2021 has already started with a bang: Nightwish bassist Marko Hietala shared a public letter on his social media in which he resigns from the band, which he has been a part of since 2001, and also announces his retirement from public life. Read the text published by the artist below:
Resignation.
Dear friends. I am leaving Nightwish and my public life.
For some years now, I've been unable to feel satisfied with this life. We have big guns pointed at us by streaming , which demand a huge commitment from artists and don't share the profits fairly. The same goes for artists. We are the banana republic of the music industry. The biggest tour promoters also take percentages of our merchandising, while paying dividends to the Middle East. Apparently, some theocracies can take money from music if they want you beheaded or imprisoned, without seeming hypocritical. Just a few examples here.
Last year, I had to stay home and think. And I was very disappointed with these and many other things. I discovered that I needed this improvement. For me to compose, sing, and play, I need to find some new reasons and inspirations. 'My Walden,' so to speak [Reference to Henry David Theorau , Life in the Woods , a work that celebrates personal independence]. And it's also written in my book [ Stainless? ] that I have chronic depression. If I continue to live like this, it will be dangerous for me and the people close to me. Some time ago, I had dark thoughts. Don't worry, I'm fine now, I have my two children, a wife, the rest of my family, friends, a dog, and lots of love.
I don't think I'll ever go back.
Conspiracy is the word of the day. For those who like it, I have to say that my 55th birthday is now, on January 14th, and I have definitely found my moment now. Blaming Toumas [Holopainen] , for example, is an insult, both to him and to my freedom of thought. That's a sad thing for all of us, too. Please be careful.
But of course we'll all know now. If some did something on purpose.
There are some things I've already agreed to do in 2021. Furthermore, I kindly ask you, and with respect to the press, bands, artist projects, etc., not to ask me for anything (until) next year. I have to reinvent myself. I hope to be able to talk about this in 2022, but it's not a promise. I apologize for all of this.
Marko Hietala.
P.S.: Tony Iommi is an exception to the "no contact of any kind" rule. The hero of my childhood takes priority.
