Drummer Emlee Johansson Leaves THE GEMS for Personal Break: "I Need This for Myself" – Bandmates Vow to Carry the Legacy Forward
Drummer Emlee Johansson Leaves THE GEMS for Personal Break: "I Need This for Myself" – Bandmates Vow to Carry the Legacy Forward
GOTHENBURG, Sweden – In a heartfelt announcement that marks the end of an era for one of rock’s most exciting all-female bands, founding drummer Emlee Johansson has officially departed THE GEMS to step away from music and prioritize her well-being after years of relentless touring.
The news, shared via social media on Tuesday, April 24, comes just over three years after Johansson, vocalist Guernica Mancini, and guitarist Mona Lindgren dramatically exited THUNDERMOTHER in February 2023 to form THE GEMS. Since then, the powerhouse trio has built a passionate fanbase and released two acclaimed studio albums through Napalm Records: the fiery Phoenix in 2024 and Year Of The Snake earlier this year in 2026.In her emotional statement, Johansson opened up about the toll of life on the road:
"I have made the difficult decision to take a break from music and therefore leave THE GEMS.
I love the band and a part of me will always be with this band, but for the last couple of years all the touring has worn me out. It's not about the live shows at all. I enjoy playing live a lot, but it's all the traveling, lack of sleep, pressure and stress that comes with it. I need to do this for myself, and even though this is one of the hardest decisions I've ever made in my life, I am also excited about starting a new chapter."
I love the band and a part of me will always be with this band, but for the last couple of years all the touring has worn me out. It's not about the live shows at all. I enjoy playing live a lot, but it's all the traveling, lack of sleep, pressure and stress that comes with it. I need to do this for myself, and even though this is one of the hardest decisions I've ever made in my life, I am also excited about starting a new chapter."
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She urged fans not to mourn her exit but to rally behind Mancini and Lindgren, adding: "I am forever proud and thankful for everything I've experienced together with Guernica and Mona... I wanna thank all our fans for making this journey so special. I really look forward to following THE GEMS, and watching them take over the world!"Mancini and Lindgren responded with a touching joint statement that blended heartbreak with pride and determination:
"The end of an era. We have had a few weeks to digest this information and it has been heart breaking to learn. We only want the best for Emlee so with that in mind we also have found acceptance and feel very proud of her taking this step for herself. We support her no matter what and stand by her side.
We love you and promise to continue building our Legacy. You will always be a Gem."
A Band Born from Bold Reinvention
THE GEMS made their live debut on March 22, 2023, supporting THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA at Pustervik in Gothenburg. What began as a fresh start after leaving THUNDERMOTHER quickly evolved into a force of its own, with the band handling their own management and carving out a distinct identity in the hard rock scene.Following the original members’ departure, THUNDERMOTHER continued with a new lineup led by guitarist Filippa Nässil, featuring singer Linnéa Vikström (THERION, AT THE MOVIES), returning bassist Majsan Lindberg, and new drummer Joan Massing (HONEY CREEK).
Looking Ahead: Motherhood, Longevity, and Rock ’n’ Roll Dreams
The departure comes amid ongoing conversations about balance in the industry. In a March 2026 interview with Screamer Magazine, Mancini highlighted how Lindgren’s recent motherhood has been successfully integrated into the band’s life. Lindgren continues performing full-time while sharing childcare duties with her partner in a modern, supportive setup—something Mancini praised as a model for female musicians who refuse to choose between family and career.Mancini also outlined the band’s ambitions clearly: consistent sell-outs in 600-capacity venues that would allow the members to make a sustainable living doing what they love, without needing arena-scale fame. Longevity is the ultimate goal.
"We need to show people that you can go through all the stages of life and still continue being a band as an all-female group... in 10, 20 years, be still going and about to release our 20th album."
As THE GEMS enter this new chapter as a duo (for now), the search is on for a "badass female drummer" to step into Johansson’s shoes. Johansson herself encouraged applicants to reach out directly to the band.Fans have already begun flooding social media with messages of support for all three women, celebrating the friendship and music that defined THE GEMS’ early run while looking forward to what comes next. Though one Gem is stepping back, the fire clearly burns on.
