Ultima Thule, were one of the 20 acts chosen to compete in Eesti Laul 2023. Their lead singer Riho Sibul passed away this Sunday, the 20th of November 2022, at 64 years old.
The Estonian rock band would be competing in collaboration with fellow rockband Wiiralt. Riho’s band Ultima Thule decided to withdraw from the competition following their front man’s passing, Wiiralt have agreed to continue competing with what would have been their joint entry.
Sibul’s style will be honoured during the performance, promised one of the members of Wiiralt, Martin Saaremäe, stating:
“His music has influenced both Wiiralt and our own personal lives to a great extent. It is sad that ‘Salalik’, our Eesti Laul entry, also speaks of death coming to a village.”
In case of a complete withdrawal, it has been announced one of the two reserve acts would take Wiiralt’s place, though that is not the case right now as the band have agreed to perform the entry ‘Salalik’ (English: Secretive) themselves.
The list of participating entries looks as following:
- Alika – Bridges
- Andreas Poom – Why Do You Love Me?
- Anett x Fredi – You Need To Move On
- Bedwetters – Monsters
- Carlos Ukareda – Whiskey Won’t Forget
- Ellip – Pretty Girl
- Elysa – Bad Philosophy
- Inger – Awaiting You
- Janek – House of Glass
- Kaw – Valik
- Linalakk & Bonzo – Aeg
- M els – So Good At What You Do
- Meelik – Tuju
- Merlyn – Unicorn Vibes
- Mia – Üks samm korraga
- Neon Letters & Maiko – Tokimeki
- Ollie – Venom
- Robin Juhkental – Kurbuse matused
- Sissi – Lighthouse
- Wiiralt – Salalik
Eesti Laul 2023 will see semi-finals being held on January 12 and January 14 in the Viimsi Artium venue, with the grand final taking place in the Tondiraba Ice Hall on February 11. All shows will be hosted by Tõnis Niinemets and Grete Kuld.
ESCBubble would like to extend their condolences to Riho Sibul’s friends and family. Rest in peace.
