This past September, drummer Jörg Michael announced that he was parting ways with Stratovarius for personal reasons. And now that the Finnish symphonic group has finished the last of their touring commitments with Michael, the search for a new drummer has started.
Stratovarius released the following call to arms to potential replacements:
“We have now played the final Latin America gigs with Jörg Michael, who is leaving the band after 16 years. 2011 started with the release of the Elysium album and was a long year with a long world tour together with Helloween. After some time off, we are now looking to the future, composing material for the next album, and we are also looking for the next drummer.
We have some great candidates already, but since we have a bit of time, we decided to also cast a wider net to see what comes up. So, if you have some touring and recording experience, are – more important – musical and hard hitting, and – most important – a nice dude, you might be the one we are looking for!
If you think this sounds like you, playing in a world famous metal band for a living sounds like something you’d enjoy, and if you want us to listen, please put on some headphones and record a video of yourself playing any of these three Stratovarius songs: “Coming Home,” “Father Time” or “Deep Unknown.” You can for instance upload them to YouTube.
Send the video links and a short letter with your personal information to this email address: drummer@stratovarius.com. What do you have to lose? The world awaits you! Plus money, fame, great times, and all the beer you can drink.”
Michael joined the band in 1995 and made his debut on 1996’s Episode. Back in the Winter of 2010, the drummer had been diagnosed with cancer, but was only replaced temporarily. Despite his departure from the drum kit, Michael and Stratovarius still have a working relationship through his booking agency Twisted Talent Concerts.
So, want to take a shot at becoming the new drummer for Stratovarius? Well then, do as they say and send your submissions to drummer@stratovarius.com.
