RANT- Marko Hietala Resigns From Nightwish!

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

I'm Totally on Marco's side 100% Get well man enjoy your family & friends and good luck with whatever you do in the future !!

[@4thArmoredVet]

It’s sad that he’s leaving but some one has to expose the corporate greed. I’m a physical media person, too.

[@bema_seat]

The first of many musicians / bands to cease operations. No middle class, no purchasing power, no more shows.

[@brendasnow6024]

I rediscovered Nightwish after Floor Jansen joined the band, I think they're absolutely amazing! Especially live! Replacing Marko is going to be a huge challenge, bUt I truly hope they're able to do it and I hope Marko finds inspiration. Maybe he will return...

[@renskevanderhaagen5813]

I hope he will return, maybe he just needs some time for himself. I think they will just have a replacing bass player and won’t play songs where marko sings a lot for now; to tie them over this tour. They just made a new album so there is no rush for new stuff and that way he can have the time I don’t think they will try to replace him yet. Maybe they can give him the time and he can come back in 1-2 years or so. But most important is he gets well. Sounds like his mental health needs some TLC for now. Wish him well and also the rest of the band, im sure they will miss him when playing.

[@viivituohimetsa7190]

Thank you for putting it into words, that's exactly what I have been thinking through these sad days. I really want to think that he might return one day. And I think it's a possible thing to happen. Though, as possible is that he won't return... I just hope for the best. Like you said, maybe he just needs some time for himself and the thought of the upcoming tour feels just too hard for him when he has been feeling depressed. Hoping he gets better...

[@bevenboy8562]

Health is No 1.. ....I wish Marko well.

[@drafter3412]

You should watch some of the more recent interviews with Marko, especially those where he's just sitting down with friends and talking about life. He's done some of these with Floor on her youtube channel. He speaks of greatly missing just being able to sit in a small pub with just his guitar and singing for the people there. He's in his 50s now and the glitter of touring and fame seem to be hollow for him now. That coupled with depression can really make one reevaluate.

[@WarhawkBeyond2040]

I've seen Nightwish four times and they were some of the best shows I have ever been to, Nightwish was my first ever metal concert. Marko Hietala's vocals and bass playing was a huge part of the music plus he's a really good guitarist as well especially on the acoustic guitar. Loved his work with Northern Kings and his band Tarot. It is a shame that he's left the band but I fully respect and understand his decision, health comes first. I will always continue to support the music and buy the albums because I'm an old school guy, I prefer having the physical items in my hand and I'm not a fan of the digital download stuff. I wish Marko all the best and hope he can come back one day.

[@roywall8169]

The man is in his mid 50s. Some self reflection is healthy, and he seems fed up with the rat race. Good luck to him. 🤘🏻❤️

[@ch33sepants28]

I think this has been coming for awhile now. Marko's vocals weren't a big part of Human Nature, for example.

[@markbro4427]

@@ch33sepants28 it's not a great album either imo,its not one I've really went back to.

[@ch33sepants28]

@@markbro4427 A lot of us would disagree.

[@Icipher353]

@@ch33sepants28 Yeah, I was thinking that recently as well. I can't help but wonder if this has been on the cards for longer that we know; I don't think there are any great conspiracies as such, I just think Marco is really disillusioned with the music business in general and has had enough of it all.

[@Brendan123ization]

I love Nightwish as much as the next person but a rich rockstar does not participate in any sort of rat race, not even close. That's an insult to those who ACTUALLY partake in the rat race. The guy workin 9-5 for 30 years to support his family paycheque to paycheque while striving for a promotion in a saturated field trying not to kill himself - that's a rat race.

[@dtltmtgt]

This sucks. I agree with another post that he was the "metal heart" of the band.

[@scottgrohs5940]

This seems similar to the direction Sonata Arctica took after Jani left. :(

[@gwaptiva]

Marko has suffered from depression for a long time and it's good that he's taking his health more seriously than everything else. It sucks, sure, but I can only applaud him for putting himself first.

[@TBFI_Botswana]

I suffer same - doing my best to get on with getting on... Good luck Marco.

[@harrybryan9633]

I don't do streaming services either. I am all about owning my own physical media.

[@crusheverything4449]

Same, especially vinyl. Much to my wife’s chagrin. 😆

[@geruto17760]

AFAIK musicians make even less money from physical media compared to digital due to manufacturing costs. But 'l'm no expert.

[@dusty3913]

Me too. Vinyl is killing me, and I'm a sucker for box sets.

[@renetrachet]

Same for me. No streaming services. I am a CD guy

[@bobnelson3531]

Collected albums when they were "the thing" but had to sell them many yrs ago. Sold 1800 of them. Hate thinking about it. Can’t replace some, but have been working on completing artist catalogs on CD. Up to 2k now. Decent collection, lots of complete catalogs including box sets. Not interested in streaming. Can’t hold a download in my hand.

[@danny72170]

Nothing beats owning the physical media, whether it's music, movies or TV shows, as long as you have the storage space. Thankfully, I do, though not to the Pete Pardo level. :)

[@geruto17760]

AFAIK musicians make even less money from physical media compared to digital due to manufacturing costs. But 'l'm no expert.

[@Veaseify]

@@geruto17760 Bands generally get around 13% of the RRP from a CD or Vinyl sale. This is bands with a recording/distribution deal obviously, for those that self-finance their recordings I would imagine you are right. Basically those bands make albums to get people to go to gigs and buy merchandise which is where all the money is for them.

[@stephensdygert7600]

Its sounds better!

[@lezcobrandon6790]

@@Veaseify I buy a lot of music from Bandcamp bands. (Physical media only) are they doing music as more of a hobby?

[@Veaseify]

@@lezcobrandon6790 Bandcamp lets the artists keep 75% of their sales revenue so if you know there is a band on there that you like then definitely buy from there. The problem for the Artists is that Bandcamp has a terrible discovery algorithm so the chances of you coming across something you like using the 'like this?' comparison button are next to nil. Very few people [relatively} have the Bandcamp app so unless they are told about it, nobody finds out about those bands.

[@ACorpseWithoutSoul]

Finnish metal is the best metal of the world. Just like bands like a Wintersun, Children Of Bodom, Nightwish, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Evil Drive, Battle Beast, Beast In Black, Sinergy, Norther, Warmen, Elias "Evil" Viljanen, HIM, Apocalyptica, Tarot, Thunderstone, Raskasta Joulua, Jarkko Ahola, Sentenced, Brother Firetribe, Kenziner, Impaled Nazarene, Tarja Turunen. etc... Check all those bands because i bet you love some of them. Greetings Helsinki, Finland.

[@FVD]

And while not actually metal, the Von Hertzen Brothers are amazing!

[@bmay81]

RIP Alexi!

[@realtsarbomba]

Add Moonsorrow and we're even 😉

[@miyolinux]

I'm sad to see him go, but I support him in his decision. Best of life and luck to him.

[@starrage7926]

When you have a physical version, it's yours and not subject to the internet or whims of the day -and you get to decide your own collection and what matters. Spotify doesn't have everything.

[@reneemclane1845]

This is why I only buy CDs!!

[@rabkerr9809]

@@reneemclane1845 that's why I buy all my CDs and DVDs and blu ray

[@SJHUE]

During 2020 I bought five Nightwish albums on vinyl. But...obviously I`m becoming part of a minority. My son used to be in a band and the only thing that kept them afloat was sales from merchandise. Sad times musically, especially for rock bands. It felt like the rock live scene was keeping a complete takeover from rap at bay but with no live scene...

[@robmlisanti]

I will never stream It’s sad what has happened over the Last 20 years in the industry and I fully understand how Marco needs to move on Especially now no touring 😢💔 Best wishes to him

[@andrewallison70]

Regarding Spotify, they paid $100 million for Joe Rogan to move his podcast to them, which just spits in the face of all the musicians who are hardly getting anything.

[@williamk.7129]

they paid 540 million for 3 podcast and sport show companies shortly before joe rogan. of which you or I have probably never heard of. Its still only alleged that they paid JR 100 million, it could be more. Meanwhile, mega bands that used to tour 10 months a year are circling the drain.

[@horrifyinggelatinousblob]

lol imagine thinking that making a living off of music is a reasonable plan. Most music is made at a loss, and i see no reason why it should be otherwise, most music is worthless.

[@brianbrian1769]

@Jeff Shaver. Spoken like a true tone-deaf person. Most of these comments are worthless. But YOU went to the effort. Worthless.

[@horrifyinggelatinousblob]

@@brianbrian1769 why are you upset, i've spent thousands of dollars on albums from metal bands when i was young but that simply isn't reasonable. If you want to make money off music, go play a show.

[@brianbrian1769]

@jeff shaver. Understood. Can you see the flaw in your suggestion? I'm serious. You telling me as a musician to " go play a show " is incitement to commit a crime. See what I mean? I get it but do think on it a wee while longer.

[@Jimbo4691]

Going to miss Marko's vocals and his metal side of the group. It sucks how the younger generation doesn't collect albums or cd's anymore. I still collect albums and cds and love new music on either format. Always try and support my favorite groups by buying direct from them or some of their merch. I am really really missing live music.

[@dougmcauliffe2253]

Younger guy here, myself and many of my friends are big into collecting physical format still, and I'm seeing many peers online, especially in prog circles do the same. A band that deserves a lot of credit for really getting many of us younger folks into collecting records and CDS again is the Australian psych/prog group King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. They're always hard at work with marketing some new variant or studio/live release for the fans.

[@Highrollinhunter]

I'm 17 and I still collect cassettes I have a lot of metal cassettes from Metallica and Megadeth now some Pantera, Death and etc. I'm still trying to find Bolt Thrower cassettes the damn cassette and record flippers sell them at outrageous prices also the first Nightwish album on cassette is hard to find I wish I knew kids my age who still listen to metal and collect cassettes, vinyls, 8 tracks, DCC's and CD's I'm the only kid in my school who is an avid metal listener and collector

[@Jimbo4691]

@@dougmcauliffe2253 Glad to see some younger folks getting into it. I have heard of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard but still have not listened to them. They are on my list to check out. A lot of the young folks and hell even older folks that I know stream everything. But then they are not into music like me. I am all over the place as far as genre's go.

[@Jimbo4691]

@@Highrollinhunter Don't fell alone. My whole life (i'm 60 now) Because of my obsession with music I have felt like an outsider. Just keep being you!!! You never know who you might influence musically or who you will meet down the line.

[@dougmcauliffe2253]

@@Jimbo4691 Me too man, I think you'll really get a kick out of that band because they tend to totally hop genres between albums. At their core they're a psychedelic rock band, but they have albums that are straight up prog rock, folk rock, thrash/stoner metal, anatonlian/microtonal rock, jazz fusion/rock, there's something for everyone there! My favorites personally are probably Flying Microtonal Banana, Nonagon Infinity and I'm In Your Mind Fuzz. But if you want prog go for Polygondwanaland and for metal Infest the Rats Nest is the one. Cheers!

[@enjois5464]

all his problems revolve around on thing , deppresion, its a killer, i suffer from depression and its a bastard, i'm on medication which helps , but when a dark episode comes along it stops you dead in your tracks, you try and stay as positive as you can, my deppression is because of other people, just not strong enough for the world we live in today, good luck to him

[@M4RC05V1N1C1U5]

Yes, and all this pandemic circus and horror is messing with everyone's minds. It is a major issue!

[@drowranger6591]

Marco deserves to do whatever he wish in his life. He has done so much for us and for me. He will always be a legendary and a god father to me. I have listen to his songs since I was a baby and I growing up with Nightwish and they are always my favorite and first music band I ever listen to. Thank you Marco for making my life so great. Whatever you do in your life I wish you greatest of luck! Nothing last forever.

[@JustsomeGuy22367]

One might think now might be the best time for musicians to come together as a collective and create musician focused streaming platforms, and cooperative record labels. As far as I can see, that record execs, and tech bros in CEO are taking ludicrous cuts out of the earnings of the people who actually do the work while contributing very little on their own.

[@desertrocker]

Marko was the Metal heart of Nightwish, without him the band is going to slide further into the symphonic side and away from heavy metal. Hell, even some of Tarja's solo stuff is heavier than Nightwish's last album. However, I completely understand and respect Marko's point of view regarding the music industry. I hope he figures something out - for the sake of himself and true music fans everywhere.

[@pete_lind]

Its about that part of , Live Nation , is owned by Saudi government , getting money from music they wont let their own citizen to listen . Also hes been in the business for over 35 years now , they started with his brother , when they were late teens and hes soon 55 years old . Floor had harsh words about music industry too , mislabeling ReVamp as gothic metal and no one bought their records .

[@jimthar17]

Check out Annette's band The Dark Element. It honestly sounds more like Nightwish than Nightwish. They have two albums out in less time than it took NW to do two albums with Floor.

[@T1hitsTheHighestNote]

@@jimthar17 carbon copy. not very original.

[@luisnunes2010]

The last album got don't sell out stuck in my throat.

[@powskier]

Tarja's last album was awesome. So beautiful.

[@stephenheap6296]

He will be a big loss to nightwish . I hear what your saying about Spotify. I only use it to check out bands I’ve not heard before and to listen to albums I’m not sure about. I prefer to own a physical copy and always buy cd if I like something I’ve enjoyed on Spotify .Unfortunately a lot of people just stream everything and it is affecting a lot of bands

[@thoso1973]

Best wishes to Marko and thank you for all the music. Never underestimate how depression, melancholia or stress can alter your priorities in life and force or empower you, to make tough necessary choices. It is ultimately yourself who decide how you wish to spend your limited time in this world.

[@michaelmathes1991]

Used to love going to the stores and buying the cds but most are gone. I try to buy my cd's from Amazon but it isn't the same .

[@brucefranklin6295]

This has been coming for some years for everyone in the business, but the whole Covid thing has just choked out everything and everyone to the nth degree. Anyone who is relying 100% on their music career for supporting themselves, is in real trouble and the future doesn't look good either. Not trying to be a drag.Just being realistic.

[@1320crusier]

Its looking more and more like the lock downs were political here.

[@brucefranklin6295]

@@1320crusier I agree

[@dropshot1967]

Floor posted an interview on her channel in the "Floor finds" series where she talks about mental health in the music industry. While maybe not directly related I think it is no coincidence and I think she knew about the problems Marko was having. That does not take away from the fact that Marko made a very difficult choice (both for him personally and for the band) and I think it was the right choice. Don't forget it is not just a choice relating to Nightwish but to all the bands and collaborations he contributed to. We (the Nightwish and Marko fans) will have to wait and see how Nightwish works around this new situation and if they want to continue at all after fulfilling their obligations. Great video. thnks

[@Alexrex77]

Everything that has a beginning, has an end. I will miss him, as I miss the old Nightwish. The one that i fell in love with. so many years ago.

[@747jono]

I don't think some fans don't realise how much touring costs

[@ayuxx10]

And it's especially hard for smaller bands to break even on tours. Many lose money touring.

[@kiti_staar]

pete, i was expecting your comment, I'm in Europe, so learned about it a couple if hours ago. very sad news, my first thought was that Nightwish is over, and it may be over if things don't go back to normal this year with touring. The letter is pretty all over the place for my reading, mental health, blaiming the industry. It's just very sad because Marco is very special as a player, a very strong vocalist and stage persona, very hard to match that. wishing him all tge best and to the band yo stay strong

[@kevinc8574]

Marko is truly one of a kind and will be missed but hopefully he finds himself

[@arthurwatts1680]

Kudos to the man for articulating his struggle so eloquently - cant say I'm a big Nightwish fan but that statement is exceptional regardless of genre. Most of us will have seen Some Kind of Monster at some stage and Hetfield alluded to similar tensions despite being part of the biggest metal band in the world at a time when record sales were still a viable revenue stream. I wish Marko every success finding his own way.

[@davisflyer]

I've said this before and I'll say it again, BUY THE PHYSICAL MEDIA and GO SEE BANDS LIVE!!

[@mattybob12310]

Yep, I love having Spotify but whenever a band/artist releases an album I'll always buy a hard copy!

[@Yoruofthenight]

There are reasons why physical media doesn't work for many people any more. In those cases, if at all possible, buy digital stuff directly from the musicians themselves instead of using aggregation sites/stores.

[@Yoruofthenight]

@@LETSTALKENTERTAINMENT Well , to give my perspective, physical media has one great reason why I wouldn't want to buy it for practical, or ethical reasons: It's physical. The practical reason is that I do not own cd, dvd, blu-ray, vinyl, vhs, or c-casette player. Buying physical media in my case would just be buying something just to support a creator I like. I wouldn't be able to actually use the physical media for anything. The other reason, ethical, comes with that. Is it good to buy plastic that doesn't actually serve a purpose for anything? Just for the symbolic gesture? How many symbolic gestures is too much waste in the garbage bin? For those reasons, I buy directly digital stuff, since that is what I actually use. To give an example, Aesop Rock sells his albums from his homepage with a download link. No spotify or anything in between, just me giving him the money and he giving me a download link in email. Now, I'm not saying that buying any physical stuff is bad. The context of "do you actually use it" is important distinction in my mind.

[@sheogorath979]

No thanks, i have no intrest in supporting the Record industry, which is way worse than Spotify and other streaming services

[@pauldavidson4977]

I never have, nor will I ever stream any bands music. The musicians need to collectively stop all digital releases in order to get control of their product, and push for changes in copyright and distribution platforms. These are there creations that need to be under their control. Tech companies are trying to control what you're able to do with their product from conception to recycling, so musicians should have similar control.

[@samieltheinfamous]

I think as much as streaming services cut into musicians' income, the virus situation has also seriously impacted the ability of fans to purchase physical media and merch as well.

[@edmasterson4588]

there are no music stores where i live anymore. the last one that had been around since the '70's has probably shut down permanently due to the covid lockdown

[@russellmcbride1242]

When Rock is outlawed, only outlaws will ROCK!!!! 🔥🤘🔥

[@rudolfo963]

I just now uninstalled spotify from my computer and phone.

[@ukrocksounds3419]

Well done, i wont use it.

[@christopherbarker1048]

I've never had Spotify to begin with.

[@skeletankmcgraw7343]

I tell "Spotify people" all the time that they screw the musicians by using it, but they always make up some mumbo jumbo to justify continuing to use it. Anyway, I recommend Bandcamp, as it seems to be the place that artists get the most for each purchase of their material. I also have seen a few artists in interviews state that is the place they see the most profit per purchase. Also, Bandcamp gives you the option to pay more than the asking price so that you can support your favorite artists even more if you choose. Lastly, since COVID happened, Bandcamp has had a few Friday's where for the whole day Bandcamp takes no cut of the artists profits. Sometimes I can't find something on Bandcamp and have to purchase off of Amazon, but I always purchase from Bandcamp when I have the option.

[@christopherbarker1048]

@@skeletankmcgraw7343 Damn you Spotify. You drove away Marko Hietala.

[@cinnyswaltz]

@@skeletankmcgraw7343 I see where you're coming from, but how many of these "Spotify people" switched to Spotify _instead of_ supporting the artists directly? How many of them would buy physical copies instead, full albums or even singles in any shape or form in the age of easily accessible Internet? For most people, Spotify is more like a customisable radio station with extras. Many of the musicians who used to fight it for years also had to admit that they only lose useful exposure if they boycott it. I use Spotify, and I like it. It has its purpose. It is useful when travelling, running errands, for discovering new-to-me artists, or to legally listen to albums temporarily until I have the means to actually buy them. I prefer physical media, but I have neither the money nor the space to own everything, and wiping Spotify off the face of the Earth would definitely not change that. I assume everyone around here must be a saint with infinite resources, who knew just as many genres and bands in the 90s as today, only bought directly from the artists, never copied the cassettes of underground (or not so underground) artists they came across through a friend without sending some cash the bands' way (possibly to the other side of the planet), never recorded anything from the radio, and never made any mixtapes either... Oh, wait... The whole playing field has changed, demonizing one platform will not solve anything. Just my two cents.

[@stuartdunne1978]

Physical media - CDs here, kinda guy here too Pete - no desire to ever use Spotify or similar streaming platforms.

[@geruto17760]

AFAIK musicians make even less money from physical media compared to digital due to manufacturing costs. But 'l'm no expert. Would be good to hear some facts about it from an industry expert.

[@lonegroover]

I'm FLAC downloads only now, unless I can't find what I want in lossless. Saves a lot of space and time.

[@Kvasaari]

I don't even own a cd player anymore.

[@ronaldwilson9525]

I kind of thought something was up because Marko didn’t write anything on the new album. What a shame, I saw Nightwish here in Chicago in March 2018 at the tiny Aragon Ballroom. Outstanding show. He will be hard, if not impossible, to replace.

[@T1hitsTheHighestNote]

Isn't it mostly all Tuomas anyway? Marko did his solo album instead.

[@luisnunes2010]

And only featured his vocals in one song. Yup. Not surprised.

[@ronaldwilson9525]

@@T1hitsTheHighestNote The new album yes is written entirely by Tuomas. Marko however contributed songs and/or lyrics on all the other Nightwish albums he has been a part of especially on Endless Forms Most Beautiful. That's why I felt something was wrong.

[@BigWade57]

I mostly buy the digital versions of albums, I bought roughly 80 downloads or CDs in 2020. The artists do get money from Bandcamp purchases, even the downloads. However I get that many people can't afford this, or have other priorities. About Hietala, he was the bandmate of Alexis Laiho in Sinergy. I wonder if Laiho's death made him more aware of his own mortality. Hietala sounds like he is ready to do something he can put his heart into, after realizing life is to short to go through the motions.

[@Orange_Affinity]

I think the biggest problem with Spotify is the fact that you have access to so much for a small monthly fee. Instead, there should be limits, perhaps an ability to rent an album for a few bucks and then you would only have access for a limited time. If you 'buy' the album, then you have access for all time. This way more money is given in to Spotify but it is distributed directly to what a person wants and directly to that album, similar to buying a physical copy.

[@claudiodelgift827]

Your idea of a redesigned Spotify is already a reality on Bandcamp. If you buy music there, you pay between 7-10 USD on average for a record. You can choose to download it, similar to iTunes, or stream it, but almost 85% of the revenue goes to the artist. Of course, Bandcamp seems to be more about indie artists instead of established ones. Well, maybe the latter should start looking at Bandcamp instead of reluctantly agreeing on a toxic relationship with such an exploitative platform as it's Spotify.

[@Orange_Affinity]

@@claudiodelgift827 I hadn't realised that, but you are correct. So, yeah, it might be best for Spotify to adopt that approach.

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

This is why like yourself Pete, I still buy CD's and Vinyl !!! It's real and mine and I Love having the physical product plus I believe the Bands should make as much money as possible and if by myself buying these helps them than Great !! : )

[@ConsumeTV]

So sad to see him leave. As if these times couldn't get any worse. Kinda amazed to think that now the only "original" members of Nightwish are Tuomas and Emppu. Damn. Not that Marko was an original member, as you would know, but he joined the band in the early years and he became such an icon for it. He will be missed. His bass playing, and most importantly, his singing, cannot be matched. Can't get my head out of that Ghost River performance on Wacken. I can only be glad I got to see him live with the band on my hometown in 2015.

[@patrickcrowther9195]

I wholeheartedly agree about streaming, it’s not only destroying bands’ ability to earn a decent living but it is also cheapening our appreciation of music. It is becoming just another thing to gorge on, without discernment or taste. McMusic. And the awkward truth is that there are way, way too many bands out there trying to slice off their own tiny piece of the pie. More metal bands than you can count. A million pop punk acts. Vast numbers of singer songwriters. Untold EDM acts. There is too much of everything now. Too much music. Too many TV channels. Too many films released. It’s all counter-productive and unsustainable. There is a vast amount of average and very little that is as stunning and era-defining as the great acts of years gone by, which young people want to experience as much as their parents and grandparents did. Too many average bands. Some have got to go by the wayside.

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

I absolutely agree Patrick!

[@sonia55408]

This has always been the music business... I remember Prince writing the word "Slave" on his face, back 20 some odd years ago. Does anyone really think things have changed? I've read contracts artists have signed to produce their music and been horrified. I wonder why this all became about Spotify when Live Nation who sold 12 million shares in stock to the PIF of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for $500M was also alluded to... the music industry can so often be soul crushing.

[@jamesmills4393]

Pretty sure George Michael shaved Fony on his face in reference to Sony music around the same time

[@SolidusDaedalus]

It's a shame to see Marko go, he is one of the pioneers of the Finnish metal scene in general and one of the oldest guys in the business around here. He just released that fantastic solo album too... Completely understandable though, here's hoping he comes back stronger than ever. As a younger metalhead, I use Spotify all the time, but I've really gotten into collecting physical media too. We need to support the people that make the music we love!

[@jakerudick9645]

Good rant,excellant points! Couldnt agree more.love your show ,keep it up Pete!

[@747jono]

Pete you are so right. I want the physical cd 💿 special editions etc. I will support all the smaller bands during this hard time. I am on the fence with you about the last album. The comment on the Middle East now explains why the merch was so expensive. Didn't realise why until now.

[@kirbyhans5261]

I agree with you completely... where are we headed? Things have changed so completely in the recent past. But regardless of that, eventually it will all work out!

[@scottgrohs5940]

And furthermore how long until it’s every listen to your downloaded file is locked behind a paywall, and the cost begins a few cents but raises to a dollar (or Euro or whatever paper currency) or multiple dollars. And all that profit is going to the distributor instead of the artist.

[@fredmaxwell9619]

Funny I have never heard of Spotify. I can certainly understand that upsetting band players. I hope Marko recovers his stance/base and preforms for us again, he will be missed.

[@kf877]

Anyone want to help him, check out his solo album released in 2020. It's not bad.

[@dusty3913]

I feel his frustration. I direct it at the CEOs (and agents) and those at that level; taking more than their share. He talks about promoters-greed there too. There is a way for bands to do most of their stuff "in house". They need to be exceptionally proactive to keep their fair share. And that is very difficult as it detracts from the creative motivation a musician needs. So, it is not a good corner to be in. I'm bummed. I hope they still get along.

[@williamstrejcek3722]

While it is definitely a sad news and Covid, health and the fact that bands can´t do concerts is a major factor in all this, I would like to actually point out another, crucial dimension that will be probably a little bit controversial for other people listening to this music. The fact is, that rock and metal music in general are absolutely falling down in terms of being popular within the mainstream and younger generation and to be honest, it makes perfect since due to the fans and bands and their approach to music. I am 25 yrs old and even though I grew up on stuff like Iron Maiden, Nightwish, Amon Amarath or tons of others old and new metal, metalcore, punk, hardcore etc. band, I am also listening to trap and hip hop and the fact is, that rock and metal music in general is just not appealing to public as it was before. When you mentioned that you are actually still listening to CDs, that´s exactly one part of the problem - the metal, rock fans and bands are still absolutely stuck in the past when it comes to their music and they feel butthurted by the fact, that trap and rap superstars are basicaly the new kind of rockstars. And please don´t get me wrong - I mean no disrespect and I get it, I also like vinyls and I also like old bands but look for instance on metal festivals and rap festivals: The headliners in metal festivals are bands that emerged in 80s and 90s with basically zero new rockstars, whereas rap festivals are almost exclusively made by new names and people that became famous only recently. So this is only supporting the evolution (or devolution?) of this genre since due to covid many older bands will cease to exist and the genre will be even smaller and smaller until there will be no young blood to take their place. Even though I always loved metal, I also always hated the exclusive mentality of the people - the fact that metal fans hate hip hop and were unable to to move into other, experimental directions in order to survive. In this matter, I highly recommend videos of a channel called "Punk Rock MBA" on precisely this topic "Why is Rock dying" or "What is the future of rock and rap" since he is talking about this problem in a bigger depth. I hope that in the end, there will be at least a certain comeback for this genre (and I would be especially happy about this should it happen with metalcore or pop-punk), but the sad truth is, that for the last decade, the genre became extremely sidelined due to its own mistakes and misunderstanding of the music industry.

[@topographic1973ify]

I'm a physical media guy too. I buy the hard copy albums and have felt that way about streaming and bit torrenting for a long, long time. I admire Marco's courage in doing what he's done.

[@MarkSmith-ln8oz]

really sorry to hear this, bands and musicians have been hit so hard during this pandemic and then a music industry that bleeds them dry, hope he finds what he needs, he will be extremely missed.

[@LordKlektar]

Regarding Spotify, I think it is part of a large problem. The internet age has conditioned us to expect to receive premium content for free. Newspapers close, musicians struggle to earn a living; output once considered a valuable tangible commodity is now reduced to ‘digital freebie’ in the public consciousness. I admonish my teenage boys for viewing Hollywood movies for free on pirate sites, and I encourage them to support their favorite rappers by buying their albums on iTunes. But the die is pretty well cast for their generation when it comes to consumption in general: food is delivered to your home, entertainment is free and enjoyed online from home, etc. But what do I know? Enterprising young musicians forge careers free from record labels using new internet platforms, journalists create grassroots gonzo reporting, etc. Maybe Marco and musicians of his/our generation are akin to the blacksmiths making horseshoes in the age of the automobile. Nothing lasts but nothing is lost.

[@1welshdevil]

Devastating news, we've all squabbled over the female singers for years, I think sometimes people forget how important this wonderful man was for the group. Nothing beats having music on vinyl. The sound of vinyl compared to a download.. .check it out for yourself people.

[@ucitymetalhead]

A poor quality download maybe but a cd or flac file i doubt a record could top.

[@1welshdevil]

@@ucitymetalhead I always used to think that, until I bought my favourite album of all, which is Timeless by Sarah Brightman on vinyl, the depth in sound, is genuinely huge.

[@Smoke_Snake]

The issue is the cost. Decent record player, amp, speakers are already a big investment, and the records... Thats where it really gets going. I love vinyl and I would prefer owning CD-s, but I can't really afford. I try to spend money on bands by going to their shows and buying merch. And instead of pirating music, I stream them. At this point of time, this is the case for most people.

[@ucitymetalhead]

@@1welshdevil I just remember an article by a sound engineer who basically said that they are actually inferior to cds as long as everything else the same.

[@1welshdevil]

@@ucitymetalhead I genuinely spent years making that argument, it's why I only bought a record player last year, maybe it's the overall experience, but there is a warmth to vinyl I just prefer.

[@MartyMurray]

This is a shame to hear, for a longtime Nightwish fan. You are right on, Pete. I'm like you. Being an older guy, I believe if you are a fan you should own the albums and the films that you love, on a physical medium. My collection is nowhere near as large as yours, but it's pretty big. I was lucky this past summer, in that I was still able to perform and have a relatively normal season, as a solo artist. People were so grateful to be able to see live music again. My many friends in bands were not as fortunate, having pretty much been put on unemployment. No places that they can play, and the restrictions make it unprofitable for the bars and restaurants to hire them. I make a small amount of money from streaming, from my original music and covers I have recorded, roughly about $300 a year or so. Nowhere near enough to call any sort of a decent income. We need to get rid of this virus, so we can all go back to proper work again. They built a huge entertainment venue here in Niagara Falls, a state of the art 5000 seat music hall, and they have not been able to use it yet because of the virus. Brad Paisley was supposed to do the first couple of shows there back in March 2020, and they were cancelled, as were all the other shows. So all we can do, at this point, is hope to God they get this virus under control so musicians can get back to work. Vaccines are rolling out here in Canada, so there is hope for us, at least.

[@wenndingofoster5680]

Tarot was also a great band . Nightwish needs to become Heavy Metal again . ICS Vortex definitely would be a great fit

[@olgahein4384]

Nightwish was never 'Heavy Metal' though. They went throught different styles in the Metal genres, but always mostly Symphonic Metal (at least what everyone outside of the US considers to be symphonic). But they were never ever Heavy Metal.

[@wenndingofoster5680]

@@olgahein4384 I am sorry hipster , Oceanborn was most certainly a Heavy Metal album . Save your ridiculous hair splitting microcenter BS for you Banger Network . I suppose that Uriah Heep , Deep Purple , and Rainbow weren't Heavy Metal either . Deep Purple beat Nightwish to the punch by 32 years . Besides their fan favorite Deep Purple and the Philharmonic orchestra , their prior self titled 1968 album also combined symphonic elements with Hard Rock . So you should realize that Nightwish has more in common with the bands that invented Heavy Metal than most bands people label Heavy Metal . You also want to claim that Rainbow - Stargazer wasn't a Heavy Metal song , because it was a Symphonic Metal song ? Judging by the wimpy boredom of the latest Nightwish album I would definitely agree that it's not Heavy Metal . I wouldn't even label it Symphonic Metal , it's more accurate to put it in the Symphonic Lightweight Easy Listening category . Not even sure if that describes it correctly , because it's not easy to listen to at least for me

[@barrywallace2744]

@@olgahein4384 They were metal until the album after Once.

[@wenndingofoster5680]

@@olgahein4384 Nightwish was Heavy Metal . Now they are just boring

[@colinwoods4435]

Just listened to his solo album Pyre of the Black Heart. Bloody excellent and, in my opinion, it smokes everything from Nightwish apart from Once. Listened a few times on Spotify, just ordered the CD.

[@WilliamBugeater64Simpson]

With the music business the way it is. I would recommend bands to finish their contracts and then work on their own to use Social Media to promote their groups. Some have done that very successfully. Doing so lets the bands keep, if not all, almost all their earnings.

[@oregonwoodelf]

This is rough... I USED to be a massive CD collector and loved stocking my shelves with my beautiful cases. A few years back, after being on Spotify for a while...I took all my CDs to the local buy/sell/trade shop and ditched them all. I now listen to an insane amount of Spotify with over 100k minutes listened in 2020. People could not believe how much I use it, but shit... I get SO much value from Spotify and the music is everything to me. I listen to music most of the day, every day. I feel for the artists, but this puts me in a pickle now and what the "right" decision is to do about my music. It's not just a hobby - it's part of my life and I NEED it haha. I will do my best to support the bands by getting some merch and of course going to their shows, but it seems these streaming platforms are here to stay. Ugh...

[@ShinDSER]

I use Spotify a lot, but that's mainly to check out new music. And if I find an album I like, on the buying list it goes!

[@rickschweitzer9845]

He's an artist. He should be allowed to express himself as he sees fit and be compensated as he sees fit. He's a great visionary and I wish him the best.

[@ChrisPage68]

The album is a masterpiece. Those who don't like it are stuck in the past. They would happily see Nightwish stagnate like Metallica, churning out the same stuff, album after album.

[@awesomereviews1561]

New and evolving doesn’t necessarily makes it better. Just makes it different.

[@ukmgtow1082]

What an arrogant comment! People simply might prefer their older sound! I haven't heard the new album so i will reserve judgement!

[@malcolmmatcham7991]

Very sad to see Marko leave Nightwish, I have been a fan of theirs for many years, he is irreplaceable. All the best Marko, the love of your family will get you through this difficult time.

[@piotrkowalski451]

Yeah,I am with you on this. I have been buying physical copies, CD's and vinyl's ,by my favorite artists since I got into music as a kid. My collection now is over 15.000 albums and I am proud of it. Spotify and any similar crap is not for me.

[@MonkeyRush93]

I believe that the Vinyl Community will help keep the music industry alive in one way or another, as much as the CD buyers too, I don’t want to forget about you guys too!!

[@thespectrebeneath3812]

Great video, Pete. We make 2p (British money) every time one of our albums is streamed on Spotify. We sell CDs for £10, so our albums needs to be streamed 500 times to make same amount of money, or 5,000 individual plays based on a 10 track album. At 5 minutes average per song, I'd hate to calculate how long it would take (17 days-ish). Either way, we've resigned ourselves to making no money from it whatsoever, and to write and create music because we love it and to record it when we have the coffers to do so.

[@gwts1171]

Yeah, we don't even bother putting our stuff on streaming sites. All of our money came from our merch table when touring, but... that's not happening now.

[@Para2normal]

I wish I had the skills to programme an alternative to Spotify, based around the workers collective idea, so that musicians would get a major part of the income rather than the techies.

[@paulus7562]

If I listen to something on Spotify and I really like it I will always buy the CD. I always feel like I want to own it and have a physical copy of it.

[@penniefreeman5094]

I am so sorry to see him go, but totally understand how he feels

[@LeatherRebel75]

Spotify is great for exploring new music and cultivating awesome playlists, but it does not replace a good music collection of physical media (or at least digital downloads purchased legally. Plus, Spotify does not have everything, and things they do have are liable to be pulled for any reason based on the whims of the music rights owners.

[@Bill-py1fn]

I hear you loud and clear Pete. Artists have been being ripped off for years and many don't care. All my music acquisitions have always been in the physical format. Music has always been a big part of my life and now especially I want to do my part in giving back for all those years. Thanks Pete and thanks especially to the artists.

[@Dipper737]

I love his voice o much and he Is the perfect match for Floor. I can't imagine anyone are able to replace him. He´s not just a bass player... Oh man this is so sad. I hope he recovers and rejoin the band or else I hope Toumas will be sending out Jake and Elwood looking for him.

[@bm625]

One thing I never understood was when Nightwish released Endless Forms Most Beautiful and Human Nature, they made both albums fully available on their own KZbin channel. I always thought that would hurt sales. I still bought the CD's because I like to support my favorite bands as much as I possibly can. However, they have this virtual concert coming up and they made tickets available to the world for around $35 USD. The current population of the earth is around 7.5 billion people. Let's say only 5% of the population bought 1 ticket for each show. Like I did. When you do the math it's roughly around 26 billion USD. Now I'm not sure what percentage of the worlds population actually bought tickets, but even if .1% bought tickets that's still 52.5 million dollars. It seems to me that without touring expenses that the band should get a decent cut of that. Even with the greedy tech companies. I hope they at least made a decent amount from that.

[@williambayley6903]

.1 of the world’s population would be ~ 8 million people. I really like Nightwish (have seen them live twice) and I am not going to get a virtual ticket so I think they would struggle to get 8m

[@bm625]

@@williambayley6903 I already purchased my virtual ticket. I've never seen them live.

[@williambayley6903]

@@bm625 enjoy - they are amazing live

[@bm625]

@@williambayley6903 Thanks, I'm just wondering who will be playing bass and if that person will be singing Marko's parts.

[@williambayley6903]

@@bm625 I think they have said they are going to get a session musician to cover their upcoming shows so I guess we will have to wait and see.....

[@stevegower1470]

Owning music is way better than renting it. We as fans really need to think long about the cold and hard facts. If we don't support these bands we say we love so much, they're going to quit making new music or just quit altogether. Buy the hard copy. That's the way it was intended to be! The older fans out there relying on Spotify need to think back to magic of what it was like to go to the record store and then go home with the album and listen to it while you gooned over the cover and liner notes! Let's help restore real music made by talented individuals!

[@ravyndarc4693]

As a former musician that spent nine years with my band. Proposed euro tour with Immortal etc... I fully agree. Our last label didn’t pay us shit. Tours are where you make money. I use Spotify when on ps4 it’s free and I can skip terrible game songs but I’m seriously thinking of skipping that as I’m hearing more and more they screw over bands. Nightwish has ego issues. The way they treated Tarja and then her replacement makes me not a fan since. I think Floor has a tremendous voice. Last I heard she kept her solo band plans? Smart gal. The industry is fucked. Venues all around me are closing. Getting no aid. Our glorious governor in NY is raising taxes to 14% that’s bs. As much as I want to return from retirement metal is hurting as far as business models go. It costs a lot of money. Fans often don’t see that. You’ve mail overhead, rehearsing room rentals, gear, merchandise we did ourselves. Then art even for flyers isn’t cheap. I think he made the right call. They aren’t a great band anymore.

[@stoneysopranoyukon9398]

The sad thing is CDs/albums so fuckin hard to get these days as I support artists not CEOs 🤘❤🇨🇦

[@Gregbaltzer]

It's just the opposite. Albums and CDs are a lot easier to get these days. With online services like Amazon, Discogs, or direct for the artists websites I can find almost any album I want. I grew up in the 80s and you had to get what albums were in the music stores. If they didn't have it than you didn't get it, or if they special ordered it for you than it took sometimes up to 6 months. Now I can order an album off of Amazon and get it either the next week or within a few weeks. So when people say albums are hard to get it's bullshit. It's fucking easier now than it's ever been.

[@stephensdygert7600]

In St.pete Florida I have three music stores within a few miles from my house. You can buy any album, cd, bluray audio, ect. ect.

[@luisnunes2010]

Find a store near you to support...

[@DShiflet01]

@@luisnunes2010 There are no stores that sell CDs anywhere near me anymore. Lotta other people in the same situation. Even before the last ones closed or quit stocking them, the only stuff I'd find in them was the latest top 40 pop, rap, and pretend country shit, not anything like Nightwish.

[@luisnunes2010]

@@DShiflet01 A place nearby is a specialist in heavy music. People come from all over the country (Portugal is the size of a small state) to get orders. Look around... you might be surprised!

[@jensbaumann6945]

Im not into nightwish at all but this is tough. I absolutely agree to everything thats been said. I had so many arguments with ppl over this spotify crap... i hate it. I am also into physical copies. If i want i can put them on my HD or make mp3 for use in my car... but coming from hardcore it was always clear that i have to buy Albums to Support bands if i like them and want them to bring out more music that i NEED... even when napster was around i only used it to listen to stuff i dont know... before i bought it or erased it. I even hate buying stuff on Amazon but sometimes theres no other way to get music i want... This is just sad😔

[@brianalmeida1964]

@@neuropete1 I think you are missing the point. Marko isn't moaning about the fact that music is mainly being streamed nowadays but rather how much those streaming companies are actually paying the artists. Spotify pay an artist $0.00318 per stream (£0.00274). That's £3.18 (£2.74) per 1000 streams. I'm sure you are quite capable to do the maths yourself to see how many streams the band would have to achieve to earn a decent yearly wage. On top of that, if you go on tour you have to deal with Live Nation which are owned by Saudi Arabia, a country where music and live music performances are banned. Live Nation also own Ticketmaster, so also make money from selling concert tickets (see handling charge etc even when the tickets are in the form of electronic media). Add to that the fact that Live Nation also take a huge %age of the money from the band's own merchandise while on tour and you start to understand his frustration.

[@johnwilson1689]

Always have and will be a physical media bloke. I use Spotify as a tool to review music that I might want to buy in CD form. Marko Hietala I wish you well in your future endeavors and I appreciate the body of work you've made with Nightwish. Peace to you brother.

[@nissenilsson9158]

This video made me want to start buying cds

[@AlexanderJBarrett]

I listen to most of my music in the car, in the office or when out and about. What's the best way to support the artists without having to worry about storing all the music?

[@doopum1]

This has been going on in the music industry since the beginning of recording contracts. I think the fact that he has a solo album last year and can be in control of it, rather than playing that keyboard players music, might be a good reason too. Physical media is the only way I listen and bands should get 100% of the merch income

[@siddhartascarlett5430]

Im a new susbscriber from Mexico. Thanks for share your music knowledge with everybody. Regards.

[@angusgow1887]

I buy LPs and CDs, I see this young generation is just happy renting their music. Companies are cutting their cost by not having to produce hard copies as a way to make bigger profits.

[@gellargod]

So sad to hear this. I buy physical copies as well. Been buying merchandise all during covid. It breaks my heart for these bands. Nightwish won't be the same without Marko!!! Glad I saw the Decades tour in Vegas!!!

[@timpadleki8384]

Great show Pete! I was glued to all you said here. Your words, musical and personal concern was spot on. I have great respect for your show and musical knowledge and all you said here I found to be so true. It's a sad time for bands and their fans. Everything is changing and it sucks. Long live rock and roll. Thanks Pete! Respect!

[@martinhallback5815]

Good points about streaming. My take on it. I still by CD:s and vinyl but I also do alot of streaming. Its sad that the artists get so little from streaming their music. However I think you miss one important point here. Before the streaming services illegal downloads were very common. Then the artists really got nothing. Streaming is here to stay.

[@TheDragonsleeve]

You can't be 'into' music if you rely solely on streaming. FANS buy the cds/vinyl/t-shirts and go to the gigs. Streaming and the pandemic is a lethal combination for music. Ugly times!

[@relinquishh]

That's a pretty lame opinion. Some people don't have the money to buy everything they listen to in physical form.

[@tiekogalaxylatte8839]

@@relinquishh Precisely, this is a bad take from OP

[@T1hitsTheHighestNote]

I agree. I buy the records and go to the concerts. Buy my band shirts. But I still mostly listen on Spotify, due to the convenience.

[@T1hitsTheHighestNote]

@@relinquishh We used to do that back in the day, you know. As a music fan, you spent ALL your spare money on records and concerts. There were no streaming services to pay for. Now there are so many. No expensive smart phones. Today there's so much competition.

[@relinquishh]

@@T1hitsTheHighestNote Of course. But these days, it's not financially responsible for most music fans to do that anymore.

[@Goblin_Ghost39]

In regards to streaming services, Herman Li, in response to Marko leaving, basically suggested fans to physically buy the music but also listen to it on streaming services like Spotify. That way, they do get paid from you buying their music and they also get whatever tiny bit they get from streams, too. I personally use both - physical copies and streaming. (Don't pay for streaming, though. For what they want a month, I could buy an album). Sometimes I'm just getting into a band and i don't know what album i wanna dive into first. Especially bands that have several albums out. So it's my starting point before going out and buying music. But i always buy music from as many artists as I can. Especially from Nightwish. They've always been a favorite and I think i have all their albums now besides their very first one. It's heartbreaking to see Marko leave. He's been the band's rock since 2001 and my favorite metal musician for years. I hope he doesn't leave music forever. Even if he comes back through Bandcamp or Patreon or something where we can more directly support him.

[@johnmichaelwilliams6694]

Great rant, Pete, and issues for everyone to consider. I am a Spotify user and certainly used it in my years at the office prior to retirement. But finding the SoT channel early in the pandemic sort of rejuvenated my interest in some new CDs even though I am busily trying to simplify. While certainly nowhere near a Pardo-like library, I was driven to simplify my belongings after handling my folks' estate at the same time as that of my Mom's best friend and having to deal with over 50 years of accumulated 'stuff' at several residences. When I think of the jazz vinyl in my dad's records, it makes me wonder if I should have gone through each and every one. Even though I saved most of his CDs of classical and jazz. But even after donating hundreds of CDs in the last few years, I find that I bought more CDs in 2020 because of your channel than I had bought in the preceding several years. It may be just a drop in the bucket, but your words on this during last year sparked me to seek out different sources for music. Yes, I still use Spotify. Mostly to intersperse sample listening with the SoT ranking shows and new releases. But then that leads me to the CDs which I try to by in a manner that benefits the artist. Thanks for reminding us all that it is the artist that should be rewarded for creativity that we enjoy. Sorry to be so long winded but thanks again, Pete.

[@diannecarpenter7718]

Thank you for the information about Marko Hietala.🎼🎤🎸🎵🥁

[@peterichards3261]

Feel sad for Marco and understand his feelings. I can understand how this awful year has accentuated his lack of desire to continue. My own hope, perhaps a selfish one, is that he reunites with his brother Zachary and Tarot come back at some point. Perhaps a chance for him to express himself lyrically again

[@chrisenglert3958]

As I said in another post, yes this is a blow especially to us looking forward to the new tour which was already canceled thanks to you know what...but as someone who has followed Nightwish since the beginning and I'm sure many of you other long time fans will agree, we have been through this several times over the last two decades and Nightwish always finds a way to carry on. Nightwish isn't a band to give in to pressure. They also aren't a band to just settle for something or someone to just get by. They will make the best decisions they can and do their best to pull off the upcoming tour in style! Sure it will be bitter sweet without Marko but just as stated in his post, this isn't 100% permanent as of right now. He is basically taking a break from the band so he can make a conscious decision as to whether or not he will leave music or continue on. Just like when Jukka announced his departure, it was upsetting but health and well being have to come first. So lets hold on to this little bit of hope and let the band and Marko do what they have to do. And if he doesn't return, we all wish him the best and thank him for the last 20 years of devotion to the Greatest Band On Earth! And if you read all of this, thank you for your time and hopefully this sheds a little bit of light for you all. Take care and stay healthy everyone!!

[@dr.maturin4648]

I agree. They have survived the loss of Tarja, Annette, Jukka and now Marco. But they have gained Floor and Troy Donockley (sp?) Troy has a beautiful voice and plays many instruments very well! And Tuomas is the real heart of Nightwish. BTW, does anyone know if Amazon Prime Music Unlimited pay artists anything at all? And I wish Nightwish would make buying from their website easier for people using American dollars! Tuomas committed virtual suicide on Dead Boy's Poem. Not unless he really dies will Nightwish be over.

[@chrisenglert3958]

@@dr.maturin4648 From what I remember and this may have changed but Amazon Prime specifically paid roughly $0.00437 per stream which is just under one half of a cent. Each provider has their own payment structure so some will pay more than others. Another thing to look at is normally the higher the royalty the lower the exposure whereas with Amazon, you have millions of ppl world-wide but get paid less per stream. It's a very complicated issue and I strongly agree that every artist should receive a specific minimum wage per stream. I personally do not stream music for this very reason with the exception of KZbin Reaction videos. I have personally purchased every album this band has put out because they deserve it, not the streaming companies. Lastly, if you wish to purchase from their website, in the upper right-hand corner of the screen, you can change the currency to USD which makes purchasing super easy. I'm hoping this is what you meant. Thanks for the reply and I agree, this is just another chapter in the Nightwish story.

[@dr.maturin4648]

@@chrisenglert3958 Thank you, Chris. I guess I did not notice that in the upper right corner. I will buy a shirt or something. Amazon Prime is now offering a free trial for 3 months! I suppose that means the bands get absolutely nothing. I have all of NW CDs and DVDs. I do watch all the "Reaction" videos on youtube and am amazed at how many people are doing this, especially for Ghost Love Score. I hate it when they stop the music for their remarks though.

[@Mr.Truxton]

I only use streaming services to check the record if I want to buy it. Basically.

[@derekvons4041]

I really hope he comes back. He is a huge part of this band and why I liked the male/female vocal. Still rock my Nightwish tat on my sleeve with pride. He was incredibly nice when I met him. Very sad. HIM calling it quits now Nightwish loses its core vocalist/bassist. I see them calling it quits just like when Gas Lipstick left HIM. Hope they still play but not sure if it will be the same.

[@justthinking5333]

Tremendous talent, wish him the best, the industry is corrupt with greed, nightwish brought me the best music i have heard in a long long time, we were born the exact same day, much respect for Marko!