The popular West Michigan jam band will introduce new guitarist Andy Kirby at The Intersection concert, after Olmsted announces he’s stepping down to pursue other goals.
Stepping Away From Performing: Russell Olmsted is parting ways with Ultraviolet Hippopotamus. (Photo/Anna Sink)
The journey of Ultraviolet Hippopotamus has been filled with road adventures, triumphant performances, ups and downs, occasional stops and starts, and as guitarist Russell Olmsted puts it, “the greatest of times and memories.”
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Like a Family: UV Hippo on stage at The Intersection. (Photo/Anna Sink)
So Olmsted, aka Russell James, conceded it’s an “odd feeling” to step away from the Grand Rapids jam band after years of touring and recording with musicians he considers family, and playing for fans he regards as close friends.
“In truth, it’s the hardest choice I’ve had to make,” Olmsted said today in a statement that also announced that UV Hippo’s July 9 show at The Intersection would be his last with the band. New band guitarist Andy Kirby will officially be introduced to fans at that time.
“But parting ways with Ultraviolet Hippopotamus is the right choice – for me and I feel for the band. This decision does not come out of any animosity or anger between us as a band. Sure, there are hardships and fights on the road, but the guys are, and will always be, my family. It’s simply that as I’ve grown older there are other goals and accomplishments that I need to achieve. I want and need to get started on those goals.”
Olmsted told Local Spins he intends to become more involved with local politics and city government, and has invested lots of time and energy into his building and repair business.
UV HIPPO BIDS FAREWELL ‘WITH A HEAVY HEART’
“I love the guys and the band, but I just don’t have the burning drive, determination, and dedication to put into the project,” he said. “I didn’t think it would be fair to the music, the fans, or to the band, to continue on while not pushing as hard as one needs to succeed in the music industry.”
On its website, the band said it was bidding farewell to Olmsted “with a heavy heart” and wished him “nothing but the best in his future endeavors. The words ‘thank you’ hardly cover the appreciation for everything Russ has done for us, but all the same, thank you. Thank you times infinity. You will be missed.”
‘Greatest of Times’: Olmsted on stage with UV Hippo. (Photo/Anna Sink)
But the band also stressed that it’s carrying on and is “far from calling it quits,” calling Kirby (of The Turnips) a “phenomenal” musician who will complement UV Hippo’s sound. The group also has been at work on a new recording project.
Olmsted said he discussed his departure with the band during UV Hippo’s recent slate of shows in Michigan, Colorado and Florida, intending to close out his run with the group at that time. But he later decided “a proper send-off” on July 9 was more appropriate. Tickets go on sale to that show Friday; details at sectionlive.com.
The guitarist said he’s happy that “things are ending on amicable grounds” and thanked fans and fellow band members Brian Samuels, Casey Butts, Dave Sanders and Joe Phillion (as well as former members Sam Guidry and Nate Karnes) profusely for “giving me the opportunity of a lifetime.”
“Simply put, you allowed me to live a life worth living. … They are moments that I will cherish for the rest of my life and will drive me till the day I die.”
Copyright 2016, Spins on Music LLC
