SHADOW GALLERY To Carry On Following Singer's Passing

[Wyvern]

Guitarist Gary Wehrkamp of progressive power metallers SHADOW GALLERY has confirmed to Roadie Crew's Thiago Sarkis that the band will carry on following singer Michael A. Baker's recent passing, with D.C. Cooper (SILENT FORCE, ex-ROYAL HUNT) filling in on at least one track on the band's upcoming album, which is tentatively due in October.

"Mike was very excited about the new SHADOW GALLERY songs compositions and was eager to sing them," Wehrkamp said in a statement that was published at Solada. "Unfortunately, he left us before he could begin. There is a possibility that he did a quick demo of one song a few weeks before he died. As for the rest of the material, we will have to find a way to honor Mike, and his legacy, and we feel the best choice is to continue and finish this album. We will try to make it as good as it can possibly be. We have looked at some singers to fill in. I say that because you cannot replace somebody like Mike. With a few people in mind, [but] nothing is definite or confirmed. There has been some talk that D.C. Cooper would be our new singer. We have known D.C. for many years, and enjoyed working with him on a few different records. He is a unique talent and a fine singer. Our plan is to have D.C.'s voice grace one track of our new album, for a song that has not been completely written yet. It is possible that we may even collaborate — something we never do — with him on this song. We hope to be finishing our record in a few months, which puts a possible release for October. We sincerely appreciate all of the wonderful comments left for Mike, from wonderful caring people all around the globe. We look forward to giving you all the very best we can."

Michael A. Baker died on October 29, 2008 after suffering a heart attack. He was 45 years old.

Mike was a founding member of SHADOW GALLERY and for the past 16 years, helped shape the band's sound with his magical voice. Additionally, he made many appearances on rock records around the world.

Well I was wondering what will happen to SG after Mike's death . If D.C. Cooper signs for the whole album I will be very pleased, he's an amazing singer and Wehrkamp and him already worked together in the awsome Amaran's Plight album

 

[Orfanos]

As I understand from Gary's quote, Shadow Gallery will not recruit a singer for the whole album, but they will have many guest singers. And DC Cooper will be one of them.

I don't know if this will work, but I feel that they want to say us that a singer like Mike Baker cannot be replaced.

 

[Wyvern]

As I understand from Gary's quote, Shadow Gallery will not recruit a singer for the whole album, but they will have many guest singers. And DC Cooper will be one of them.

I don't know if this will work, but I feel that they want to say us that a singer like Mike Baker cannot be replaced.

a) I know what Gary said, my meaning was I hope SG reconsider it and let Cooper take over the entire album.

b) Yes Mike cannot be replaced, but I refuse to think they want to bury the band because of this tragedy, the show must go on (but I hope they bring back Chris Ingles too, he was absent from "Room V").

So I also hope this is not some kind of farewell tribute and goodbye, but the dawn of a new era. Time will tell.

 

[painergrey]

I hope they release a great new album in Mike's honor.

 

[METALDUDE]

I hope they release a great new album in Mike's honor.

 

[Bryant]

I agree with you there. It was very sad to hear about Mike's passing, but I think D.C. would be a nice fit for SG's music. He would do songs written for Mike's vocals very well.

Bryant

Well I was wondering what will happen to SG after Mike's death . If D.C. Cooper signs for the whole album I will be very pleased, he's an amazing singer and Wehrkamp and him already worked together in the awsome Amaran's Plight album

 

[Black Friday]

On a related note, I have Tyranny and love it, are the two followups just as good?

 

[Wyvern]

On a related note, I have Tyranny and love it, are the two followups just as good?

To me "Tyranny" was their peak, an awsome album that it's impossible to top IMO. "Legacy" is more or less ok, kind of a the follow up to "Carved In Stone", since it have 'Cliffhanger 2', but 'Society Of The Mind' and 'First Light' are good songs that worth the slab.
"Room V" which is the follow up (thematically) to "Tyranny" is a big dissapointment, the album is weak, maybe one really interesting song and for some reason Chris Ingles didn't play on it (never found out why).

I have all their albums for reasons of completism (and because I started with them since the debut), but now with Mike gone (and Chris position unknown), whatever material they put out will be severly scrutinazed by me before any purchase.