There’s no doubt that metal outfit Baroness has been on a hotstreak the past year or so. Critically acclaimed albums, headlining tours, and accolades to back it all up have all made for a pretty solid stretch for the band. Unfortunately however, it looks the band is in for some changes.
In a press release, the band announces that their longtime guitarist, Pete Adams, has amicably left Baroness. Thankfully no drama though, as the press release states that Adams is leaving the band so he can spend less time on the road touring and instead focus on a burgeoning non-music business and his home life.
In a statement, Adams thanks all of Baroness’ fans “far and wide and for all of the support through the ups and downs along the way…I feel beyond fortunate to have had the chance to travel great distances with Baroness and to meet so many of you. I honestly never thought I would be able to do what I have done with Baroness.”
While leaving, Adams reflected on how much the group has meant to him. “Playing alongside my oldest friends, playing music that isn’t simply readily accepted by the masses, and sharing the stage with some of the best musicians and bands from around the globe.” However, Adams stresses that “it’s time for me to focus my energy closer to home and not on the road.”
The band, while remorseful of losing such a talented musician, expressed gratitude for his services throughout the years. “I need to take a moment, on behalf of myself and Baroness, to recognize and sincerely thank one of my oldest friends and bandmates, Pete Adams, as he moves on from Baroness to pursue a new phase in his life. I feel fortunate beyond words to have shared the stage with you for nearly 25 years, since we were barely teenagers,” says singer and guitar player John Baizley.
With a vacant guitar spot, the band has filled it with Gina Gleason, a Philly native. “We are proud to welcome our new guitarist, Gina Gleason, into Baroness…she has worked tirelessly in recent weeks/months, not only learning the specifics of our material, but slowly beginning to stake out her own personal territory within our sound,” said Baizley.
Gleason has performed as the Cirque du Soleil character “The Muse,” as well as handled production duties for various du Soleil shows. She’s also filled in spots for the Smashing Pumpkins while on tour, while working in some capacity with bands ranging from Frank Zappa to Carlos Santana. This, however, appears to be her first gig as a permanent member of a group.
While the band has been around for decades, Baizley said Gleason has breathed new life into the group. “I really thought I would have become a jaded musician at this point, with nothing left to discover and no will to try, but each subsequent year proves me wrong.”
Baroness has seen their share of lineup changes in the past. In 2013, following a horrific bus accident while on tour where their coach fell over a viaduct, drummer Allen Blickle and bassist Matt Maggioni left the group.
Baizley recently joined Mutoid Man for cover of “Purple Rain,” and also let slip that the group is working on a new album.
Photo Credit: Owen Ela
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