Drummer Eloy Casagrande has parted ways with Sepultura just prior to the launch of the Brazilian band’s 18th-month farewell tour.
Casagrande’s departure comes on short notice for fans, though he did inform his bandmates of his decision back on February 6th, prior to their first rehearsal for the tour.
American drummer Greyson Nekrutman will take over for Casagrande, per an official announcement from Sepultura. The trek is set to kick off on Friday (March 1st) in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, with the initial leg of overseas dates running through the end of the year (get tickets here).
Casagrande joined Sepultura in 2011 and performed on three studio albums during his stint in the group. On Tuesday (February 27th), the drummer released a statement on Instagram announcing his exit:
“I would like to announce my departure from Sepultura. Being part of the biggest Brazilian metal band was one of the best experiences of my life. I just want to thank the band and crew members.
It was a story of almost 13 years, in which I had the opportunity to learn and contribute with every song, show and recording. These were years of great dedication, intensity and commitment. We did 3 studio albums very well received by the critics, countless shows on 5 continents and a lot of stories to tell. So, first of all, I reiterate my thanks to Sepultura and the fans for everything we’ve been through.
Maybe for the band’s fans it doesn’t make sense at this point, but decisions needed to be made thinking about new cycles that will come. We are made of choices and they are not always easy. My departure will never erase my respect and gratitude to the band.
There is a lot to come and I hope to continue making a lot of music and art. See you on the road.”
Sepultura also shared a statement, revealing that they were shocked and surprised at Casagrande’s sudden departure to play in another project:
“The ‘Celebrating Life Through Death’ tour, a farewell tour over the next 18 months that will celebrate the band’s 40th anniversary and also its farewell to the stage.
Beginning of December the group clearly defined the intention at the announcement, it is a ‘conscious and planned death’. As poetic as it sounds, a tour of this magnitude took nearly of year of preparing and planning which would require a lot commitment, ethics and loyalty to their fans, as well as respecting for the band’s history — something that is a clear priority to Andreas Kisser, Derrick Green and Paulo Xisto. However, on February 6th a few days prior to the first rehearsal, drummer Eloy Casagrande informed the band that he was leaving Sepultura to pursue a career in another project. The band were taken by surprise, without prior warning, he immediately left the band, abandoning everything related to Sepultura. Luckily American virtuoso Greyson Nekrutman will take the position of Eloy Casagrande and is welcomed as the band’s new drummer for the ‘celebrating life through death’ farewell tour.”
The mysterious and sudden nature of Casagrande’s departure have led some to speculate that he may be joining Slipknot, who parted ways with drummer Jay Weinberg last year. However, there’s no concrete evidence supporting that theory as of now.
Below you can view both Casagrande and Sepultura’s respective statements.