It was confirmed by Nobuo Uematsu that the Black Mages have been disbanded. Their reasons for disbandment are unknown. They were dedicated to arranging and playing Final Fantasy music.
Nobuo Uematsu has recently established a new band called The Earthbound Papas. According to Uematsu they will play Final Fantasy music that The Black Mages have never before played. It has been suggested that they will play video game music from titles other than that of Final Fantasy.
The band has already performed Dancing Mad from Final Fantasy VI which can be found on Track 6 of the Distant Worlds II – More Music from Final Fantasy CD. They have also performed Liberi Fatali from FFVIII and part of One Winged Angel from Final Fantasy VII Advent Children.
The Earthbound Papas will be performing at FANTASY ROCK FES 2011.
Nobuo Uematsu has also announced that they will be performing a band-only version of One Winged Angel.