Big Thief part ways with bassist Max Oleartchik due to “interpersonal reasons”
In a statement posted on their socials, Big Thief have announced the departure of longtime bassist Max Oleartchik.
"After many beautiful years together, Max is no longer in Big Thief. Our love for each other is infinite, and we are so grateful for all we have shared these many years together since the beginning of our journey as a band," Big Thief's statement read. "We wouldn’t be who we are without Max. This separation marks the end of an era, and the beginning of a new one for Big Thief."
The band explain his reason for leaving as part of "interpersonal reasons with mutual respect in our hearts". Reactions from fans online have been in favour of the move, citing Oleartchik as a zionist. "see Big Thief finally got rid of their zionist member. Congrats. I can feel marginally less guilt while listening to them now," wrote one user on X, formerly known as Twitter, with another user writing: "if big thief got rid of their bassist because he's a zionist i will begrudgingly have to respect them again".
Oleartchik played on all five of the band’s studio albums: Masterpiece (2016), Capacity (2017), U.F.O.F. (2019), Two Hands (2019), and Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You (2022).
Big Thief are set to headline End of the Road festival later this year.
- Pip Blom announce first independent release, Grip EP
- Real Estate announce compilation album, The Wee Small Hours: B-Sides and Other Detritus 2011-2025
- The Itch sign with Fiction/I OH YOU and launch double single, "The Influencer" and "Co-Conspirator"
- GRÓA announce new album, Drop P and share double single, "ugh" / "beauty tips"
- salute shares Hudson Mohawke remix of "saving flowers" featuring Rina Sawayama
- Hotline TNT reveal new album preview, “Candle”
- Sufjan Stevens unveils previously unheard "Death With Dignity (Demo)"
Get the Best Fit take on the week in music direct to your inbox every Friday
Car Seat Headrest
The Scholars
Model/Actriz
Pirouette
Samantha Crain
Gumshoe
