THEATRE OF TRAGEDY Calling It Quits

Norway's THEATRE OF TRAGEDY has released the following statement:

"After nearly 17 years in existence, THEATRE OF TRAGEDY has decided to call it a day and close down.

"This has not been an easy decision to make and we have thought about this for a long long time. We finally agreed to this during the production of our latest album, 'Forever Is The World'.

"THEATRE OF TRAGEDY will come to an end on October 2, 2010, exactly 17 years after we started making music together.

"Over the years all of us have strived to combine the THEATRE with everyday life but in the end it has proven more and more difficult.

We have come to appreciate our family lives and jobs, which makes it very hard to continue this life of rock 'n' roll on the road.

"We know that some of you will probably be very disappointed, but we also hope you will continue to listen to our music, which all of you learned to appreciate and love so much.

"We want to thank everyone of you for all your support over the past 17 years! THEATRE OF TRAGEDY wouldn't have been possible without you!

"Be sure to catch us on the last THEATRE OF TRAGEDY shows ever this year!

"The final gig will take place on October 2 in Stavanger, where it all began.

"Our music will live on... and forever is the world."

For the first time in 10 years, THEATRE OF TRAGEDY will feature a live bass player when it hits the road in early March. The band says, "We have the privilege to announce that the talented Erik Torp from LOWDOWN will handle this duty around Europe." Support on the trek will come from WHERE ANGELS FALL.

THEATRE OF TRAGEDY will release a a limited-edition tour version of its seventh album, "Forever Is The World", on March 5 to coincide with the band's upcoming European shows. The set will include a new EP called "Addenda" and will feature 10 tracks of b-sides, rarities, remakes and remixes. Once the limited version of "Forever Is The World" is sold out, the EP will be sold separately.

The winner of the creative competition, Martin Pöhlmann, created the artwork for this release.

"Forever Is The World" was released in September 2009 via AFM Records. The follow-up to 2006's "Storm" was recorded at Room 13 studios in Oslo with producer Alexander Møklebust, who has previously worked with ZEROMANCER, SEIGMEN, GÅTE, MONOMEN and DELAWARE, among others. The mastering was handled by Bjørn Engelmann at the Cutting Room in Sweden.

"Forever Is The World" was made available in three different versions: a limited digipack with one bonus song, a very limited double vinyl version with two bonus tracks (one exclusive to the vinyl edition!) and a regular jewelcase.