Marko Hietela, bassist and co-lead vocalist of Finnish metal legends Nightwish, has announced he’s leaving the band after 20 years.
In a statement shared by BLABBERMOUTH, Hietala revealed that he hasn’t felt “validated” by his life as a musician for some time now.
“We have streaming company big guns demanding 9/5 work from artists of inspiration while unfairly sharing the profits,” he said.
“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,” he continued, “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.”
He also said that he might not be gone for good from public life, but he will be gone for at least a year.
“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.”
Hietala joined NIGHTWISH in 2001 and recorded six albums with the band, from 2002’s Century Child to 2020’s Human. :II: Nature.
