Skillet Guitarist Departs

Subject: Skillet Guitarist Departs Tue Feb 15, 2011 7:00 pm

Quote :: Panheads, fans, friends, and rockers,

What’s up everybody? We have just returned home from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, where we had an awesome tour!

However, as we are taking a little time off, we have a sad message to share with you. Our long-time guitarist Ben Kasica is going to end his time with Skillet. We have had 10 years working together, and It has been an amazing ride! From the years we spent driving through the night in a van; to playing concerts all the way around the world, I’ve seen Ben transform from the kid who was nervous to play a guitar solo, to the rocker who now plays a solo…with his teeth! I always knew the time would come for Ben to leave and pursue other dreams, and now it is here. We are a family and we are going to miss him. We appreciate how hard he has worked for us and wish him the best in his life off the road. We have asked Ben if he would like to give a message to the fans, being that I’m sure all of you would like to hear from him, and of course he did:

Hello panheads. After 10 amazing years of playing with Skillet, as John has told you, I will be leaving the band. This has been an incredible journey for me. Joining the band shortly after turning 16 and basically growing up on the road, I had no idea how long the ride would last but have enjoyed it immensely and been thankful to God for everything I’ve been a part of. We’ve traveled to loads of places, met many many wonderful people, drunk way too much coffee, made tons of memories and hopefully touched lives with eternity. I feel completely blessed and honored to have been a part of Skillet’s history. I want to thank John and Korey for the opportunity of a lifetime. They’ve been encouraging, compassionate, long-suffering with me and it’s been what’s kept me going on all these years. I’m grateful for their years of input in my spiritual, personal and business life. They’re amazing, inspiring hardworking people that i have the utmost respect for. I wish them the absolute best in their future in and outside the band.

After getting off the road, I will be focusing on building my other companies, producing and developing artists at Skies Fall Studios and designing for LifeLoveMusic Clothing. I also look forward very much to being home and catching up on churchlife, family and friends.

I want to thank you panheads for 10 years of incredible support. You’ve been encouraging over the years and made touring an amazing experience. You are the absolute best fans ever.

Thank you.

Benjamin Judah Kasica

We appreciate Ben’s work , we love him, and wish him the best in his music and various business ventures. Thanks to all of the fans for your support, and we will see you all soon on tour!

Stand and be strong,

John Cooper

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https://christianhardmusic.niceboard.com/

Number of posts : 16567 Age : 94 Registration date : 2007-02-09

It's always sad when a "family band member" leaves the band.
I hope Sillet can find an other cool guitarist.

Subject: Re: Skillet Guitarist Departs Wed Feb 16, 2011 11:13 pm

They seemed to find a replacment drummer (last year?) rather quickly. I don't expect that they will have much problem finding a new guitarist.

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"I used to be indecisive.......... Now I'm not sure."

Subject: Re: Skillet Guitarist Departs Thu Feb 24, 2011 11:06 pm

I think they should get Noah Copeland to play for them. I've heard that guy is pretty awesome but I don't know....

Subject: Re: Skillet Guitarist Departs Thu Feb 24, 2011 11:55 pm

Noah wrote:: I think they should get Noah Copeland to play for them. I've heard that guy is pretty awesome but I don't know....

He is a pretty fantastic guitarist, but I hear he has a huge ego.

Skillet Guitarist Departs 5

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"I used to be indecisive.......... Now I'm not sure."

Number of posts : 16567 Age : 94 Registration date : 2007-02-09

I think Noah is a very good guitarist.

Number of posts : 308 Age : 47 Registration date : 2009-03-15

Staybrite wrote:: They seemed to find a replacment drummer (last year?) rather quickly. I don't expect that they will have much problem finding a new guitarist.

Wait, it's not the same woman drumming for them anymore?

Subject: Re: Skillet Guitarist Departs Mon Mar 07, 2011 12:29 am

MetalFRO wrote:

Staybrite wrote:: They seemed to find a replacment drummer (last year?) rather quickly. I don't expect that they will have much problem finding a new guitarist.

Wait, it's not the same woman drumming for them anymore?

Nope, Lori departed from the band not too long after the release of Comatose. They picked up Jen Ledger, who was a friend of the band beforehand I believe, just before the live album Comatose Comes Alive came out. She was only 18 when she joined the band.

Subject: Re: Skillet Guitarist Departs Mon Mar 07, 2011 6:53 pm

silentthunder89 wrote:

MetalFRO wrote:

Staybrite wrote:: They seemed to find a replacment drummer (last year?) rather quickly. I don't expect that they will have much problem finding a new guitarist.

Wait, it's not the same woman drumming for them anymore?

Nope, Lori departed from the band not too long after the release of Comatose. They picked up Jen Ledger, who was a friend of the band beforehand I believe, just before the live album Comatose Comes Alive came out. She was only 18 when she joined the band.

Yeah they got her from Church. The Church that John & Korey go to has a school that teaches music and leading in Worship bands. She was a drum student. I'm guessing that they have someone in mind or Ben will be out on the road a little bit to get the new guys acquainted

Subject: Re: Skillet Guitarist Departs Sun Mar 27, 2011 11:40 am

They've announced their new gutarist, Jonathan Salas. Here is his facebook page, some music on there

https://www.facebook.com/jonathansalasfanpage?sk=wall

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv57varY2kM&feature=player_embedded#at=16

Subject: Re: Skillet Guitarist Departs Sun Mar 27, 2011 2:17 pm

Very interesting move. From the music on his page, it sounds like a completely different kind of guitar playing style than what we've come to know from Skillet. He does have a very good voice though! I wonder what kind of impact this move will have on Skillet's musical direction?

Subject: Re: Skillet Guitarist Departs Sun Mar 27, 2011 2:51 pm

With John Cooper doing most of the writing, I doubt it will have much impact. Most of the rhythm guitar parts are written by Corey anyway.

_________________
I might have decided, or maybe not, that I should or shouldn't, depending on the issue or non-issue, to possibly share or not share, any thoughts, opinions, or facts (that might not be deemed factual by some), due to possible fear of any misinterpretation or retribution.

https://christianhardmusic.niceboard.com/

Subject: Re: Skillet Guitarist Departs Sun Mar 27, 2011 4:59 pm

Just based on that video he seems to be a more pop oriented musician.

_________________
"I used to be indecisive.......... Now I'm not sure."

Subject: Re: Skillet Guitarist Departs Sun Mar 27, 2011 8:38 pm

Staybrite wrote:: Just based on that video he seems to be a more pop oriented musician.

Yeah from looking around on the internet and listening to his music, seems like he has more of a vibe that fits bands like Building429 and pop/rock bands. But hey, he did open up for Stryper in Houston on their 25th anniversary tour so at least he's got that on his resume.