Ben Kasica leaves Skillet

Skillet has just announced that 10 year veteran guitar player Ben Kasica has decided to leave the band. It's all on good terms, and they've put up a blog post with more details.

Ben says in part:

"This has been an incredible journey for me. Joining the band shortly after turning 16 and basically growing up on the road, I had no idea how long the ride would last but have enjoyed it immensely and been thankful to God for everything I've been a part of. We've traveled to loads of places, met many many wonderful people, drunk way too much coffee, made tons of memories and hopefully touched lives with eternity. I feel completely blessed and honored to have been a part of Skillet's history."

Read more at their website here.

Lori Peters parts ways with Skillet

According to a recent blog entry at Skillet's MySpace page, lead singer John Cooper reports that longtime drummer Lori Peters has recently left the band on good terms. Here's John's report:

Hey Panheads! We are out on tour bringing the rock to Winter Jam and loving it! Thanks to all of you who have already come out and supported us!!

I am writing an email to let everyone know about a change in the life of Skillet. Some of you already know, or have been speculating that Lori our drummer is no longer with Skillet. Unfortunately, this is the case. Lori told us about two months ago that she feels that it's time for her to come off of the road and start a new chapter in her life. We are of course going to miss her!! I wanted to let you all know sooner but the task of finding another drummer and getting prepared for this tour right on top of Christmas was overwhelming. On top of that Lori was finishing up the year and helped us train a new player so it was a bit premature to make any announcement.

Lori's last show with us was New Years Eve where we rocked it out together for one last time! She is going to miss all of the loyal fans who have been so supportive of the "coolest chick drummer ever!"

Lastly, we wanted to wait to make this announcement after we had a new drummer in place so there would not be those who think that Skillet is over. We are far from it! So as you know know we are losing an awesome girl drummer, and replacing her with another awesome girl drummer! We will let you guys know more about the new member soon, but for now, her name is Jen Ledger; she just turned 18; and she is looking forward to rockin your faces off!

As always, stand and be strong,
John Cooper