SEPULTURA's Grand Farewell: A Celebration of 40 Years
In a heartfelt interview at this year's NAMM convention in Anaheim, California, SEPULTURA guitarist Andreas Kisser shared hopes of reuniting with original members Max and Igor Cavalera for a final, celebratory performance. Speaking to Reality Check TV on January 24, Kisser expressed enthusiasm for a grand finale in São Paulo, Brazil, tentatively slated for 2026. "The idea is to do a very last show in São Paulo, Brazil, where we have all the guests, friends to celebrate our history," Kisser remarked, envisioning an event that would honor SEPULTURA's rich legacy.
SEPULTURA's "Celebrating Life Through Death" farewell tour, which began its North American leg on September 17, 2024, at the Concord Music Hall in Chicago, has been a journey through the band's extensive catalogue. The tour features a lineup including death metal veterans OBITUARY, hardcore pioneers AGNOSTIC FRONT, and Brazilian thrashers CLAUSTROFOBIA, making it a true celebration of metal's diverse influences.
The band is also in the process of compiling a monumental live album, capturing 40 songs from 40 different cities, aiming to encapsulate the energy and spirit of their performances. This project was announced in December 2023, with Kisser hinting that even the last São Paulo show might find its way into this collection, stating, "Everything is possible."
The prospect of a reunion, however, comes with its complexities. The band's split with Max Cavalera nearly three decades ago was acrimonious, but Kisser seems eager to move past historical grievances. "We don't care who is right or wrong... Let's jam, let's have a good time for the fans, for us, for ourselves," he said, emphasizing the desire to celebrate rather than to settle old scores.
Looking beyond the farewell, both Kisser and vocalist Derrick Green have expressed interest in diverse future projects. Kisser plans to delve into acoustic guitar and educational content about SEPULTURA's music, while Green is exploring avenues in television with his show "Highway To Health" and even voiceover opportunities in animation. Despite the end of the tour, the idea of future collaborations between Kisser and Green remains open, with a light-hearted mention of a possible reggae project.
The tour itself started on March 1, 2024, at Arena Hall in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, with the band introducing drummer Greyson Nekrutman, who replaced Eloy Casagrande after his departure to join SLIPKNOT. This transition was unexpected for SEPULTURA, but they've embraced it as part of their ongoing journey.
As SEPULTURA prepares to close this chapter, the focus is clear: to celebrate four decades of music, change, and resilience with fans around the world, potentially culminating in a historic reunion in Brazil that might just be the perfect send-off for a band that has left an indelible mark on metal music.