After more than 30 years as a band local g-word survivors Candlebox have decided to call it a career.
Formed in 1991, the band was often ridiculed by groups in the local scene because they signed a high-profile record deal with Madonna’s Maverick label before gaining notoriety in Seattle. However, Candlebox had the last laugh by releasing a multi-platinum debut album and several excellent follow-up records for the label.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the group’s debut record and last year Candlebox frontman Kevin Martin announced the group’s current tour will be its last. The band’s final album, titled “The Long Goodbye,” will be released August 25 and the group has released the single “Punks” ahead of the record’s release.
Martin discussed the band’s longevity and the decision to call it quits with Long Island radio station 94.3 FM.
“I don’t know if I would have ever thought that Candlebox would be around this long,” Martin told the station. “I wanted it, of course; I think every kid wants to have that opportunity and a career that lasts decades, and I’m very grateful that it has. But there comes a time where my responsibilities as a husband and a father supersede my responsibilities to the music that I make. And that’s kind of where I’m at. I enjoy it, but it’s not the love of my life anymore.”
Along with the final tour and album, a documentary about the band titled “Candlebox: Far Behind” was in the works. According to IMDB, the film was released April 11, 2022, however, there are no traces of reviews or a trailer on the Internet.
The last time Candlebox performed in Seattle it was an acoutsic concert at the Neptune Theater that featured the band’s original lineup of Martin, guitarist Peter Klett, bassist Bardi Martin and drummer Scott Mercardo. The performance was released as a live album earlier this year.
Currently, Candlebox’s tour does not include a Seattle date, but don’t be surprised if that changes. It would be surprising, and disappointing, if the band decides to not play one final hometown show.
