Evanescence Guitarist Terry Balsamo Exits, Jen Majura Joins Band
Lineup changes are nothing new for Evanescence and the band will see a new guitarist saddling up alongside Amy Lee when they return to the stage this fall. According to a new post, the group is saying farewell to guitarist Terry Balsamo and welcoming new guitarist Jen Majura.
It appears as though Balsamo's exit was a band decision, with Lee stating in her comments, "We stand unified knowing it's the right thing to do," before wishing the guitarist all the "happiness, health and love in the world."
As for Majura, Lee hints that an extensive search uncovered the guitarist who "plays like a supervillain, sings like an angel and laughs like a great friend." Check out Lee's full statement on the matter below:
We have big news to share.
After 2 albums, countless adventures around the world and on the stage, Terry's time with Evanescence has come to an end. As difficult as that is, we stand unified knowing it's the right thing for all of us. We will ALWAYS love you, Terry, and wish you all the happiness, health, and love in the world!
Now for the exciting part of this announcement: Ladies and gentlemen, meet Jen Majura.
After scouring the globe, I found Evanescence's missing piece in South Germany. She plays like a supervillan, sings like an angel, and laughs like a great friend. We spent a few days together last week in New York sharing eerily familiar life stories, sushi, artistic inspiration, other people's shoes, and SO many laughs! (Yeah, okay, and maybe there were a couple of stiff drinks mixed in there).
We are all so excited to play together this fall and bring the show to a whole new level. CAN'T WAIT! I know you will show her all the love and respect a strong, talented woman deserves. I couldn't be happier to welcome our new sister to the band.
P.S. This is the time to be shouting out setlist requests, we're working on it now
Anything is possible! So bring it!!!
Balsamo joined Evanescence in 2003 after the exit of founding guitarist Ben Moody. He had played with the band Cold prior to joining Evanescence, and initially stepped in for touring purposes while the group was still promoting their Fallen debut disc. Balsamo became Lee's primary creative collaborator in the group and appeared on the 2004 live album Anywhere But Here, as well as the band's last two studio discs -- The Open Door and Evanescence. There was no word as to what Balsamo's next venture will be.
As for Evanescence, they recently announced a handful of North American dates that will lead into their Ozzfest Japan appearance and Majura is expected to be with the band at all the stops. For the uninitiated, check out a couple of videos of Majura playing guitar below.
Watch as Jen Majura Demonstrates the ENGL Powerball 2
Watch as Jen Majura Plays "Blues for FK"
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