Matt quits Iced Earth again
Long-time vocalist Matt Barlow has retired from Iced Earth!
Posted on March 2nd, 2011 at the official website, MySpace and Facebook sites of Iced Earth,
Matt Barlow releases emotional statement.
In his heartfelt statement, Barlow cites his commitment to his family and the need for Iced
Earth to tour more as the reasons for his retirement; however, he has committed to perform
with Iced Earth on all 2011 European festival dates, which will be his last with the band.
Matt Barlow's official statement is as follows:
"Brothers and Sisters,
"Let me begin by saying how much of an honor it has been to share my time in Iced Earth
with Jon and the guys…and with all of you! Since my return to the band in 2007, it has truly
been extraordinary. I have had the opportunity to travel the world and see old friends and
meet new ones. Though we had originally thought that the Iced Earth touring schedule
would be very limited, we were able to play our fair share of concerts.
"During that time we were also able to have a live DVD produced [the forthcoming Festivals
of the Wicked]. However, due to the rapidly changing music industry, it has become increasingly
clear to recording artists that the only way to keep a band viable and to truly reach its potential
is through live performances. That means that a band must reach out to new regions of the
globe and become pioneers for their own livelihood. Since 2007, Jon and I have always had
the best intentions for the future of Iced Earth, and we still do. However, given the band's
projected touring schedule, Iced Earth's future and mine must now take separate paths.
"On my departure from Iced Earth in 2003, I made a commitment to my wife and to the idea
that we would start, and raise, our family together. Two years later, my first child was born
and two years after that, my second. My youngest son was born about a week before Jon
asked me to return to Iced Earth. It was a very exciting and emotional time for all of us,
but we were all clear on our intentions. It is apparent to us now that regardless of our
belief at that time, time can change an intended outcome. In this instance, I hope that
change will not be regarded as a bad thing, but rather as a necessary part of evolution.
"Jon and the band must venture into new realms to continue to grow Iced Earth. I commend
him for his ideals and wish nothing but to share in his vision. I know that this is not the last
time Jon and I will work together, but it will be my last endeavor with Iced Earth. Iced Earth
is a name and force of its own. It has been very good to me and has allowed me to live a dream
that others would give most anything for. I have been truly blessed to share this experience
with everyone. I will continue to support Jon and Iced Earth in every way. I will also continue
to create and perform in my own capacity.
"These next months will prove to be a very emotional time for me. I am extremely happy to
be able to share the experience with Jon, Brent, Freddie, Troy and the Iced Earth family.
I am proud to know them and honored that they consider me their friend. It is going to be
phenomenal to share the love of this music during several summer festivals and I know
that it will be a time we will never forget.
"Please consider all that I have brought forth and all of Jon's offerings before passing judgment
on the future of Iced Earth. This band has always strived to give its listeners the very best
and I know that Jon, as always, will continue to lead that charge.
"To Iced Earth and all of you…I wish you the very best!!!
- Matt"
Band founder and leader Jon Schaffer reacted to his friend's
decision with equal parts sadness and praise:
"I knew Matt wrestled with this for a long, long time," said Schaffer. "It wasn't an easy
decision for him. But I love him dearly and I can't fault his reasons."
Schaffer continued: "Matt is one of the most sincere people I know, and one of the most
talented. His departure deeply saddens me, but I hope all fans of Iced Earth will cut him
some slack. I wish Matt well, respect him greatly, and I ask everyone else to do the same."
With a new album in the works, and a world tour pending, Schaffer has already begun
the search for a new vocalist.
"I have a few guys in mind," said Schaffer. "And as you can imagine, it is a very important
decision. One thing is for certain: we are not looking for a Matt Barlow ‘clone' – we are
looking for a front man that brings power and character of his own to the table. There's
only one Matt, and that era of the band's history will always hold a special place in my heart."
Announcement of a new vocalist will be made through all social media outlets as soon
as a decision is made.