Iced Earth lose guitarist Troy Seele

By ( Metal Hammer ) published

Guitarist Troy Seele leaves Iced Earth after a decade to look after his autistic child

Troy Seele
Family matters: Seele (Image credit: Getty)

Iced Earth guitarist Troy Seele has left the band after a decade-long stint to take care of his autistic child.

He says a change of circumstances means it’s impossible for him to remain in Jon Schaffer’s band, and he’ll bow out after their appearance at Knotfest in Mexico on October 16.

Seele says: “Some of you know, but many do not, that I have a child with autism. In the past I had a great support system that has allowed me to pursue a career in music.

“That is no longer the case, and it has forced me to make a difficult decision. The demanding lifestyle of being in a professional band is no longer an option for me. Knowing the band is focused on a new album and touring cycle, this is the best time for me to stop down.”

Offering his thanks to Scheffer and the rest of the band, he adds: “Playing in Iced Earth has been a great experience. Thank you to the fans for understanding.”

Schaffer says: “Troy was a good friend before he became part of the team, and always will be. I understand and respect his decision. We laughed hard and we laughed often. Be well, brother – we all wish you the best.”

Iced Earth continue work on their next album, tentatively entitled The Judas Goat. The band tour Europe in December, after forced downtime as a result of Schaffer’s surgery in 2015.

Iced Earth European tour 2016

Dec 01: Berlin Huxleys, Germany
Dec 02: Oberhausen RMM, Germany
Dec 03: Leipzig Hellraiser, Germany
Dec 04: Hamburg Markthalle, Germany
Dec 05: Tilburg 013, Netherlands
Dec 06: London Electric Brixton, UK
Dec 07: Paris Bataclan, France
Dec 08: Saarbrucken Garage, Germany
Dec 09: Geiselwind Christmashbash, Germany
Dec 10: Giessen Hessenhallen, Germany
Dec 11: Torhout De Mast, Belgium
Dec 13: Prattein Z7, Switzerland
Dec 14: Prattein Z7, Switzerland
Dec 15: Stuttgart LKA, Germany
Dec 16: Wien Arena, Austria
Dec 17: Munich Backstage, Germany
Dec 18: Zlin Euronics, Czech Republic

Iced Earth Jon sells guitars to fund studio plan

Martin Kielty
Freelance Online News Contributor

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.