Former Volbeat guitarist Rob Caggiano has released a statement on his departure from the Danish band, saying in part: “Sometimes relationships simply run their course. Sometimes certain obstacles, people or circumstances get in the way of the greater good. Sometimes people change and priorities shift. Sometimes it’s unavoidable.”
Flemming C. Lund, of the Danish metal band The Arcane Order, is stepping in as lead guitarist for Volbeat’s summer 2023 tour dates, which include a handful of European festivals and a string of North American shows.
Caggiano joined Volbeat in 2013 after initially working with the band as a producer on its “Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies” album released the same year. He went on to record three more albums with the band, though his involvement with the most recent, 2021’s “Servant of the Mind,” was minimal, reportedly.
Prior to working with Volbeat, Caggiano was a member of Anthrax. His production credits include albums by Cradle of Filth, Bleeding Through, Ill Nino, 36 Crazyfists and more.
In a June 5 statement announcement his departure from Volbeat, the band said: “During our time together we’ve traveled the world sharing great experiences and released four albums that we are immensely proud of, and we wouldn’t change a moment of it. We wish our brother Rob all the best with everything he does in the future (we know it’s going to be great)!”
After a week of silence, Caggiano released his statement on June 12. It reads as follows:
“Hello everyone. I’m sorry if this is a bit overdue but now that I’ve had ample time to process everything going on around me, I have a few things I’d like to say publicly…
“First off, I want to say thank you to everyone out there for all the amazing messages and support I’ve gotten over the last few days. It’s been very powerful and humbling for me to say the least. It’s reassurance that I’m on the right path and it means so much to me right now.
“To all the amazing fans and friends I’ve met all over the world throughout the years… I love and cherish each and every one of you. Thank you for sticking with me through hell or high water. The world seems to be getting weirder and weirder with each passing day and life never stops throwing twists and turns at us but you guys always keep me driven, focused and inspired to create music, follow my heart at all costs and chase my dreams wherever they may take me. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!
“I also want to wish Michael, Jon, Kaspar, (Anders too) and the entire Volbeat camp the best of luck moving forward. I’m extremely proud of everything we accomplished together over the last 10 years. Sometimes relationships simply run their course. Sometimes certain obstacles, people or circumstances get in the way of the greater good. Sometimes people change and priorities shift. Sometimes it’s unavoidable. We had a very special undeniable magic together as a band. It’s not something that comes around too often in this life and it’s not something to be taken lightly. I certainly do not.
“However, while this is really a very emotional time for me I’m also extremely excited about what lies ahead in the future. Lots of exciting things happening right now. I really couldn’t be more fired up!! Stay tuned……”
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