Bassist Frédéric Leclercq played with Dragonforce between 2005 and this year, where upon leaving the band stated that an "amazing opportunity that will be announced soon" came up. Now that amazing opportunity has been revealed to be Leclercq joining German thrash legends Kreator!
Both Leclercq and Kreator vocalist and guitarist Mille Petrozza have issued statements on the addition. Leclercq replaces bassist Christian "Speesy" Giesler, who joined the band in 1995.
Commented Leclercq: "Joining Kreator is an honour as well as a huge step up in my musical journey. I’ve been friends with Mille for over 15 years and a lifelong Kreator fan; I have to pinch myself every day to believe that I’m now a part of one of the best and most influential bands in the genre. I look forward to the many adventures ahead and getting well acquainted with the legendary Kreator Hordes!"
Added Mille Petrozza: "Firstly, we would like to say thank you to Speesy for his time in Kreator over the last 25 years – we have accomplished so much, and I sincerely wish him the best in his future! A new chapter for Kreator beckons; Bienvenu Frederic Leclercq! Fred represents a new focus and hunger within Kreator and we’re extremely excited to have him a part of the Kreator family – not only is he an exceptional musician but a great human being which made the decision to have him join the band very easy! We begin in Chile and continue on to some explosive years ahead!"
Kreator will tour Europe in both March and April 2020 with Lamb Of God and Power Trip. Dragonforce has not yet replaced Leclercq, but do have YouTuber Steve "Stevie T" Terreberry filling in with them live.
