After 20 years, Graveyard guitarist Jonatan Ramm has announced that he is parting ways with the band. The band took to their social media and made the following statement:
Hey everyone, we have some news to share.
Jonatan has decided to leave Graveyard.
We’ve shared so many years, experiences and memories together, and while we’re saddened by his decision, we fully respect it and wish him nothing but the very best in whatever comes next for him.
As one chapter comes to a close, another begins. Our new album is on its way, and we’re looking forward to getting back on the road and seeing you all again soon!
Graveyard will keep moving forward, and we’re incredibly grateful for your continued love and support. We’ll see you out there!
The band also posted Jonatan’s statement about his departure.
Back in 2010, one of my closest friends, Loana Valencia, was working PR for Nuclear Blast Records. She texted me one day out of the blue and said, “Don! I’ve just heard your new favorite band. Check your mail soon.” About 3 days or so after that text, I received a padded envelope from Nuclear Blast. Inside of that envelope was a CD that I had no idea would change my life forever. It was Hisingen Blues by a Swedish band called .
This was my first exposure to a new wave of bands ushering the sounds of 60’s Occult/Psychedelic Rock and leading the pack? Graveyard. Not long after I got turned onto the band, my buddy asked me if I’d like to interview guitarist, Jonatan Ramm before their show at the Masquerade in Atlanta. This was the first of seven times that I would see Graveyard and I was beside myself.
Backstage before the show, I sat at a table with the soft-spoken, introspective guitarist for an interview. As far as I know, I was his first North American interview but don’t put that to a vote. It does sound good though, right? Anyways, Jonatan and I hit it off really well and next thing I knew we were exchanging numbers and keeping in touch on a regular basis.
Over the years, Jonatan would make sure I was treated like gold at their shows. Tickets, passes, but best of all getting to catch up with my friend in person. We’d have a few beers, talk about our families, he’d always ask about how my music was going and it was just always something I’d look forward to. In addition to all of that, to see him on stage ripping it to shreds with Graveyard was truly something to see and hear.
Jonatan has a style all his own when it comes to approaching the guitar and he eventually became “famous” in their fanbase for the insane vibrato that he played solos with. His sound and style was so integral to the sound of Graveyard, whoever comes in behind him is really going to have to bring it in a huge way. There are no shoes to be filled. Jonatan took the shoes with him. Its up to the new cat to bring it on their own and to see if they can bring the heart, the soul and the passion that was Jonatan Ramm.
I know that at some point we will hear music coming from the creative mind of Jonatan Ramm. This isn’t the end. It’s a new beginning and a new life.
Jonatan, I’m going to miss the living fuck out of you, my friend.
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