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Sonisphere 2010: Funeral For A Friend

Darran Smith: "I'm excited to move on and try out some new things."

"I am feeling quite nostalgic about the whole thing. It is going to be quite sad saying goodbye to the band, but I have mixed emotions because I'm also quite excited to move on and try out some new things. Obviously I'm not somebody the band will ever be able to truly replace, and they will never truly move on, but I know the guy who is joining sort of in my place and I've been friends with him for years," he said of his feelings on leaving the band.

"It's all really amicable and that's how I want it to be. I explained my reasons for leaving and they were cool with it. We're playing out the rest of the shows I'm committed to, and having fun enjoying the last lot of shows together.Today for our fans we're playing a greatest hits selection, because at festivals you're better off doing that kind of thing. Playing your biggest songs is good especially to a mixed crowd, where they may only know one or two."

And while he may have some extra time on his hands, Darran is determined that his new found freedom will not be spent idly.

"I'm getting involved with management, managing and yes, babysitting a few bands. I'm also involved with radio and I've done a bit of TV, and I also want to get involved with some music projects in my local area. To try and get young people interested in music, so yeah, I'll be pretty busy!"

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