On July 18 at the Liepāja stadium, Latvian band Prāta Vētra officially concluded their “First Day” tour, though bassist Ingars Viļums was notably absent from the stage, according to the magazine Privātā Dzīve. Viļums chose to perform at a simultaneous concert titled “Manas zemes sirds” in Trikāta hill alongside singer Antra Stafecka, marking a rare scheduling divergence in his 22-year tenure with the group.
Band Dynamics and Guest Musicians During the Liepāja Tour Finale
Prāta Vētra wrapped up their tour performance in Liepāja with bassist Kristaps Ērglis stepping in to fill the vacancy, according to Viļums. Viļums provided Ērglis with the necessary concert materials ahead of time, noting that substituting musicians is a common practice within the industry. Despite 22 years as the fifth musician—having joined the core four-piece lineup—Viļums stated to Privātā Dzīve that this marked the first time he was ever replaced during a live performance.
Did you know?
Ingars Viļums has played bass with Prāta Vētra for 22 years, serving as the fifth musician alongside the group’s core four.
Balancing Dual Musical Projects and Future Lineup Plans
The conflict arose because the Trikāta performance was a self-created musical story featuring dance and specialized direction that Viļums felt could not be replicated or missed. «In my case, I can quote Prāta Vētra’s words—’no one belongs to anyone and never did,’» Viļums told Privātā Dzīve, explaining that each member prioritizes what matters most to them. Addressing his long-term status with the band, Viļums offered reassurance to fans: «Music is like a large river that flows and changes. A small spring flows into it, which grows larger over time, nothing is permanent. I just attended the band’s rehearsal, so for now, I still plan to be there.»
Frequently Asked Questions
Why wasn’t Ingars Viļums at Prāta Vētra’s Liepāja concert?
According to Privātā Dzīve, Viļums was performing at Trikāta hill alongside singer Antra Stafecka in a concert titled “Manas zemes sirds.”
Who replaced Ingars Viļums on bass for the tour finale?
Bassist Kristaps Ērglis filled in for Viļums during the Liepāja performance, utilizing materials provided by Viļums.
Is Ingars Viļums leaving Prāta Vētra permanently?
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on artists balancing multiple music projects simultaneously? Drop a comment below and share this article with fellow music fans!