Graveyard's bassist heads to rehab

Graveyard, that beautiful Swedish concoction of blues, metal and fuzzy guitar distortion, have decided to give their bandmate, bassist Rikard Edlund, the time he needs to get clean from addiction. The group just posted the statement below on their Facebook page. 

Rikard Edlund of Graveyard. Photo by M. Spiro

I saw Graveyard here in Baltimore back in January at Golden West Cafe. It was among the best shows I have seen this year. You can read a little about that show here. 

Graveyard also just released a new album, Lights Out, and as you will read, they fully intend to tour in support of their record with a temporary replacement for Edlund. I hope Rikard gets the help he needs so he can get back to making music. I love Graveyard a lot so I wish him and the band the best as they power through this tough time. What follows is the Graveyard statement on this matter.

It's not only rock ‘n’ roll.

Sometimes in life you have to make decisions that are neither simple or easy to make. Graveyard have - after a time filled with difficulties and a search for solutions - been forced to make such a decision. Due to personal problems with addiction, it has come to the point where Rikard, to get the proper help, will have to take a break from touring with the band. Rikard is without a doubt still a member of Graveyard, but as things are at the moment it just doesn't work and something has to be done. The other members give Rikard their full support and the time off needed to try to beat this. 

How this will affect the band - it is agreed upon by all four members that the show will go on and to do so the band will tour with a stand in bass player. This has been a far from easy decision to make and the timing isn't the best. But Graveyard as a band has it's mind set on being around for a long time to come. And looking at it from that perspective and Rikard's personal health this is the only option. 

This is all the band have got to say about this somewhat personal matter and we'll give the final words to Rikard himself:
"After living the hard life for most of my life. It has come to the point that I have to take a break from playing the music that I love.'