Brazilian heavy metal singer Andre Matos of ANGRA and SHAAMAN fame, tragically passed away at the age of 47 on June 8th, 2019. The news came from Ricardo Confessori, the former Angra and Shaaman drummer’s Facebook page in a post that states: “It is with deep pain in our hearts that we say goodbye to Andre once again, this time forever. In addition to the wound that will never heal, knowing that we had spend glorious moments with our companion and friend he will forever rest in our hearts.” The cause of Andre Matos’ death has not yet been disclosed as of now, although UOL claims the singer’s friends confirmed he suffered a heart attack.
André Coelho Matos was a Brazilian singer, pianist and composer. He has performed with many Brazilian acts including Viper, Angra, Shaaman and Symfonia. As of 2006, Matos has been fronting his solo band and recently reunited with his bandmates in Shaaman. Andre was also a guest on Tobias Sammet’s Avantasia, having recorded and toured with the band in the early 2000’s.
On his Facebook page, Tobias Sammet wrote: “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.”
His former bandmates in Angra issued the following statement: “Andre was indispensable for the success and consecration of this band. The contributions of his talent and presence are invaluable. There are no words right now to describe the size of the void left in the hearts of those who loved him as Brazil loses an irreplaceable talent of the heavy metal genre and with him the hope of seeing him on our stage again. May the angels receive your soul and may the goddess of fire keep the flame of his artistic legacy always alive.”