STRATOVARIUS Launch "Farewell To Jörg Michael" Contest
December 2, 2011, 12 years ago
Finland's STRATOVARIUS recently announced that drummer Jörg Michael has opted to leave the band after 15 years behind the kit for personal reasons. They have now issued the following message to the fans:
"An exceptional competition is organized from December 1st - 25th of December, with lot of presents to win (drumsticks, T-shirt, and for the winner, Jörg's drum head signed by himself). To win, you have to create a photo assembly or a video about Jörg over these 15 years with Stratovarius. The three best will win these prizes. For participation just send your photo or video montage to: cedric@stratovarius.fr. Good luck!"Watch the band's Facebook page for updates.
As previously reported, Stratovarius will perform in Guatemala, at Teatro de Bellas Artes in Guatemala City, on January 31st, 2012. This will now be the final show for drummer Jörg Michael, after 15 years with Stratovarius. Prior to the announcement of this date, is was expected that Jörg's final show with the band would be in Mexico, at Circo Volador in Mexico City, on January 28th.
Jörg joined the band in 1995 and the first Stratovarius album he played on was Episode (1996). He played on nine albums and performed nearly 1,000 shows with the band.
"The rest of us just has to accept Jörg's decision with a lot of sadness and wish him all the best for the future. But we can also assure that the band will still go on", says the singer Timo Kotipelto.The band and Jörg are not going completely separate ways though, since Jörg will still be working for the band with his booking agency Twisted Talent Concerts.
Kotipelto continues: "Our long journey of over 15 years together has not ended yet, as Jörg remains among our background forces - and we couldn't be more happy about that. Not only has he been a great drummer but also a close friend and a true professional. We're honoured to have Jörg by our side for this farewell Tour. We can't wait to rock with our 'German Steamroller' one last time! These shows will be unforgettable for all of us."
