How long was Mike Leon with Soulfly? Longtime bassist exits after “many strong years”

Recently, Soulfly announced that longtime bassist Mike Leon will be leaving the band after a long period of collaboration. The news comes as the group prepares for a performance at Mexico City’s Nu Metal Revolution on May 3.

The band released a statement noting that after many strong years together, Mike Leon is departing from the group. He was with Soulfly for nearly ten years, and his exit has been noted as a significant change in the lineup. In their announcement, the band explained:

"After many strong years together, Soulfly is parting ways with bassist Mike Leon. The tribe are still performing at the upcoming Mexico City’s Nu Metal Revolution on May 3rd with the Sorcerer, Igor Amadeus, of Cavalera band, Go Ahead and Die and Healing Magic filling in."

The caption concluded with:

"We’re going in different directions now and we thank Mike for all the time spent with us rocking hard on stage!"

This marks a transitional moment as the group prepares for upcoming performances. The news is shared in straightforward language that reflects the change without embellishment.

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Mike Leon had a long association with Soulfly before his departure

During his tenure with Soulfly, Mike Leon played a key role as the bassist—contributing to the band’s sound on various tours and live performances. Although details regarding the exact start of his involvement are not widely publicized, it is known that his presence spanned nearly a decade.

His role involved providing the basslines that underpinned the band’s songs during recordings and concerts. This consistent involvement over the years enabled him to form a working relationship with the rest of the members. His contribution has been recognized by those who have followed the band’s journey. Leon's exit now signals the end of an era for Soulfly.

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The band is preparing for upcoming shows with guest musicians filling in

With the departure of Mike Leon, Soulfly has made arrangements for upcoming live performances by recruiting guest musicians. The band’s upcoming show in Mexico City, set for May 3 at the Nu Metal Revolution, will feature artists stepping in to cover the bass parts.

Among the guest performers is Igor Amadeus, along with contributions from members who have been associated with other groups such as Cavalera, Go Ahead and Die, and Healing Magic. These temporary adjustments are part of the band’s strategy to ensure that scheduled performances run smoothly. The focus remains on delivering live shows in a stable and organized manner.

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Mike Leon addresses the decision and what comes next

Mike Leon’s departure after nearly a decade was addressed directly by both the band and Leon himself. Soulfly released a statement thanking him for his time and confirming that the group is moving in a different direction. Leon also shared his perspective in an Instagram post:

“After an incredible 10-year journey with Soulfly/Cavalera, the time has come to move on and pursue new opportunities. I'm deeply grateful for the experiences, the music, and the relationships built along the way—it's been an honor to grow alongside such dedicated fans."

"As I look ahead, I'm excited to focus on exploring and creating new musical opportunities! Thank you to everyone who's been part of the journey so far—here's to the next chapter!,” he concluded.

With this transition, the band is moving forward with their scheduled performances while Leon shifts his attention to new qualified and creative quests.

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Mike Leon’s departure after nearly ten years with Soulfly marks a clear shift in the band’s lineup. While the change is notable, Soulfly appears focused on maintaining momentum and adapting as needed. This transition reflects a practical step in the group’s ongoing evolution without disrupting their current tour plans.