BLAZE Singer Parts Ways With Rest Of The Band

[Stormrider]

BLAZE, the British band led by former IRON MAIDEN/WOLFSBANE singer Blaze Bayley, have officially parted ways with guitarists John Slater and Steve Wray. John and Steve "are unable to do the tour dates for the rest of the year," BLAZE manager Neil Marklew writes in a posting on the group's web site. "As a result, they have both decided not to continue as full-time members of the BLAZE band."

In addition, BLAZE have parted company with session/touring musicians Dave Knight (drums) and Wayne Banks (bass), who "are unable to do the rest of the tour dates this year due to other projects," according to Marklew.

Joining Bayley in the group's new touring lineup are bassist Nick Douglas (DORO), guitarists Oliver Palotai (ULI JON ROTH) and Luca Princiotta, and drummer Daniel Loeble (RAWHEAD REXX).

Comments Marklew: "Nick is from New Jersey, USA, plays regularly with DORO and has written and recorded his own album ('Through The Pain'). He played bass for BLAZE at the Metal Dayz festival in Z7, Switzerland in 2003. He did such a great job, he was the obvious choice.

"[Oliver Palotai] is from Nurnberg in Germany and is currently on tour in the USA with ULI JOHN ROTH. He stood in for John Slater on part of the 'Blood & Belief' tour. He is a fantastic player!!

"Luca is a 25 year old Italian lead guitarist who has an incredible talent.

"Dani is from Singer in Germany and is 'borrowed' from RAWHEAD REXX. Blaze met Dani on tour last year and was blown away when he saw him play!"

Blaze says: "I can't wait to get back out on the road after all the changes, uncertainty and problems this year. I'm really excited and looking forward to playing these shows with the new band."

Upcoming BLAZE tour dates:

Sep. 30 – Velvet - Pordenone, ITA
Oct. 01 – Motion - Bergamo, ITA
Oct. 02 – Bqo - Rome, ITA
Oct. 15 - Hoehlenrock Festival - Balve, GER
Dec. 18 - Blaze Big Bash - Dudley, UK

In addition to the above shows, Blaze Bayley will be a guest of Doro Pesch on the following shows with the Metal Classic Night Orchestra.

Oct. 16 - Z7 - Pratteln, SWI
Oct. 18 – Passionskirche - Berlin, GER
Oct. 21 – Capitol - Offenbach, GER
Oct. 22 – Filharmonie - Stuttgart, GER
Oct. 23 – Tonhalle - Munich, GER
Oct. 24 – Docks - Hamburg, GER

[Ironlord]

Is this a wind up? It looks like Blaze is turning into Ritchie Blackmore!

[thedarkproject]

We'll have 'Blaze's Knight' before you know it!

I know Blaze's old drummer (before the session one who just left) is now in Paradise Lost. Maybe it's just that no-one wants to work with Blaze...

[Stormrider]

Former BLAZE guitarist Steve Wray has commented on his decision to leave the group.

Writing to the band's official forum, Steve said, "My decision to leave BLAZE has not been one taken lightly and it is with a 'heavy heart,' in some respects, that I leave. There are many reasons for my departure too many and varied to post here but ultimately I decided that it's time to move on and try something else.

"I would like to make it abundantly clear that I have not given up on music and I am if anything more revitalised and ready to rock then I have felt for at least two years.

"I would like to thank [BLAZE manager] Neil for his statement regarding my leaving the band but would also like to make clear that the reason I am no longer in BLAZE is not because I am 'unable to do' the forthcoming dates which is implied in the statement. The simple truth is that at this point in time I choose to no longer be involved with BLAZE and therefore I am not doing the dates."

[Ironlord]

thedarkproject said:

I know Blaze's old drummer (before the session one who just left) is now in Paradise Lost. Maybe it's just that no-one wants to work with Blaze...

That'd be Jeff Singer, then. I've got one of his drumsticks...

What happened to Lee Morris?

[Stormrider]

to add insult to injury:

Former BLAZE Members Launch New Project - Oct. 5, 2004

According to a posting at BlazeFans.com, the new project featuring former BLAZE members John Slater (guitar), Steve Wray (guitar) and Rob Naylor (bass) has been christened RISE TO ADDICTION. The group's complete lineup is as follows:

H Armstrong (HANGNAIL, END OF LEVEL BOSS) - Vocals
John Slater (ex-BLAZE) - Guitar
Steve Wray (ex-BLAZE) - Guitar
Rob Naylor (ex-BLAZE) - bass
Ben Calvert (VEX RED, SACK TRICK) – Drums

RISE TO ADDICTION will play their first show on at Dudley JB's in support to EDGUY the day after the BLAZE Big Bash in December.

Commented Slater: "The last couple of weeks have been a bit chaotic haven't they. I hope no-one feels kept in the dark any longer. A lot of you have asked questions and I believe we have answered most them in a clear and honest way. If you have more questions then please feel free to continue and we'll do our best.

"We promised to keep you informed and that’s what I'm here to do. A lot of things are still under construction so please be a little patient with us. We have a lot of exciting plans underway, a great deal of which is in the process of being confirmed.

"Our website is www.risetoaddiction.com, make sure you add it to your favourites.

"We're in the studio this weekend to record our first batch of songs with Andy Sneap. At the end of October we start shooting the video for the track 'Falling As One'."

[Ironlord]

Ye gods! Something else keeping Harry busy.

No wonder he gets no time to go to the dentist...

[Stormrider]

is it me or is that pretty much the rest of blaze sacking blaze and renaming the band?

[Ironlord]

By the looks of things... it's a bit like all the other members of Guns N' Roses reforming as Velvet Revolver.

[Stormrider]

Blaze's new lineup:

www.planetblaze.com/forum/index.php?s=3549e26ba20e6fedf00b1041619e87d6&act=Attach&type=post&id=128

scary...

[Ironlord]

What the fuck is that on Blaze's face?