Danish heavy rock mainstays Volbeat have officially confirmed that Flemming C. Lund is their new, permanent lead guitar player. He formally steps into the position previously held by Rob Caggiano, who departed the group in the summer of 2023.
The band took to social media today (February 19) to share the exciting news with their fans, noting his recent studio contributions to their forthcoming record:
“We’re very happy to announce that after this past year of touring and, of course, laying down some scorching solos on [Volbeat‘s latest album] God Of Angels Trust we’ve finally ‘put a ring on it’ and Flemming C. Lund is officially the permanent lead guitar player in Volbeat.”
“Aside from seeing him on the road with us this past year, you can also find Flemming playing with his other bands The Arcane Order, Temple Of Scorn and of course with Asinhell, and you may have heard him in his previous band, Autumn Leaves.”
“Please join us in giving Flemming a proper ‘welcome aboard,’ and we’ll see you on the road this summer!”
Lund initially stepped in as a live fill-in following Caggiano‘s exit. Back in June 2023, the guitarist released a statement expressing his disbelief and deep gratitude for the opportunity to join the tour:
“The cat’s out of the bag! Sometimes unexpected things happen in life and this must be said to be one of them: I can now finally reveal that I will be playing stand-in in Volbeat for Rob Caggiano on lead guitar on Volbeat‘s upcoming summer tour.”
“When I was asked by Michael Poulsen if I wanted to help them, I was honestly at first very overwhelmed by the request and found it very difficult to see myself in that role. But after a little time to think and talk with those closest to me, it dawned on me that it was something I could not possibly say no to.”
“So this summer takes a somewhat unexpected, but obviously insanely cool turn. I will try to enjoy every moment and just take in the many experiences and impressions that will surely be an experience of a lifetime.”
Rob Caggiano parted ways with Volbeat after a highly successful ten-year run. During his tenure, he played on four of the band’s studio albums: 2013’s Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies, 2016’s Seal the Deal & Let’s Boogie, 2019’s Rewind, Replay, Rebound, and 2021’s Servant Of The Mind. When the split occurred, Volbeat noted that they wished their “brother Rob all the best with everything he does in the future” and thanked him “for ten amazing years.”
Addressing his departure shortly after the announcement, Rob offered a heartfelt and optimistic perspective on the situation:
“Sometimes relationships simply run their course. Sometimes certain obstacles, people or circumstances get in the way of the greater good. Sometimes people change and priorities shift. Sometimes it’s unavoidable. We had a very special undeniable magic together as a band. It’s not something that comes around too often in this life and it’s not something to be taken lightly. I certainly do not. However, while this is really a very emotional time for me I’m also extremely excited about what lies ahead in the future. Lots of exciting things happening right now. I really couldn’t be more fired up!!”
Photo credit: Britt Bowman
