All began when MY DYING BRIDE canceled all their concerts for 2024, just before the release of their latest album, “A Mortal Binding.” Guitarist Andrew Craighan had stated that the band was facing “issues” with live performances, while singer Aaron Stainthorpe later revealed that MY DYING BRIDE had decided to take a break before things worsened and led to a breakup.
The good news is that MY DYING BRIDE are returning after their break and will perform on July 3, 2025, at the Rockmaraton Festival in Dunaújváros, Hungary. The news is that Aaron Stainthorpe will not be there and will be replaced by Mikko Kotamäki, singer of SWALLOW THE SUN.
On December 6, 2024, MY DYING BRIDE posted the following on their official Instagram announcement:
“MY DYING BRIDE are thrilled to announce their return to the stage in 2025! After a short ‘pause,’ live performances are coming back, with a very special guest vocalist: Mikko Kotamäki from SWALLOW THE SUN.
We warmly welcome Mikko, who has kindly joined the live lineup of MDB, allowing us to bring both new and classic songs back to the stage. With this year’s album, ‘A Mortal Binding,’ firmly established as a success in Doom Metal, the band is finally ready to promote it live, alongside timeless classic titles.
The band is excited to announce one appearance already, with more to follow: Rockmaraton Fesztivál 03-05.07.25, HU, Dunaújváros. Stay tuned for further announcements and let’s also give a big welcome to Mikko!”
In a recent interview with the British magazine Devolution, MY DYING BRIDE’s frontman Aaron Stainthorpe was asked about the news that he and the band had canceled all of their scheduled concerts for 2024.
Aaron Stainthorpe responded:
“We’ve worked non-stop in MY DYING BRIDE, without a manager. Myself and guitarist Andrew Craighan have managed the band as best as we could all these years. We had people interested in managing us, but it never went anywhere. Sometimes, when you’re in charge, it really takes away from the artistic side. You have to deal with the tax authorities, politics, and so on.
Andy and I have fought like a married couple for years over the art and lyrics. I think both of us are becoming grumpy old men. We said, ‘Let’s take a break before we completely mess things up.’ It’s a bad time to take a break because the album has just come out. We had concerts scheduled and everything. I apologize to the people who bought tickets and were going to see us.”
The question is: Is Aaron Stainthorpe still a member of MY DYING BRIDE or should we imagine the band with another singer in its line-up???
