“Without prior warning, he immediately left the band”: Sepultura drummer Eloy Casagrande abruptly quits, replacement revealed

Sepultura drummer Eloy Casagrande has left the band and been replaced by Greyson Nekrutman.

The Brazilian extreme metal four-piece, who will next month start their Celebrating Life Through Death farewell tour before breaking up in 2025, announced the news on social media today (February 27).

“Welcome @greyson_nekrutman to Sepultura who replaces @eloycasagrande who has decided to leave Sepultura,” they wrote.

“Greyson’s first shows with us starts March 1 as we kick off the Celebrating Life Through Death Farewell Tour.”

The band also declared their shock over Casagrande’s exit, saying they were “taken by surprise” that their now-former drummer would “abandon everything related to Sepultura”.

“February 6th, a few days prior to the first rehearsal, drummer Eloy Casagrande informed the band that he was leaving Sepultura to pursue a career in another project,” they said.

“The band were taken by surprise, without prior warning, he immediately left the band, abandoning everything related to Sepultura.

“Luckily American virtuoso Greyson Nekrutman will take the position of Eloy Casagrande and is welcomed as the band's new drummer for the Celebrating Life Through Death farewell tour.”

In the wake of the band's announcement, Casagrande took to social media to release his own statement, saying, "I would like to announce my departure from Sepultura. Being part of the biggest Brazilian metal band was one of the best experiences of my life. I just want to thank the band and crew members.

"It was a story of almost 13 years, in which I had the opportunity to learn and contribute with every song, show and recording. These were years of great dedication, intensity and commitment. We did 3 studio albums very well received by the critics, countless shows on 5 continents and a lot of stories to tell. So, first of all, I reiterate my thanks to Sepultura and the fans for everything we’ve been through.

"Maybe for the band’s fans it doesn’t make sense at this point, but decisions needed to be made thinking about new cycles that will come. We are made of choices and they are not always easy. My departure will never erase my respect and gratitude to the band.

"There is a lot to come and I hope to continue making a lot of music and art. See you on the road."

Nekrutman commented on joining Sepultura: “Today I express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible opportunity to join the legendary ranks of Sepultura for their farewell tour.

“To contribute to this legacy is a privilege that fills me with both honor and excitement. Sepultura's fearless approach to exploring new territories in the metal sphere is something that I have always admired and strived to emulate in my own musical endeavors.”

He continued: “I am eagerly looking forward to adding my own spirit and passion to the mix, to connecting with the fans who have supported the band through its evolution, and to the electrifying experiences we'll create together on stage. Here's to the new chapters we'll write together, to the stages we'll conquer, and to the powerful music we'll unleash upon the world.”

The Celebrating Life Through Death run starts in Sepultura’s hometown of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on Friday (March 1), with further dates confirmed for South America and Europe this year. Additional concerts on other continents are expected to take place as well.

Tickets are available now and the full list of announced shows is below.

Sepultura Celebrating Life Through Death 2024 tour dates

Mar 01: Belo Horizonte Arena Hall, Brazil
Mar 02: Juiz de Fora Estac. do Cultural, Brazil
Mar 09: Brasília Arena Lounge, Brazil
Mar 15: Uberlandia Castelli, Brazil
Mar 21: Porto Alegre Araújo Vianna, Brazil
Mar 22: Curitiba Live, Brazil
Mar 23: Florianópolis Arena Opus, Brazil
Apr 13: San Jose Pepper Club, Costa Rica
Apr 14: Bogota Auditorio Mayor Cun, Colombia
Apr 16: Lima CCB Barranco, Peru
Apr 18: Quito Metal Fest, Ecuador
Apr 20: Santiago Metal Fest, Chile
Apr 21: Buenos Aires El Teatro Flores, Argentina
Apr 22: Montevideo Complejo Sala, Uruguay
Sep 6–8: S?o Paulo Espa?o Unimed, Brazil

Oct 30: Paris Zenith, France
Oct 31: Offenbach am Main Stadthalle, Germany
Nov 01: Hamburg Edel Optics Arena, Germany
Nov 02: Cologne Palladium, Germany
Nov 03: Den Bosch The Rock Circus, Netherlands
Nov 05: Brussels Ancienne Belgique, Belgium
Nov 06: Esch-sur-Alzette Rockhal, Luxembourg
Nov 08: Manchester Academy, UK
Nov 09: Dublin Olympia Theatre, Ireland
Nov 10: Belfast Telegraph Building, UK
Nov 11: Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom, UK
Nov 12: London Hammersmith Apollo, UK
Nov 14: Zurich The Hall, Switzerland
Nov 15: Ludwigsburg MHP Arena, Germany
Nov 16: Munich Zenith, Germany
Nov 17: Budapest Barba Negra, Hungary
Nov 19: Leipzig Haus Auensee, Germany
Nov 20: Vienna Gasometer, Austria
Nov 21: Katowice Spodek, Poland
Nov 22: Berlin Columbiahalle, Germany
Nov 23: Prague O2 Universum, Czech Republic