Riverside - Also Guitarist Leaves The Band
Riverside - Also Guitarist Leaves The Band
Band profile
Riverside Source
facebook.com
Posted by
Thryce April 29, 2026
In a lengthy and emotional statement, he confirms that internal tensions (which he describes as complex and involving all members) ultimately led to the decision, following months of unresolved conflict and a proposed hiatus that never reached full agreement.
Crucially, Meller cites the absence of frontman and bandleader Mariusz as the defining factor behind his exit, stating he sees no future for Riverside without him. The band had already planned to suspend activity after their 2025 touring cycle, but behind the scenes, attempts at a unified public statement reportedly fell apart due to lack of consensus.
Meller closes on thanking fans for nearly eight years of support and emphasizing the lasting legacy of Riverside’s music and community. While this chapter ends, he hints that new projects and collaborations are already on the horizon.
Maciej Meller's full statement reads as follows (translated from Polish):
"RIVERSIDE...
Before I write the most important thing I want to say...
After earlier statements, I can see that what many people value is the so-called “balanced voice” – that we should write something in such a way that we actually say nothing, yet still provide an overview of what happened, who did what, and why things turned out the way they did. Criteria are being formed about what inflames and what doesn’t, what divides more and what supports, even a kind of poll about who should now be supported, and so on. But I can imagine the surprise and confusion, and I understand it. I’ve come to know a bit about this “psychology of the internet” and our “collective consciousness” (or rather unconsciousness). I don’t like sadness myself either – when things hurt, it’s easier to avoid it, to “escape into something else,” to change direction...
That’s why I wasn’t surprised by the almost immediate battle cries: "Let them keep playing! With a new frontman!” Following the rule "march or die". And all of this on the very first day of (already “official”) mourning... But in the end, we’re human, with emotions. Everyone has their own and deals with them as best they can. I’m writing this the way I can, the way I want, and as much as I want.
So let’s step into that river once more.
I don’t need to explain how incredibly difficult and complex this time is for everyone. I’d just like to add my personal piece to the puzzle regarding the past year and the statements, because I feel that’s what stirs the most emotions and controversy. When the band returned from their final concerts in 2025 (Cruise To The Edge), we all knew (you did too) that by the end of 2025 there would be a break in all band activity. The dispute that had already been ongoing was reaching its peak. Saying it was only a conflict between two people (even if that was indeed the key one) is, in my opinion, a major simplification – there were tensions among all four members, to varying degrees. That’s normal relationship dynamics – you know it yourselves: sometimes better, sometimes worse. But when the "worse" becomes permanent and the "tools for defusing" run out... it explodes.
Incidentally, the 2025 break was meant to allow time for further discussions, clarifications, calming things down, and making decisions. It turned out that no agreement would be reached on the key issue. And this brings us to the statement. From the beginning of January 2026, Mariusz had been proposing via email to all band members that, given the situation, a joint statement should be written and published on the band’s social media. In February, he even proposed the wording – incidentally milder and more diplomatic. In short: “suspension of the band’s activities until further notice.” He sent it to everyone. I know – I have those messages. There was no agreement from all parties to publish it. There wasn’t even any discussion about its content, no negotiations. So as you can see, I expected Mariusz’s statement. That’s why you’re receiving this third message today.
Back to the point.
My time in Riverside has also come to an end, and I want one key reason to be clear – I do not see the possibility of continuing without its leader and such an important person as Mariusz. I was on the inside, I know how things are, and this is my decision – personal. I have the right to it.
Now the most important part, and it would be good if this stayed with you the strongest.
It’s hard to express in words my gratitude for your support, acceptance, and welcome. I will never forget it. Only I know how difficult it was for me, even though I didn’t fully realize it when I took on the challenge... I imagine – and I know – that for many of you it wasn’t easy either. We don’t all have to like each other, right? 😉 But together it was easier. I’ve been feeling sadness and regret for some time; today there is also a kind of relief and gratitude for this period – difficult, but absolutely priceless.
For nearly eight years, I tried to do one thing that felt most important to me: to play Riverside’s music for you as best as I could and to enjoy that shared experience, that presence. And what’s the most beautiful part? This music helped create entirely new, fantastic friendships, relationships, and connections in my life with many of you – ones that last and, I hope, will continue to last. That’s real strength.
Remember that what is happening does not change what you have – the wonderful body of Riverside’s work remains with you, beautiful live memories, and above all the people you met thanks to the band’s music.
With some of you, this may be goodbye, but I’m sure I’ll see many of you again (it’s already happening). New sounds will surely emerge in various configurations, so there will be no shortage of reasons to meet again.
Take care, remember Riverside, and once again – thank you for everything."
[Thanks to Daniell and Chidder for bringing this to our attention in the Shoutbox]
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Posts: 11925
And the plot thickens... At least he explains a bit more what happened. It seems like Duda wanted out and some others didn't agree, but oh well... That's ultimately his choice. But the band is pretty much over, yeah.
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Posts: 153
This is turning into "drama of the year" for the 2027 awards. What nonsense, and from an amazing band. I don't disagree, Duda seemed like the heart and soul of the band though.
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Posts: 615
...and there goes Michał as well: "Dear All, I’ve seen some comments saying that I haven’t spoken up about the situation in Riverside so far. As you can imagine, this is a difficult and delicate topic. It’s not easy to say what you really want to say without unnecessary emotions or words. I’m still processing all of this myself, especially since Thursday’s statement also came as a surprise to me. First of all, I want to thank you for all these years we’ve shared. Riverside has always been, and will always be, much more to me than just a band. As long as I can remember, all I ever wanted to do was play music. That’s why I absorbed so much joy from people during concerts - sharing music with you gave me incredible energy. Every moment on stage, every show, every meeting with you was something truly real and special to me. I want to say this clearly - from my side, the emotions and smiles, both on and off stage, were always genuine. In recent days, there have been many words and interpretations about the situation within the band. I understand that this may raise a lot of emotions and questions. We’ve known each other for over 20 years, and like in any long-term relationship, we created something great together - but there were also challenges, difficult topics that required willingness to find common ground, and of course, different personalities. For a long time, those differences were actually what drove us as a band. There are no perfect people or black-and-white situations. Unfortunately, the growing conflict between some members and the lack of agreement turned out to be something we couldn’t overcome this time. I would, however, like to distance myself from any speculation that I was a party to that conflict. I believe that most difficult situations can be resolved if there is willingness on all sides. At the same time, sometimes people’s paths simply go in different directions, and everyone makes decisions based on their own needs. I respect that. However, I wouldn’t want interpretations and assumptions to overshadow what we created together as a band. The community that has grown around Riverside over the years has always been something more than just a band and its fans. And that’s what I will miss the most right now - the conversations after shows, meeting people we’ve come to know so well over the years, and the shared smiles on stage 😉👉🏻👉🏻 As for me, I will continue doing what I love - creating and composing, working on music for games and films, and developing my solo projects. I hope we’ll meet again, whether through solo work or band-related projects. Thank you for your support and for being there. Life can write many different scenarios - we’ll see what the future brings. All the best, Michał" As the old phrase goes - "stick a fork in her - she's done".
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Posts: 25 Written by Kais on 29.04.2026 at 18:53 Sounds like they disbanded actually
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Posts: 615 Written by OzzFest on 30.04.2026 at 09:32 Makes sense. Though they haven't explicitly said that yet, I can't imagine a Riverside without Mariusz Duda first and foremost, but then even more so without Łapaj.
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Posts: 10107
At this point looks like only the drummer has not announced he left the band releasing a lengthy statement on social media. I hope he does it too for maximum Spinal Tap vibes. RIP Riverside. Drama of the year at MS awards 2027 for sure. I remember the user Milena was a huge fan.
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Posts: 5718 Written by Valentin B on 30.04.2026 at 13:33 You think you are joking but at this point–and as tragicomic as it would be–his departure statement could be the only way for him to save his face through a plausible deniability... I.
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Posts: 10107 Written by Ivor on 30.04.2026 at 20:12 It sounds to me they were really just being incompatible / shitty to each other, nothing specifically against an exact member? I guess he could do it just to save his skin too, "Hey guys, i am just a drummer and can only count to 4 anyway so I am out" (sarcasm)
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Posts: 1101
Yeah, at this point even if the band somehow continued, it would really be an "in name alone" type of situation.
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Posts: 25 Written by Valentin B on 30.04.2026 at 13:33 From what I've heard main compositor was Duda but the drummer was the only remaining founding member so it's not that simple and straight forward. I wonder what was the beef between them but I guess that perhaps over reliance on Duda + his solo project. Drummer supposedly commented somewhere something like: "Duda is not the founding member so he cannot call it a day on a band like Riverside"
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Posts: 157 |
Posts: 157 Written by Valentin B on 01.05.2026 at 00:44 Late to the party but I know just a slightly bit more from some friends who know better what's going on. Basically, it all comes down to Kozieradzki vs. Duda. Said friends blame it all on Kozieradzki, who's been apparently doing things behind Duda's back, like registering some trademark etc. It's been an ongoing issue - as Duda himself stated in his post. Kozieradzki did post some stuff, though, not a statement but some provocative posts, right after Duda's original statement: "How can a man who hasn't started a band disband it? That's interesting  " etc. From his comments, it was clear he has / had plans to continue Riverside. Personally, I don't see it, with Duda (and now Meller) out... sure there have been cases where the band lost the frontman but continued on and it worked, but yeah, I just don't see it this time. At least Duda will probably bring Lunatic Soul to stage (which he already sort of did, I was at his acoustic LS show last year, which was super short but free of charge)
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