A new era of PORTLESS: Every beginning is preceded by an ending
The band PORTLESS is facing lineup changes in 2026. Something is ending, but above all, something new is beginning, as the band enters a new chapter full of energy and enthusiasm, making one thing clear: they are moving forward and already looking forward to creating music with the new lineup.
The media has already reported that drummer Zbyněk Raušer is leaving after fourteen years to join O5 a Radeček. Taking his place is Tomáš Novák - an outstanding drummer and returning member of the band, who experienced the most successful era of Support Lesbiens with the group and contributed to the albums Regeneration (2001) and Tune Da Radio (2002). What may surprise some fans is that guitarist René Rypar will also close his chapter with PORTLESS at the end of the year. However, fans will still get to enjoy René throughout the rest of the season, as he will perform at all scheduled concerts, culminating in a grand farewell show for the departing members on December 17, 2026, at Futurum Music Bar.
Remaining in the lineup are bassist Honza Daliba and vocalist Kryštof Michal, now once again joined by Tomáš Novák. The big question now is which guitarist these three former members of Support Lesbiens will choose for the next era of PORTLESS. The answer should come during the already mentioned concert at Futurum on December 17, 2026, where the band plans to introduce the new guitarist.
This concert is therefore not a full stop, but rather a new beginning for the band - the starting signal for a new era. Personnel changes did not stop Support Lesbiens, and they will not stop PORTLESS either. The driving force and heart of the band - frontman Kryštof Michal remains firmly in place and adds:
"Zbyněk and René deserve our huge thanks, and we wish them all the best. We're parting on good terms, which I truly appreciate. We experienced a lot together in PORTLESS, and I'm really proud of the albums New Ride (2013), Back (2017), and Recharged (2024). Thanks to them, music and live performing became fun for me again, and I believe it will continue to be. Thanks, guys… we're moving forward!"
PORTLESS was formed in 2012 following the breakup of Support Lesbiens. Until 2026, the lineup consisted of four out of the five former members: René Rypar, Jan Daliba, Zbyněk Raušer, and vocalist/frontman Kryštof Michal. Tomáš Novák, a former Support Lesbiens member, now takes over Raušer's position.The band released its debut album New Ride in 2013, followed four years later by Back, which also featured rapper Henry D as a guest performer. In 2024, the band released its third studio album, Recharged.
More information about the band, including news updates: