Last month, three original Children of Bodom members Jaska Raatikainen (drums), Henri “Henkka T. Blacksmith” Seppälä (bass) and Janne Wirman (keyboards), quit the band. Questions were raised and escalated when we heard Alexi Laiho might not be able to use the COB name. According to Jaska, Henri, and Janne, rumors have sparked since they announced their departure. Shortly after their last show together, the three have issued the following statement to “set the record straight” and to clear false assumptions:
“Dear fans,
2019 is coming to an end, so it’s a good time to take a look back before turning our gaze toward a new year. For us, 2019 was eventful, and a big part of that was playing our last COB gig in December.
We have received a lot of questions about what we’re going to do next and why we quit. Since this decision has sparked up a conversation and false rumors, we want to talk about why we ended up making it one more time.
There is no argument behind the band’s name trademark or its use. We have a joint agreement. Alexi Laiho sold his share of the company and this meant that the three of us became owners of the COB brand. Although plans for our future are open, what is certain is that we will never do anything to disrespect this brand and the long career we’ve built together.
Also, we definitely want to set the record straight with the misconception that we quit because we have families or wanted to retire. Music is our profession and our lives, and all our families know that. They are proud of what we do, and they completely have our back. It should also go without saying that we as individuals are not retiring.
Success brings with it the responsibility to take a stand on decisions unrelated to music as well. These decisions were very difficult for us. We were five band members, each with their own roles, but we couldn’t find a shared viewpoint during these last few years.
The reason for writing this is not to point fingers but to clear things up. We are and always will be proud of what COB achieved together.
Happy holidays and best wishes for 2020!
Henkka, Janne and Jaska”
