2014 saw the glorious end of Gridlink with their perfect album Longhena. The band planned for it to be their last record and they all went their separate ways. Specifically guitarist Takafumi Matsubara, who said he would be continuing his work in both Corrupted and Mortalized. Or at least that was the plan until Gridlink's vocalist Jon Chang took to Facebook to announce the incredibly sad news of Matsubara's current state of health.
"It is with terrible sadness, that I must announce that Takafumi Matsubara is putting down his guitar and stepping away from music, likely forever. Approximately one month ago, Takafumi was hospitalized and doctors discovered he had a serious infection/inflammation in his brain. While the immediate danger has passed and Takafumi is out of the hospital, he has lost significant dexterity and control of his left hand, including the complete paralysis of his middle finger.
As of today, Takafumi has permanently stepped down as lead guitar from Corrupted and Mortalized. There is a small chance of recovery through physical rehabilitation and extended medical treatment, but Doctor's were not positive about his ability to play guitar again.
The Gridlink album "Longhena" will likely be his last work. He would like to extend his warmest regards to the artists that he was able to work with over the years and people he met through the band."
Wow… granted Longhena was a great album to go out on, but as Gridlink. Not as a guitar player in general. Here's to hoping Matsubara's diagnosis is either wrong or the guy makes an amazing recovery. We're pulling for you!
