Paolo Rossi, the long-standing vocalist and bassist for the renowned Italian metal band Fleshgod Apocalypse, has announced his departure from the group after an impressive tenure of nearly two decades. The band released an official statement on their Instagram account, expressing their sentiments about Rossi’s decision and the circumstances that led to this significant change.
According to the statement, Rossi’s departure marks the end of a remarkable era of “friendship and collaboration” that spanned twenty years. The band expressed their initial disbelief at the prospect of such a change, stating, “We’d never thought this moment would come but, after twenty years of friendship and collaboration, Paolo decided to change his life’s path and take a step back from the band.”
The COVID-19 pandemic was cited as a pivotal factor in Rossi’s decision-making process. The band acknowledged the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, particularly for those in the music industry, stating, “The pandemic turned out being an extremely tough challenge for everyone, especially musicians.” During these trying times, Rossi sought stability and found employment outside the music industry, which offered him a sense of security amidst the uncertainty.
As live performances resumed and the band began to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, integrating Rossi’s new professional commitments with the band’s touring schedule proved to be increasingly difficult. Despite concerted efforts and the involvement of temporary replacements such as Ludovico Cioffi from Delain, the band ultimately faced insurmountable challenges in harmonizing these commitments.
Acknowledging the gravity of Rossi’s decision, the band stated, “Therefore, he took the tough decision to step down from his role in Fleshgod Apocalypse.” They assured fans that Rossi would forever be a part of the Fleshgod Apocalypse family and expressed their unwavering support for his decision.
Looking to the future, Fleshgod Apocalypse announced that they would continue as a five-piece ensemble, with Francesco Ferrini taking over bass duties and Veronica Bordacchini assuming all clean vocal responsibilities. In a gesture of farewell and transition, the band collaborated with Italian photographer Francesco Esposito to create a piece of art that symbolizes this new chapter.
