Big Thief have announced bassist Max Oleartchik is no longer part of the band for “interpersonal reasons.”
“After many beautiful years together, Max is no longer in Big Thief,” reads a social media statement. “Our love for each other is infinite, and we are so grateful for all we have shared these many years together since the beginning of our journey as a band.”
It continues, “We wouldn’t be who we are without Max. This separation marks the end of an era, and the beginning of a new one for Big Thief. This change was made for interpersonal reasons with mutual respect in our hearts. It’s a big change for us and the four of us ask for your trust, respect, and care as we grow into the next chapter of our lives.”
Oleartchik co-founded Big Thief alongside Adrianne Lenker and Buck Meek in 2015. Though the band didn’t elaborate on the decision further, it’s worth noting that Oleartchik is a native and resident of Israel, which inspired the band to book a pair of concerts in Tel Aviv in 2022.
The announcement was met with strong backlash, and Big Thief eventually canceled the dates with a statement clarifying, “To be clear, we oppose the illegal occupation and the systematic oppression of the Palestinian people. We believe in total freedom and self-determination for all Palestinians.”
This past March, Lenker released a Palestine benefit EP and called for a permanent ceasefire in an Instagram post. Oleartchik’s current profile on his private Instagram page partially echoes the sentiment, reading, “Cease fire now! hostage deal now! end this nightmare and push for dialogue. We are not our government!”
Big Thief’s most recent full-length, Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You, was one of the best albums released in 2022.
A message from Adrianne, Buck, James, and Max –
After many beautiful years together, Max is no longer in Big Thief. Our love for each other is infinite, and we are so grateful for all we have shared these many years together since the beginning of our journey as a band. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/RtEuJ0645i— Big Thief (@bigthiefmusic) July 11, 2024
It’s a big change for us and the four of us ask for your trust, respect, and care as we grow into the next chapter of our lives.
xo Big Thief (3/3) pic.twitter.com/3ZiJwLWwDH
— Big Thief (@bigthiefmusic) July 11, 2024