GODIVA's Management Claims Bassist Was Fired

January 23, 2009

The management company which represents Swiss rockers GODIVA has released the following statement regarding the recently announced departure of drummer Peter Gander, bassist Mitch Koontz and guitarist Steve Papacharitos:

"GODIVA had to part ways with bassist Mitch Koontz because since last year's European tour the dissatisfaction within the band had consistently grown and after founding member and Mitch's lifelong friend Peter Gander (drums) had to be replaced by Stefan Schwarzmann on last years European tour and shortly after left the band due to family obligations, Mitch's attitude against the other band members got even worse.

"Mitch's excessive overestimation of his capabilities and personality change became a major issue to the other band members. The situation with Mitch got out of control and became more and more frustrating to the point where it was almost unbearable for the rest of the band to be on stage or in the same room with him. Mitch finally demanded that singer Fernando Garcia had to be replaced because he is displeased with his capability and he will not continue working with him. Founding member Sammy Lasagni (guitar) made a clear statement that Fernando Garcia is the voice of GODIVA and one of the best singers and there willl be no GODIVA without him.

"We were put in an awkward situation with insurmountable differences and had to make the hard decision to part ways with Mitch Koontz to ensure GODIVA will survive. Unhappy with this situation and obviously under pressure Steve Papacharitos (guitar) quit as well. The two main songwriters Fernando and Sammy will continue working on the songs for the upcoming album to keep the GODIVA sound alive.

"Fernando's and Sammy's statements will be placed shortly on www.godiva.ch."

GODIVA's third album, "Destruction", was released in September 2007 via Mausoleum Records. The CD was produced by Dennis Ward (PINK CREAM 69) and mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland.

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