FORBIDDEN Bassist Quits; Singer Decides To Take Break From Music Business

Bassist Matt Camacho has left San Francisco Bay Area metallers FORBIDDEN. In addition, the band's singer, Russ Anderson, has decided to take a break from the music business.

Commented FORBIDDEN guitarist Craig Locicero: "I am extremely saddened to have to announce that our bassist and brother since 1986, Matt Camacho, has decided to retire from the music business and leave FORBIDDEN permanently.

"For those that know and love Matt, this may be a shock to you. Matt's always been gung-ho for the band since the beginning and was a positive guy. But ever since he went to law school after FORBIDDEN split up the first time, he was on a career path that would eventually take him to this day. His job position keeps getting better and taking care of our families is the most important thing.

"With that being said, Russ Anderson has made the decision to take a break away from music to get his bearings back and rekindle his fire for FORBIDDEN. Russ is not quitting, but has decided that he needs to do this for himself. We support him and his decision to not fake his way through what needs to be real.

"I had always said since we reformed in 2008, that as soon as things become tedious or a grind we'd either stop doing this or take a break. But we'd never say never again! FORBIDDEN is not through yet. Russ simply needs to recharge his thrash metal batteries!

"So then there is the unfortunate reality that under these circumstances FORBIDDEN will not be appearing at the Wacken Open Air festival this year. This breaks my heart as much as anything else! Steve [Smyth, guitar], Sasha [Horn, drums] and myself were very much looking forward to playing in front of that crowd and we had been holding out hope for Russ to change his mind. But he feels strongly that he just can't do it right now. So we must respect his wishes and let him have his space.

"We'd like to apologize to our fans, Continental Concerts, the Wacken Open Air organizers and everyone at Nuclear Blast Europe. You've all stood by us for so long and we understand how bad the fans in Europe want to see FORBIDDEN again. But you deserve to see FORBIDDEN at its best. Not under these circumstances.

"This is our promise to you we'll come back with stronger and with new material! We've already got half of the new record written and we'll finish it up when Russ feels good enough to thrash it up again!

"Thanks to you all from the bottom of our hearts..."

Added Matt Camacho: "Playing in FORBIDDEN has been a dream come true for me. It has allowed me to tour the world, play with and meet some of the most amazing bands, make friends for life, perform some phenomenal shows, and, most important, experience the most amazing FANS... I'll truly miss the inspiration and love that people from around the world have shown towards the MUSIC. As I leave for a new endeavor, I want to express my thanks and gratitude for all the incredible musicians both past and present who have graced their magical touch on FORBIDDEN's music. To be a part of this band and to have these guys as friends and family for life is a true blessing. Thanks guys for the support and I look forward to seeing FORBIDDEN carry on for years to come."

FORBIDDEN's latest album, "Omega Wave", was released in Europe on October 22, 2010 and in North America on October 26, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD landed at position No. 27 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.