It has taken two weeks, but La Oreja de Van Gogh has spoken out about the separation of the band with Leire Martínez, its vocalist for 17 years. Her statements have come shortly after Leire herself, interviewed on a television program, has implied that her separation from the group has been unfriendly.
Specifically, it was the composer Pablo Benegas who clarified that Leire’s separation from La Oreja was due to “wear and tear” and internal disagreements within the band.
In statements to EFE, Benegas has reiterated that the decision has been made after a long period of reflection and has explained that “when you spend 17 years together, there is wear and tear due to the different ways of approaching things.” Benegas has assured that Leire’s departure is due to reasons “more boring than what has been reported”, because “for us the group is our life and passion, what keeps us up at night.”
Although he has not gone into details, Benegas has pointed out that “many lies” have been published in the media and that the group has taken the position of not “denying every rumor.” Benegas may only be referring to the rumors of a meeting with Amaia Montero. In the interview with Leire, the singer already clarified this week that “Amaia had nothing to do with what happened” and asked to be left “calm.”
Far from considering a new vocalist, it seems that La Oreja de Van Gogh faces an uncertain future. In EFE, Benegas assures that the separation of the band with Leire has been a “leap into the void” and that currently the group has “nothing tied up or thought about” regarding its future. There is no continuity plan but neither is there a separation plan. “Right now we are resting, especially from the tour, which has been demanding, and recovering time with our families,” he added.
