Martin Wahlgren’s post on Instagram, followed by Ringmasters’ official statement on Facebook:
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Martin Wahlgren’s statement on Instagram, Dec. 13, 2018
More than twelve years ago Emanuel and I planted the seed to what would later become Ringmasters. This was at the 2006 SNOBS convention in Helsingborg after listening to a mind blowing performance by Vocal Spectrum who would later that year went on to win the International quartet gold medal.
The journey from that day has been nothing short of fantastic. I can’t even begin to explain all of the wonderful places I’ve gotten to visit, people I’ve met and first and foremost, the amazing audiences I’ve had the pleasure of performing in front of.
Since a few years I have been trying to balance having a full time job with being a part of the quartet. And lately with the addition of my beautiful baby girl Maja, this hasn’t gotten any easier. This, while Ringmasters has been doing more frequent shows abroad. The situation has been somewhat confusing for me, for the rest of the quartet and also some of you fans out there I’m sure. In my current situation it has been very difficult to be away from work and home to this degree, why we as a quartet made the decision to ask Didier Linder to stand in on bass for the ongoing shows in Germany. As these shows in Germany has become an increasingly larger part of the quartets shows, my role in the quartet over the last year has been rather small.
As these shows are not predominantly done in a barbershop context I asked to have them done under another name . Something other than Ringmasters that could do all of these types of shows and gigs with Didier, as I support the guys commitment to make this work as a full time job, while still being able to keep Ringmasters “intact”. This idea did however not catch on. From a business point of view I could understand their line of thinking but from a personal one I felt it was regrettable.
Ringmasters’ official statement on Facebook, Dec. 18, 2018
An epic journey has come to an end.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce that our bass Martin Wahlgren is leaving the quartet. Ringmasters has been busier than in a long time and Martin’s other professional and private commitments have made it hard for him to be a part of the group for some time now.
For the past months we’ve been trying to find a solution but with no option really sticking with everyone, Martin decided to retire.
Together with Martin we have accomplished some great things that we are so proud of. After watching Vocal Spectrum at SNOBS in Helsingborg 2006, Emanuel and Martin decided to form what came to be Ringmasters. The goal was very clear. To become a great quartet and hopefully one day become international barbershop champions. Since then, the four of us have been on a twelve year adventure. We’re so thankful for all the memories we’ve created together and we’ve reached beyond our goals. Together we’ve done so many shows and concerts over the world. We’ve had truly bonding moments through laughs, tears, heated arguments, good and bad times. Things that create a family bond. This is something we will share with one another for the rest of our lives, and we all owe Martin a huge gratitude for being a part of this epic journey.
For the past year it’s been tough. Martin’s other successful career has taken him in a different direction for a while and even though we haven’t had the chance to meet or sing with him as often, we fully support and respect the life choices he’s making. It’s not without emotions that we’ve finally reached this point. However, Martin’s status and legacy will remain forever and he will always be a part of our family. You’ve probably not seen the last of Martin with the rest of us, singing his sweet bass notes. The door is never shut for this guy.
Sadly, it seems that the three remaining members did shut the door for Martin by going against his wishes to keep the Ringmasters name, especially since Martin was one of the founders.
Someone commented that cofounder Emanuel Roll could have stood up for Martin, to back Martin’s idea to change the group’s name, holding a place for Martin if they regrouped someday.
I hope and pray something can be worked out in the future.
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