In a personal statement to fans over the weekend, John Butler & Nicky Bomba announced the departure of Bomba from the John Butler Trio. Nicky’s involvement with his many successful projects, particularly the rise of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, is the reason behind the change. Nicky and John both agreed on the focusing of energies as a positive step forward.
In May this year the Melbourne Ska Orchestra embarked on their first debut album tour, selling out venues in Sydney (The Metro), Melbourne (Forum) & Brisbane (The Tivoli) .The response was overwhelming, and the self-titled album gained rave reviews and radio support nationally.
To celebrate this new chapter, the band has just released a new single ‘THE DIPLOMAT’ from their acclaimed self-titled debut album. (A timely title given the election frenzy!). Setting out on tour in September, the 30-piece ramshackle juggernaut that is the Melbourne Ska Orchestra will hit BigSound (Brisbane), Adelaide, Fremantle & Perth, followed up by a host of festivals and a Sydney date in November.
The announcement seems to have received the respectful blessings of many fans with an understanding of John and Nicky’s long association.
It is evident the respect is high between the two, Butler stating:
Nicky has been a part of the Trio in some way or another in different forms over the past 10 years, and somehow I think he will always be some kind of thread in the weave that we are. We are blood and soul music brothers. But Nicky is a front man through and through, and over the last few years watching his amazing Melbourne Ska Orchestra go from strength to strength and the opportunities for this grand dream of his open up wider and wider I had to ask him, and myself; is now a good time for him to ride that horse while she’s heading for a full gallop? Seeing him play to a sold out Metro City gig in Sydney a few months ago made my heart full and happy. It felt and looked “right”. It is an amazing time in Nicky’s world as all his stars are aligning for his own project, and I honour that path completely and am so happy to watch my brother shine. John Butler
~ NICKY BOMBA stated:
As a songwriter and performer in my own right, the time felt right to hop back on my own ship to nurture the stories I’ve created. Along with my other projects, The Melbourne Ska Orchestra has gathered some steam of late and the stretching of energies and clashing of dates meant something had to give. John and I understood the scenario and like seasoned travellers at a crossroad, we both happily agreed on this GPS recalculation! Nicky Bomba
Melbourne Ska Orchestra’s self titled album is released through ABC/FOUR|FOUR
~ JOHN BUTLER stated –
Forever… What a concept. They say nothing lasts forever. That’s something that I have had a hard time getting my head around, especially with the Trio. In the beginning I don’t think I really understood the nature of this beast. What a beautiful beast it is, but it would break my heart when things within the Trio would come to some kind of changing point. I would get sick with fear and grief every time our time together would come to an end or take another course. These brothers that I had shared stages with all around the world. Shed blood, sweat and tears with. These men that become uncles to my children. It has never been easy to part ways with these good men.
But the longer I do this I am beginning to understand and embrace the nature of this beast that is the JBT. I am honoured to share the stage with amazing men, but I understand that we come together for a time to serve the songs, and then things may change. This has charged what we do with a sense of humility and gratitude because none of us can afford to take each other or the moment for granted.
And so it is with love and gratitude that we farewell Nicky Bomba from the current formation of the Trio. Nicky has been a part of the Trio in some way or another in different forms over the past 10 years, and somehow I think he will always be some kind of thread in the weave that we are. We are blood and soul music brothers. But Nicky is a front man through and through, and over the last few years watching his amazing Melbourne Ska Orchestra go from strength to strength and the opportunities for this grand dream of his open up wider and wider I had to ask him, and myself; is now a good time for him to ride that horse while she’s heading for a full gallop? Seeing him play to a sold out Metro City gig in Sydney a few months ago made my heart full and happy. It felt and looked “right”. It is an amazing time in Nicky’s world as all his stars are aligning for his own project, and I honour that path completely and am so happy to watch my brother shine.
I trust more than ever the path of the Trio and I am so very thankful for the trust of my fans. Trusting me with this musical journey as I steer this amazing wild beast and try not to break it’s spirit.
Byron and I will be introducing our new drummer to you soon so stay tuned. It’s an exciting time. We’re looking forward to this new chapter and sharing this new album with all our global family. – John ButlerNew beginnings – BIG news for Nicky Bomba, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, and John Butler Trio!
Forever… What a concept. They say nothing lasts forever. That’s something that I have had a hard time getting my head around, especially with the Trio. In the beginning I don’t think I really understood the nature of this beast. What a beautiful beast it is, but it would break my heart when things within the Trio would come to some kind of changing point. I would get sick with fear and grief every time our time together would come to an end or take another course. These brothers that I had shared stages with all around the world. Shed blood, sweat and tears with. These men that become uncles to my children. It has never been easy to part ways with these good men.
But the longer I do this I am beginning to understand and embrace the nature of this beast that is the JBT. I am honoured to share the stage with amazing men, but I understand that we come together for a time to serve the songs, and then things may change. This has charged what we do with a sense of humility and gratitude because none of us can afford to take each other or the moment for granted.
And so it is with love and gratitude that we farewell Nicky Bomba from the current formation of the Trio. Nicky has been a part of the Trio in some way or another in different forms over the past 10 years, and somehow I think he will always be some kind of thread in the weave that we are. We are blood and soul music brothers. But Nicky is a front man through and through, and over the last few years watching his amazing Melbourne Ska Orchestra go from strength to strength and the opportunities for this grand dream of his open up wider and wider I had to ask him, and myself; is now a good time for him to ride that horse while she’s heading for a full gallop? Seeing him play to a sold out Metro City gig in Sydney a few months ago made my heart full and happy. It felt and looked “right”. It is an amazing time in Nicky’s world as all his stars are aligning for his own project, and I honour that path completely and am so happy to watch my brother shine.
I trust more than ever the path of the Trio and I am so very thankful for the trust of my fans. Trusting me with this musical journey as I steer this amazing wild beast and try not to break it’s spirit.
Byron and I will be introducing our new drummer to you soon so stay tuned. It’s an exciting time. We’re looking forward to this new chapter and sharing this new album with all our global family. – John Butler
