Nightwish sack Tarja

Just when a proper rock band were on the verge of a major breakthrough in indie-dominated Britain, this happens. It appears that Finnish symphonic goth-metal band Nightwish have parted company with singer Tarja Turunen. In this Open letter posted on the band's website, keyboard player and main songwriter Tuomas Holopainens speaks in no uncertain terms

Equally certain is the fact that we cannot go on with you and Marcelo any longer. During the last year something sad happened, which I've been going over in my head every single day, morning and night. Your attitude and behavior don`t go with Nightwish anymore. There are characteristics I would never have believed to see in my old dear friend.

People who don't talk with each other for a year do not belong in the same band.

I'm hoping this doesn't mean it's the end of the road for the band. I never got to see them in their UK tour earlier in the year, because it sold out three months in advance. It's been suggested on their website's message boards that they've already found a replacement singer. Let's hope this is correct, and Nightwish continue.