Former Nightwish bassist and vocalist Marko Hietala has commented on the band’s recent separation from singer Floor Jansen, saying he hopes the decision will work out well for everyone involved, in comments shared via Iltalehti.
Hietala addressed the departure, which Nightwish announced through a joint statement saying the split was made in mutual agreement and necessary for the band’s future ambitions.
“When you leave out such a breadfruit tree, it is of course a tough decision for anyone,” Hietala said. “The reasons must be serious, so I hope everything works out. Strength and courage and good people around you.”
“I would like to wish everyone, including the musicians who are lagging behind, fun and joy in their careers, as well as an understanding of how different we all are.”
Hietala also voiced concerns about the band’s management. “All I know is that the managers have been a**holes. They were already in my time. I hope that’s the issue there and not for any unnecessary reason.”
Hietala’s comments came as Nightwish announced the end of Jansen’s time with the band. The separation marked what Nightwish called “the end of a truly great voyage” in their statement.
Floor Jansen joined Nightwish as a touring member in 2012 and became an official member in 2013, replacing Swedish vocalist Anette Olzon. During her 13 years with the group, Jansen recorded three studio albums: “Endless Forms Most Beautiful”, “Human. :II: Nature.” and “Yesterwynde”. Her tenure became the band’s longest period with a permanent female lead vocalist.
The separation marks another significant change for Nightwish, a band whose lead vocalist position has proven challenging. Olzon served as lead vocalist from 2007 to 2012, and before her came founding member Tarja Turunen, who was dismissed from the group through an open letter published on the Nightwish website. Unlike these earlier splits, Jansen’s departure comes on good terms.
Hietala left Nightwish himself in 2021 after joining the band in 2002. He cited his own issues with depression and disappointment in the music industry’s corporate demands and dwindling profits from streaming services. Nightwish confirmed the band will continue and enter the studio in 2027 to record a new album. Jansen said her solo career will now get all of her attention, with her new album Hytress coming in 2027.
