André Matos, former lead singer of the Brazilian metal bands ANGRA and VIPER, has died at the age of 47.
His death was confirmed by ex-ANGRA drummer Ricardo Confessori, who also played with Matos in SHAMAN (a.k.a. SHAAMAN). Ricardo wrote on his Facebook page: “It is with deep pain in our hearts that we say goodbye to André once again, this time definitively.”
André performed last Sunday (June 2) at the Espaço das Américas in São Paulo with SHAMAN and also made a guest appearance with the show’s headliners, AVANTASIA.
AVANTASIA‘s Tobias Sammet wrote on Facebook: “I am devastated by the tragic news about the passing of my friend André Matos whom I shared the stage with only five days ago. I am in shock. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in peace, André Matos.”
Former ANGRA and current MEGADETH guitarist Kiko Loureiro posted a following message on Facebook: “What a sad morning. A phone call and the news that André Matos passed away.
“Life is too fragile. I cried. Since I was 14 years old back in the Rio Branco school, André was already a benchmark. We all wanted to be like him. The unparalleled voice, the talent for the piano. Luckily, the destiny united us for nine years.
“In the years we spent together, we have created and lived incredible things which are kept in the most special place in my memory. The crazy dream of having a world-famous heavy metal band that we talked about while sitting on the bus going to rehearsals. The songs he wrote are timeless (play ‘Carry On’!), the albums… from our first precarious shows to the big tours in Europe. Everything is coming back to my mind now. From his peerless high notes to the glance over the round glasses.
“André, you were and will always be so important to us all.
“This week he said he wanted to play together again after 20 years. Too sad.
“Your voice, your songs and your piano will be eternal for all of us fans.
“Thank you, André. RIP”
