As previously reported, founding ALESTORM guitarist Gavin Harper recently announced he hads left the band (click here for details). The band has since issued the following update:

"Alright guys,

Gavin has informed us that he no longer has the enthusiasm for Alestorm that he once had, and so has decided to leave the band. It's a never ending revolving door, eh? So on that note, it seems we must begin the quest for a new guitarist.

This is what we're looking for:

Age:

We need someone vaguely between the ages of 18 and 28-ish. For reference, we're all either 21 or 22 at the moment. Being over 21 would help for the purposes of getting drunk in the USA.

Location:

You gotta be from the UK. You don't really have to be ethnically Scottish. We don't rehearse very often (maybe three times a year), but when we do, it's in Dundee, Scotland. Someone from the Southwest of the UK would be excellent, cos I (Christopher) live in Bristol, and it would make things a bit easier for songwriting/practising.

Skills:

Alestorm's music isn't really that demanding. Most of the time it's just power chords. But you've got to be a tight player. The ability to do silly shreddy solos is also a requirement. You need to be comfortable playing to thousands of people. Previous knowledge of our stuff is a big thumbs up as well. Ideally we're looking for someone who can write songs too; I find it kinda stressful having to write virtually everything.

Gear:

All you need is a decent guitar, maybe a wireless system and a noise gate or something. We tune down to C. Your own amps/cabs aren't necessary, they're generally provided by festivals and organised for tours.

Personality:

No douchebags, no rockstar egos. Have a sense of humour please. We're all going to have to spend a large amount of time together in a small space, so be easy to get on with. No criminal records either, they make getting a visa hellish.

Commitement:

This is probably the most important bit. Alestorm is a full time 'professional' band. Your first gig will be in Copenhagen at the start of our European tour. If you saw the amount of international touring we've got potentially lined up for next year, you'd probably cry. Unless your employer is amazing and can give you over six months holiday a year, you WILL have to quit your job.Are you prepared for that?

That's about it. If you (or anyone you know) think you're up for it, send us a message, and we'll talk. No retards need apply."

Cheers,

Chris

Contact the band at this location.

As previously reported, Alestorm are due to go on tour in with October with SVARTSOT, HOLLENTHON and TÝR. Dates, if they go ahead as planned given these new developments, are as follows:

October

8 - Copenhagen, Denmark - The Rock
9 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
10 - Leeuwarden, Netherlands - Romein
11 - Oberhausen, Germany - Helvete
12 - Vosselaar, Belgium - Biebob
14 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
15 - Milan, Italy - Musicdrome
16 - München, Germany - Backstage
17 - Wien, Austria - Szene
18 - Passau, Germany - X-Point Halle (Metal Invasion Festival)
19 - Zlin, Czech Republic - Masters of Rock Cafe
20 - Budapest, Hungary - Ship A38
21 - Graz, Austria - TBA
22 - Ludwigsburg, Germany - Rockfabrik
23 - Frankfurt, Germany - Batschkapp
24 - Losheim, Germany - Eisenbahnhalle
25 - Lichtenfels, Germany - Stadthalle (Hellflame Festival)
26 - Arnhem, Netherlands - Luxorlive