An Epochal Open Letter from Tarja Turunen to Nightwish, Fans, and the Whole Nightwish Community
Dear Nightwish family,
As I sit here reflecting on our great journey together, my heart is overflowing with thankfulness. It is difficult to express how much love, support, and a common passion for music have meant to me over the years. Today, I’d want to take a moment to thank everyone—from my former Nightwish bandmates to committed fans and the entire symphonic metal community—who have supported me.
I’d want to convey my heartfelt gratitude to my former bandmates, Tuomas, Emppu, Jukka, and everyone else who shared our trip. Nightwish was more than just a band; it was a dream realised. Together, we developed something absolutely unique, changing not only our lives but also the landscape of metal music. The music we created, the feelings we put into each song, and the moments we had on stage will always be close to my heart. Regardless of where life has taken us, the influence of our time together is unmistakable.
You, the fans, are the heart and soul of this music. From the opening notes of Angels Fall First to the vast epics of Once, your voices, enthusiasm, and unshakeable dedication made it all possible. You pulled us up when we were tired, sung with us when our voices trembled, and kept the music going even when roads separated. Your affection has never wavered, and I am eternally thankful.
To the entire Nightwish community—producers, crew members, journalists, and everyone else who toiled behind the scenes—you made this adventure possible. Without your dedication and relentless work, we would not have been able to share beautiful music with the world. You influenced the sound, vision, and legacy that Nightwish has established throughout the years.
Music is a unifying force, and while my career has taken me to other places, I will always remember the time I spent with Nightwish. The experiences, accomplishments, and lessons learnt will always be a part of me.
Thank you for believing in me, embracing my voice, and letting me grow. No matter where the road takes us, music will always keep us connected.
With all of my love and gratitude.
Tarja Turunen