want Owens to rejoin because if its like his previous stuff with them it'll be very subpar to the Barlow albums. I'd like them to get someone new so I can at least look forward to the album.
Yea I guess it would have to be someone new. Difficult to bring back Ripper under the circumstances. I just didn't recall Schaffer slagging Rip. Thought it was a case of Barlow making him self available again. I do remember Schaffer saying Rips voice not being proper for IE live but I don't recall any nastiness. Oh well I liked the Ripper stuff but I guess not many other IE fans did.
I've already posted my thoughts -
I'll add since reading many comments here --
Jon and Matt are very tight. Matt made an thoughtful, heartfelt, intelligent decision. Jon respected his decision. I applaud Matt's dedication to his family and support all he chooses, while I'll miss his vocals and stage presence very much.
However, I see this now as positive opportunity: Opportunity for someone new, opportunity for many more tours abroad and in the U.S., less-constricted scheduling and recording for Iced Earth, and opportunity for us as fans to embrace another great vocalist and stage presence within Iced Earth. I look forward to the momentum, progress, and new chapters for Iced Earth - their shows, recordings, DVDs, and more!
Member
I'm sure Schaffer will find a willing, competent vocalist to replace Barlow, but don't pull Ripper away from Malmsteen, I kind of think it's where he can shine a bit.
Personally, though, I think Hansi from Blind Guardian would be a lovely fit.. just look at Demons and Wizards.
Member
I am gutted but John will keep taking the band onwards all the vocalists that Iced Earth have had down the years i have to say they have all been good and suited the band very well.
Ripper Owens was brilliant on The Glorious Burden that's the album that got me into the band and made buy all of there albums.
I'm sure they will bounce back even stronger
R Tenney. I haven't heard Malmsteen's new stuff. I can't get into him, his personality just throws me off. But yea I agree with you. Ripper has been a singer for hired most of his carreer. I think Beyond Fear and his new solo album are the only stuff he did himself. Oh and Winter's Bane possibly.
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Member
what the hell....again?? ol Barlow is a bit of drama queen eh
well hell, maybe this time he'll become a fire man....and have a fire man band!
ya know, something like 'Matty and the Flames' or maybe 'Big Red's First Force Fire Brigade Band' :)
well, here we go again with the fvckin IE singer go round