Vanna have parted ways with guitarist/vocalist Evan Pharmakis and drummer Chris Campbell. The following press release was issued on the situation:
“In the world of music members in bands make choices every day to move onto other things, be it new projects, start families, or begin a different career path. The internet is abound with drama and opinions when this happens, but the fact is that this is a part of everyday life in the music industry. These hard choices usually affect the band members’ left behind as well as the label, management and most importantly the fans. Most rise up and charge on.
This is the case with Boston’s own Vanna. Evan Pharmakis (guitarist/vocalist)and Chris Campbell (drummer) have chosen to part ways with the band and move forward. They have decided that the touring life isn’t for them any longer and do not wish to continue doing so. This doesn’t come as a surprise to the band or those close to us. Evan has been dealing with this choice for almost a year now, and Chris has missed a few tours the past few months as well in order to work and focus on home.
They both have family obligations as well as financial reasons for leaving their spots behind and everyone in our camp stands behind and supports them in making these very hard decisions. They feel that staying home and no longer touring with the band is the best possible decision for them as well as us. We are happy that they have been honest and have given us the opportunity to find people that want it too.
We want to be on the road and playing music with people who are in it 100% and love this with all their heart. We never want to hold anyone back and wish them both the best in their future endeavors. With that being said, we will be moving forward on the best year of touring this band has ever seen or done.
We’ve added new Guitarist/Vocalist Joel Pastuszak to the fold and couldn’t be happier with him. Joel has played and toured in many New England based bands . We’ve actually been working with Joel for quite a while, knowing Evan‘s situation, and can’t wait for all of you to meet and hear/see him on the road with us.
He’s already very much a part of the family. As far as drummers, we have fill-ins lined up and we are ready to get out on the road to see all of you and keep this non-stop train moving, as there is no way we’ll be slowing down. We are currently headlining Europe and the United Kingdom, followed by the Artery Sick Tour in the U.S., then right into Vans Warped Tour this summer with writing and recording plans in the future as well.
We know this will come as a surprise to a lot of you, but just understand this, Vanna is an idea, a passion, a movement – it’s not about the people, it’s about the music and love for what we do, and believe us, we have more passion and love for this now than we ever have. If you believe in the music, if it means something to you, and always has, don’t stop the support, keep it up.
We need you now more than ever. Come out to a show, meet Joel, hang with us and let’s keep this community alive and well. We love you guys with our whole hearts! This is a big year, be a part of it with us.
Statement from Evan Pharmakis (guitarist/vocals):
“I’m sad to say that as of now I will no longer be a part of Vanna. I’ve decided that due to my current situation and not being able to fully support myself after seven years of hard work, it’s time to start taking responsibility for my life, and move on.
This band has grown a lot over the years and with growth comes change. When we started Vanna it was because we loved playing music, and once it developed it was this balance of writing what we loved while still creating music that all our fans would enjoy.
Mixing business into that equation is a difficult task, and with five completely different personalities it’s a hard act to balance. I’ve been struggling for the last two years trying to make it work for me and my life, and as much as I love it, I have to let it go.
The lyrics I wrote and sang in Vanna were about real life situations I went through and will always mean a lot to me. I hope they continue to help anyone who listens to them, through their life problems and difficult times.
I hold no grudges towards the band and hope they hold none against me, and I wish the guys the best of luck with their decision to move on. I also hope that the fans we have won’t take this too hard. The most special part of being in this band, for me, was seeing how much it meant to so many people.
I pushed through the loneliness, anxiety and difficulty I have of traveling just to be there for everyone our music meant something to.
I love you all, every person with a Vanna tattoo, every person that felt a connection to the music, every person I stayed up late chatting on Facebook with about different problems they were going through.
I couldn’t possibly explain how much you all have meant to me. If you still want to hear me play music, you can check out my band “wind in sails” and I promise I’ll keep writing honest music that I put my all into.
Thank you all again so much for everything. The last seven years have been an experience I will never forget. To all my friends around the world, thank you for all your help, love and friendship. It means more than you know. Thank you all again very much. You are the white light, don’t forget that.”
Statement from Chris Campbell (drummer):
After two full length records, an EP, countless US tours, 3 incredible European tours I will no longer be playing drums in Vanna. I absolutely love playing music, and will continue to play but, it’s time for me to move forward with my life.
Vanna fans are some of the most die-hard music fans I’ve ever had the privilege of being involved with. Everything has been for you guys. Thanks to everyone who came to a show, bought a cd, or just hung out. It was rad.”
A video introduction for the bands new addition, guitarist/vocalist Joel Pastuszak can be found below:
