프랑스의 Symphony X라고 불리던 Adagio의 리더이자 기타리스트인 Stéphan Forté가 오늘 자신의 페이스북을 통해 아다지오 밴드 17년간의 세월을 뒤로하고 기타 솔로 아티스트로써의 풀타임 커리어에 집중 하겠다고 선언했네요.

다만 Adagio의 향후 거취나 앨범 발표에 대해 '더 이상은 없을것이다'라는 일축을 한 것은 아닙니다. 그러거나 말거나 사실상 Adagio의 모든 핵심 작곡이나 밴드의 구심점 역할을 한 리더가 없어지는 것은 Adagio는 잠정 해산 또는 활동 중단으로 볼 수 밖에 없어보이네요.

본인도 굉장히 긴 시간동안 고심을 했고, 이 결정에을 내린 것에 대해 큰 아쉬움을 이야기하며 같은 밴드에서 고생해준 멤버들에게 큰 감사를 표했습니다.

만약 Stéphan Forté가 빠진채로 Adagio가 굴러간다면 실질적으로 밴드 설립 멤버인 베이시스트 Franck Hermanny가 뒤를 이어서 활동을 해야할텐데, 그 가능성은 매우 낮은 것으로 보입니다.

개인적으로 가장 좋아하는 밴드 중 하나인 Nevermore의 Jeff Loomis와 똑같은 행보를 보이는 것이 한편으로는 신기하면서 많이 아쉽네요. 최근 발표한 Adagio의 신보 Life 역시 만족할만한 수준의 퀄리티를 보여줘서 앞으론 뭐가 더 나올지 궁금했는데, 너무너무 아쉽습니다.

곧 솔로 3집 앨범을 작업할 예정이며, 순도 100%의 인스트루멘틀 앨범이 될 것이라고 이야기하고 있습니다. 또한 한 달 후에는 솔로 1, 2집 곡을 공연으로 할 예정이라고 하네요.


아래는 Stéphan Forté의 페이스북 본문입니다.

Hi guys, a few words to let you know that after 17 years of dedication to Adagio I've taken the decision to fully pursue my career as a solo artist.

I've been thinking about it for quite some time, but before doing so I felt I had to deliver what would be in my opinion the most intense and personal Adagio album ever and that's why LIFE has been such a monster to do. Not one single detail has been left aside, and that was the condition number one before taking that big turn.
I am not excluding the possibility of releasing another Adagio album someday, but as for now, I feel it's time for me to move on and fully embrace what made me want to do this in the first place and go back 100% instrumental.

Taking that decision was definitely not a light thing since it involved not only me but the whole band...Adagio would have never been possible without them, especially Franck who's been there facing the waves with me since day one and Kevin who arrived shortly after. Their reaction was a huge and heartwarming surprise as not only did they all show such an incredible support and understood my need to move on, but also accepted to follow me into this new direction!

So as far as the lineup, I simply couldn't dream of a better team as Franck, Jelly, Kevin, and Mayline will also be part of this new adventure!!
I am over the moon and have no words to express how blessed and grateful I am. Thanks so much to you guys for your friendship, talent, priceless understanding and for trusting me.

I also would like to take the opportunity of this message to thank my brother Kelly and tell him how much I love him. You have done such an incredible performance on LIFE brother, it was way beyond any expectations and you've once again proven that without any doubt, you're the absolute Metal King.

Activity wise, I am currently working on my third solo album, and a first tour is in the works for later this year.

The very first solo show will take place in exactly one month, on May 5th in Clermont-Ferrand FR at the wonderful venue LE TREMPLIN - Musiques actuelles - Beaumont
I will perform songs from both "Shadows Compendium" and "Enigma Opera Black" and will give a masterclass in the afternoon.

 

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