Andy Whale, the drummer of UK death metal unit Memoriam, has departed the band on positive terms, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. The band posted the following message on their official Facebook page.
“We have some news. Our bandmate and wonderful friend Andy Whale is going to be moving on from Memoriam.
“Those who know Andy will know he is a fiercely proud family man and father. He wants to be with the first love of his life which is his partner and children more and we can not see a better and more admirable reason for a band departure. We are sure that Andy will continue playing in the future but we think he may well follow his more punk routes than Death Metal.
“This is not an acrimonious departure and we are sure that in the future he will jump behind the kit again with Memoriam on stage for a bit of a bash! So, on the 28th and 29th of September in Germany (Erfurt and Oberhausen) Andy will be doing his last live shows with Memoriam. So those that can, please come along and enjoy the events, join our party, have fun and give Andy a right good send off. All other shows will still go ahead but for now let’s all wish Andy well in whatever endeavour he chooses to move on with.
“We have achieved so much in such a short time together as a band and our love for you will never diminish.
“Our love and respect always,
“Karl, Scott, Frank and Kieren.”
Memoriam were formed in 2016 as a tribute to the late Bolt Thrower drummer Martin “Kiddie” Kearns, who died in 2015. A replacement for Whale has not been announced yet.
