Big Thief bassist Max Oleartchik departs band due to "interpersonal reasons"

In a statement shared on social media last night, Big Thief have revealed that their bassist Max Oleartchik is leaving the band.

A member of the band since Adrianne Lenker and Buck Meek's duo act expanded into Big Thief in 2015, Max has played on each of their albums since their 2016 debut Masterpiece. 

Big Thief released their latest LP, the acclaimed Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You, in 2022.

"After many beautiful years together, Max is no longer in Big Thief," the band stated in their online post. "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. 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."

They went on to note that the "change was made for interpersonal reasons", and with "mutual respect".

"It’s a big change for us and the four of us ask for your trust, respect, and care as we grow into the next chapter of our lives," they concluded.

Max was born and raised in Tel Aviv, and is the son of Israeli musician Alon Oleartchik, a founding member of the band Kaveret.

Big Thief came under fire for announcing concerts in Israel in 2022, which they then subsequently cancelled.

Earlier this year, Adrianne released a solo project, i won't let go of your hand, in aid of the Palestine Children's Relief Fund. Coinciding with the release, she called for a "permanent ceasefire now". In the bio of his private Instagram, Max has also called for a ceasefire, to "end this nightmare and push for dialogue."

This year has also seen Adrianne release her sixth solo album, Bright Future, and embark on a tour of Ireland.

 

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