Dutch symphonic rockers EPICA recently parted ways with bassist Yves Huts. Guitarist/vocalist Mark Jansen has issued the following statement regarding Huts' departure:

"On a personal note, I would like to thank Yves for everything he did and contributed to Epica! He is a very talented guy and especially on The Classical Conspiracy he did some amazing work. We will also miss his sense of humor and economical insights. The good thing is there will be some vodka left for us at the end of the night ;-) Yves, all the best with your career, I am sure you will succeed in your new buisiness and that you will surprise many! You will always be welcome anywhere any time!"

In the wake of Huts' departure, the band announced that Rob Van Der Loo (MAYAN, DELAIN) will take over bass duties. Unfortunately, Van Der Loo was forced to miss the start of Epica's current Europeam tour due to health issues. He issued the following statement:

"I've experienced some serious and unexpected health issues. To make sure I can be treated correctly I have to run a couple of tests at the hospital, and my doctors also advised me to take some rest before going on full power again. Though this is hard for me to accept, it's also something which I have to respect since health is a very precious thing. This does mean that I won't be able to be on the European tour until all examinations are done (hopefully wihin the next couple of days). Of course I will join the band as soon as possible but unfortunately I can't give an exact date as of yet. I wish the rest of the band and crew all the best for the start of the tour and I really can't wait to join!"

Van Der Loo is expected to join the tour soon.

Epica's complete European tour schedule is available below:

April

16 - Orion - Rome, Italy
17 - Alcatraz - Milano, Italy
19 - Razzmatazz - Barcelona, Spain
20 - La Riviera - Madrid, Spain
21 - Incrivel Almadense - Lisbon, Portugal
22 - Hard Club - Porto, Portugal
24 - Bikini - Toulouse, France
25 - Theatre Barbey - Bordeaux, France
27 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland
28 - Stadthalle - Langen, Germany
29 - Bataclan - Paris, France - SOLD OUT -

May

10 - Den Atelier - Luxembourg, Luxembourg
11 - Backstage - Munchen, Germany
12 - Szene - Vienna, Austria
13 - Club 202 - Budapest, Hungary
15 - Megaclub - Katowice, Poland
16 - Progresja - Warsaw, Poland
18 - Masters of Rock Cafe - Zlin, Czech Republic
19 - Kd Vltavska - Prague, Czech Republic
20 - Colombia Club - Berlin, Germany
23 - Paard van Troje - Den Haag, The Netherlands
25 - Principal - Thessaloniki, Greece
26 - Gagarin 205 - Athens, Greece