Butcher Babies Announce Departure of Singer Carla Harvey
In a significant development for the metal music scene, the Butcher Babies have officially announced the departure of their co-founder and lead singer, Carla Harvey. The news was shared via the band’s social media channels on July 20, 2024, confirming what many fans had speculated in recent months.
The band expressed their gratitude towards Harvey, acknowledging her vital role in their journey over the last 15 years. In their statement, they said, “As you may have already guessed, it is confirmed that Carla Harvey and Butcher Babies have officially parted ways. Carla has been an integral part of our journey, bringing her unique talent, passion, and energy to the band. We are grateful for the incredible memories we’ve made together and the impact she has had on our music and our fans. We will miss her greatly and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
The band went on to express their excitement for the future, stating, “We deeply appreciate your support over the past 15 years. We feel incredibly fortunate to keep making and playing music as our career, and we are excited for this new era of Butcher Babies! See you on the road.”
In a heartfelt message of her own, Carla Harvey addressed her fans and the Butcher Babies community. She revealed her absence from the band’s recent posts and confirmed that she would not be rejoining the group for any future projects. “Over the last 6 months, you may have noticed my absence from Butcher Babies posts. After 15 years of dedication, I wanted to let you know that I will not be rejoining the band for any future endeavors,” she stated.
Harvey reflected on her time with Butcher Babies, stating, “I am super proud of my work with Butcher Babies… 2 EPs, 5 full-length albums, and countless tours with our metal heroes! To all of our incredible Butcher Babies friends and fans… you have provided me with some of the greatest experiences of my life! I have loved every second of writing and performing all over the world for you! I have loved meeting you. WOW. I still can’t believe this kid from Detroit got so lucky.”
Despite her departure, Harvey reassured fans that she is not finished with music. She declared, “I am not done making music and performing. I WILL see you soon.”
Harvey’s exit comes after a challenging period for the singer, who had to sit out the band’s European tour last fall due to health issues. On October 26, 2023, she announced her absence from the tour, revealing that she underwent emergency surgery on her left eye. In her post, she shared a photo of herself performing with the band and expressed her disappointment at missing the tour. “Here’s a picture of a girl in her happy place; unfortunately, I won’t be in that happy place on the upcoming Butcher Babies Euro run. Love you all but I have to sit this one out!”
She elaborated on her health struggles, saying, “I have a history of problematic vision and I had to have a major surgery about 10 years ago in my right eye for a retinal detachment. On our summer tour, the telltale symptoms repeated themselves in my left eye. I’ve been hoping to avoid major surgery, but it is clear that it must be done. My emergency surgery will include a healing process of laying face down for a number of days with a gas bubble in my eye.”
Harvey’s focus on her health during this time highlighted the importance of self-care, especially for artists who often face the pressures of touring and performing. She stated, “This is the first time in fifteen years I won’t be able to join my friends on stage, but right now my health and sight take precedence for me. While I am gutted that I cannot make the tour, the risk of me waiting was too great.”
As the Butcher Babies embark on this new chapter without one of their founding members, fans around the world will undoubtedly be watching closely to see what the future holds for the band. With a legacy built on powerful music and a passionate fanbase, the Butcher Babies are poised to continue their journey in the metal genre, even as they navigate this significant change.
While Carla Harvey’s departure marks the end of an era for the Butcher Babies, it also opens the door for new beginnings. The band has always been known for their dynamic performances and strong connection with their audience, and it will be intriguing to see how they evolve in the coming years. As for Harvey, her journey in music is far from over, and fans can look forward to her future endeavors.
