Former CHIMAIRA Bassist Thanks Fans For Their Support

Former CHIMAIRA bassist Jim LaMarca has released the following statement regarding his departure from the group:

"I would like to thank the CHIMAIRA fans worldwide for their endless support. Those who have met me in person and or online know that I have tried to make contact with as many of you as I possibly could. I can't express enough how much it was a pleasure for me to meet all of you.

"I started playing in bands over 22 years ago starting with SACRIFIX, then SKIPLINE, to NOT SO BLAH (N.S.B.), SWITCHED and getting an opportunity of a lifetime to join CHIMAIRA.

"I had an incredible time being a part of CHIMAIRA. This experience has provided me to live a lifestyle that I always dreamed of having.

"The band CHIMAIRA has meant a great deal to me.

"I made a promise to my dear friend Matt Nemec after he passed away that I would never give up on pursuing my dreams, and because of CHIMAIRA I was able to do that. For that I will always be in debt to this band.

"I would like to thank a few important people that have been so supportive of my musical ventures. My parents gave me the tools to be successful. Mom and dad, without you guys I would have never been able to do any of this. My brother Michael P. LaMarca, thank you for selling SACRIFIX merch and throwing up on the display. My brother Anthony, thanks for the most beautiful nieces. Ed Gandolf for having the patience to see that I at least had rhythm and that I had the balls to play that first show in your parents basement on New Year's Eve. Matt Vasiliou and Matt Nemec (R.I.P.), thank you for sharing the good old days with me.

"I am excited to now be able to focus my efforts on my company, Straight Razor Entertainment, which will be focus on developing bands and artists. Look for further details either facebook.com/jimlamarca or on Twiiter @jimlamarcatwitt.

"The future is uncertain for me with the touring lifestyle, 22 years of playing music and I am still not done playing. You will be able to see me perform with TENAFLY VIPER, which will be playing shows regionally.

"Last, thank you, Alayna (my wife), for supporting me with all my decisions and now having to put up with me being home now."

CHIMAIRA is currently touring with a stand-in bassist, DAATH guitarist Emil Werstler. CHIMAIRA will play its eleventh annual Christmas show on December 30 at the House of Blues in the band's hometown. CHIMAIRA released a DVD/CD set, "Coming Alive", on July 20 via Ferret Music. This unprecedented release includes a four-part documentary filmed over the course of a year and a half while the entire package includes over seven hours of exclusive content. The DVD, filmed entirely in HD, showcases CHIMAIRA in the studio while recording its latest album, "The Infection", and chronicles the band's recent, worldwide touring season.