Ingars Viļums Denies Leaving Prāta Vētra After Missing Tour Finale

Ingars Viļums Addresses Absence from Prāta Vētra Tour Finale

The musician explained that he chose to perform at Trikāta pilskalns on the same evening for a concert titled “Manas zemes sirds” alongside singer Antra Stafecka. Viļums described this project as a musical story involving dance and specific direction, noting that much of the work was self-created and carefully rehearsed.

Viļums told the magazine that much of the project was his own creation and effort, making it particularly dear and close to him, and because he could not be removed or replaced in it, he chose to be there on that day.

Arrangements and Substitutions

To ensure the tour finale proceeded, Viļums coordinated a replacement for the Liepāja performance. Bas guitarist Kristaps Ērglis stepped in to play the instrument, with Viļums stating that he provided Ērglis with the necessary materials for the concert.

Viļums noted that such mutual substitutions are not unusual among musicians. He referenced a sentiment from Prāta Vētra, stating that no one belongs to anyone and never did. He clarified his role within the group, noting that while the core membership consists of four people—Renārs Kaupers, Māris Mihelsons, Kaspars Roga, and Jānis Jubalts—he is the fifth musician who has played with them for 22 years. According to reports, Viļums joined the group following the death of bas guitarist Gundars Mauševics and maintains a guest musician status.

Future with Prāta Vētra

Addressing speculation about his future with the band, Viļums stated that he does not currently plan to leave. He described music as a flowing river that changes and grows over time, adding that he had recently attended a group rehearsal and intends to continue participating.

The Pirmās dienas tūre concluded as a two-year concert tour. The finale in Liepāja attracted approximately 23,000 attendees, including fans who traveled from Poland, England, Estonia, Lithuania, China, and Argentina.

Details of the Liepāja Finale

The final show featured a mix of popular hits and songs from the latest album, Pūķa lietošanas instrukcija. The performance included several guest appearances:

• Actress Agnese Budovska performed during “Mellužu stacija” and “Krāces.”
• MESU joined for the single “Kur ir tā jūra?”
• Fiņķis performed “Dārznieks vol2.”
• The group Musiqq performed the hit “Debesis iekrita tevī” alongside Prāta Vētra.

Other musicians who shared the stage for the finale included percussionist and drummer Nelli Bubujanca, guitarist Uldim Beitiņam, saxophonist Artūrs Sebrim, trumpeter Reinim Puriņam, and trombonist Rūdolfam Kulbergam. Backing vocals were provided by Linda Anete Rušeniece, Una Daniela Aizgaile, and Paula Saija, while Chris Noah and Fiņķis greeted the audience at the start of the evening.