Vocalist EDWARD REEKERS Loses His Battle With With Lung Cancer – “The Voice Of AYREON Is Not Here Anymore”
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Ayreon mastermind Arjen Lucassen has shared the following message with the fans:
“My friend Edward Reekers has lost his battle with cancer. He is not here anymore… it’s so hard to imagine. Of course we all know he was an amazingly talented singer with a golden voice. But more than that, he was an incredibly nice guy! Always positive, and always so excited about music. We missed him so much during the last Ayreon shows. But now… the voice of Ayreon is not here anymore. Lots of warm hugs to his family. And to all of you. Edward lives on in our hearts and minds.”
Back in August, the Ayreon camp shared a message from vocalist / longtime collaborator Edward Reekers, who has been a part of the Ayreon legacy as a guest singer since the project’s first record, The Final Experiment, released in 1995.
Reekers issued the following statement:
“Dear all, I have some very sad news.
I was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer. A cure is not an option anymore, only life-prolonging treatment(s). I will, with the utmost reluctance, have to withdraw from public life. The doctors are working on a treatment schedule and I expect to have some more clarity in the beginning of September.
I would like to thank all my friends and fans for their support and enthusiasm during the time I was given to do what I love to do most : making music.
And all my colleagues who accompanied me on my musical journey : thank you so much. Without you it wouldn’t have been half as much fun.”
Reekers appeared on the following Ayreon releases: The Final Experiment (1995), Actual Fantasy (1996), Into The Electric Castle (1998), Universal Migrator Part 1: The Dream Sequencer (2000), Ayreonauts Only (2000), Ayreon Universe (2018) and Electric Castle Live And Other Tales (2020).
Reekers also released three solo albums and is featured on 10 albums from the Dutch prog rock band, Kayak.
(Source: www.bravewords.com)
