Nightwish bassist Marco Hietala, who originally joined the symphonic metal group in 2001, has announced his resignation from the band. He also insisted that he is leaving his public life behind, while the group revealed that they hope to tour with a session bassist before reconfiguring their permanent lineup.
With six Nightwish studio albums to his name, the first being 2002’s Century Child, Hietala expressed her desire to stop writing and performing music. He expressed his lack of rights in the music industry, which has undergone another major change in recent years with the rise of digital streaming platforms.
It seems that the joy of making music and being in a band is now gone as a result of the financial exploitation of artists within the music industry.
“Last year it forced me to stay home and think. And I was very disappointed with these and many things. I found that I needed that validation. To write, sing and play, I need to find new reasons and inspirations,” he said, in part.
Chronic depression was also cited, “It’s dangerous for me and the people around me if I continue. Some of the thoughts from a while ago were dark,” added the bassist, assuring fans that he is doing well and surrounded by a loving family.
Hietala’s full statement, which appeared on Nightwish’s Facebook page (plus a response from the band as well), can be seen below.
Dear people. I am leaving Nightwish and my public life.
For a quite a few years now I haven’t been able to feel validated by this life. We have streaming company big guns demanding 9/5 work from artists of inspiration while unfairly sharing the profits. Even among the artists. We’re the banana republic of the music industry. Biggest tour promoters squeeze percentages even from our own merchandise while paying dividends to Middle East. Apparently some theocrasies can take the money from the music that would get you beheaded or jailed there without appearing as hypocrites. Just a couple of examples here.
This past year forced me to stay home and think. And I found myself very disillusioned about these and a lot of things. I found out that I am in need of that validation. For me to write, sing and play, I need to find some new reasons and inspirations. ”My Walden” so to speak. And it’s even in my book that I’m a chronic depressive. It’s dangerous for me and the people around me, if I continue. Some of the thoughts a while back were dark. Don’t worry, I’m fine. I have my two sons, a wife, the rest of the family, friends, a dog and lots of love.
And I don’t think that I’ll be gone for good.
Conspiracy is the word of the day. For the people who like them I need to say that my 55th birthday is now on 14th of Jan and I’ve certainly done my time for now. Blaming for instance Tuomas is an insult to both him and my free thinking. This is a very sad thing to all of us too. Have a care please.
But of course now we’ll know, if some go there on purpose.
There are a couple of things agreed on that I will do on 2021. Otherwise I kindly and with respect ask the media, bands, artists projects etc. to not ask me for anything within the next year. I have some reinventing to do. I hope to tell you about it on 2022. It’s not a promise though.
I am so sorry about this.
Marko Hietala
P.S. Tony Iommi is an exception to the ‘no contact whatsoever.’ Childhood hero takes a precedence.
Nightwish, who are poised to get back on the road this year in support of last year’s Human. : ||: Nature. the album, issued a response to Hietala (seen below), noting that they will perform with a session bassist who will be revealed at a later date.
Marko`s resignation has left us with some difficult decisions and choices to be made. After much thought and consideration, we have, in mutual understanding, decided to perform the upcoming Human. :II: Nature. world tour as planned, but with a session bass player.
The live line-up will be announced at a later date.
We respect Marko`s decision and wish him all the very best. We will not comment any further.
Nightwish