Stephen quitte le groupe

 Alors qu’on attendait des nouvelles quant à un futur album de « la tentaton intérieure », c’est une bien triste nouvelle qui attend tous les fans.

 En effet Stephen van Haestregt a décidé de mettre à l’aventure « Within temptation » entamée pour lui en 2001 quand il remplaça  Ivar De Graaf. le précédent batteur.

 Une page se tourne et une ultime date l’attend le 29 avril à Anvers.

 Pour ce qui est du futur, nous pourrons retrouver Stephen au sein de son nouveau projet « my favorite scar » dont le premier album est attendu pour juillet prochain.

 Communiqué à retrouver sur le site officiel : http://en.within-temptation.com

 Dear all,  This may come as a surprise, but after ten great years the time has come for me and Within Temptation to go our separate ways.  

WT was an unstoppable train. I remember well the time that I got involved with WT as a Studio Technician. Mother Earth marked the beginning of a successful era. I couldn’t have imagined that I would be their drummer in two years time. WT developed from an underground band to Holland’s best selling musical export product. A childhood dream came true: I toured over 40 countries, shared the same stage with heroes like Iron Maiden, Metallica and Rammstein and performed in a sold out Ahoy with the Metropole Orchestra. In short, it’s been an incredible time. The things we experienced will stay with me forever.

But on April 29 in Antwerp, Belgium, I’ll be on stage with WT for the last time.

 From the start of our sabbatical year (end of 2008) I started producing, recording and mixing other bands again. I found a great working spot at the Swamp Studio in Raamsdonk (NL). Very close to where I live, so I can spend more time with my family.  As a musician, you have not seen the last of me though! On the contrary. As some of you may have read in our fan magazine a while ago,  I have been involved with another project for quite a while now, « My Favorite Scar ». In this band I feel right at home, musically as well as personally. I believe this band is at the beginning of a bright future, yet all depends on the support of the fans, as always. Hopefully you’ll love and support My Favorite Scar as much as you do Within Temptation! 

In July 2010 My Favorite Scar will release its debut album. In March 2010 we will release our first single « Waste », as a free download and we’ll be starting a Dutch tour in March too. We will be playing as many Dutch and foreign shows as we possibly can. Hopefully I’ll see you guys again somewhere at a festival or a clubshow! 

 I’ve always found it hard to say goodbye and this time it’s no different. I’ve enjoyed a great time with our crew and the band. So thanks to Debbie, Pim, Guus, Bennie, Arwin, Marco, Rob, Guido, Rene, Paul and all other crew members who worked with us in the past, Raymond, Martijn, Iris and everyone at AT, Sharon, Robert, Jeroen, Ruud and my roommate Martijn and last but not least, the fans all over the world. Thank you all for an unforgettable time. Hopefully our paths will cross again soon. 

 Horns up! 

Stephen van Haestregt