For the last two tour cycles, Swedish facemelters Graveyard have been touring without their long time bassist/co-founder Rikard Edlund. While Graveyard has never been a band to air their dirty laundry and keep things very private, we can only assume that Rikard was more than likely walking on that “thin line.” Rumors of his “wild child” ways had been running a muck and starting with the first cycle of the Lights Out tour the band decided to tour with former Versant guitarist Johan Grettve filling in on the bass. Grettve did a great job but we were all wondering when, and if, we would ever see Rikard wielding the four string again.
Today, October 17th, the following message was posted via Graveyard’s official Facebook page:
So, friends, listeners and music lovers. The touring cycle is over for this album and the future is here sooner than you would know. We’d like to thank everyone who has come out to our shows, bought the albums, wore their tshirts proud and made this job one of the absolute best ones you can have.
News from the graveyard is that our dear friend and bass player Rikard Edlund has decided to leave the band and pursue other musical ventures. No animosity between us. We know he will continue to be the riff master and wild child he’s always been.
That being said. We’re working, harder than children in heat trying to get laid, on our next album. No release date or anything yet. It’s done when it’s done. But so far we’re pretty fucking stoked on the stuff we’ve written.
The next time earthlings will have the opportunity to enjoy Graveyard live again will be in Australia around the Golden Plains Festival in March.
See you down under! Or up and beyond! Or behind?
Graveyard sounds like they are taking a very positive outlook on this and moving forward is something that I’m sure is hard for them. I am really looking forward to this next chapter in Graveyard’s as of now amazing and exciting history. As a long time and huge Graveyard fan, I wish the band all the best of luck and to Rikard, I can only hope that he will find it in himself to get the healing and help that he needs. Losing another great songwriter and performer would be a huge loss.
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