Metal Underground.com

Korpiklaani Splits With Accordian Player Juho Kauppinen

Accordian player Juho Kauppinen from Finnish folk metal outfit Korpiklaani has checked in with the following announcement about parting ways with the band:

"I have decided to set my goals elsewhere, as a result of which Korpiklaani will go on without me from now on. Korpiklaani was a prominent part of my life for long, but after these eight and a half years I played in the band I have come to realize that I currently want to experience and pursue something else.

"Accordion has never been my primary instrument. I also understood that performing in front of an audience is not exactly what I hugely enjoy. Strange as it sounds, what I most want from making music nowadays is playing guitar at home. That is what I find relaxing and free of stress. Some people love touring, but because I am a very private person I found living and traveling on the tour bus for four weeks in a row a little challenging.

"Nevertheless, I got to experience many things I am deeply grateful for and want to thank all Korpiklaani's listeners, fellow bands, crew members and our staff who enabled all of this. I am glad that the band has now found a truly professional accordionist to take the place of me to take care of the future tours and shows as planned. I wish everyone well. The journey has just begun."