Simon Rushworth
Just days before his band were due to begin recording their eighth studio album, Talisman founder member Marcel Jacob has committed suicide at the age of 45.
The news was broken by fellow band member and former Journey/Yngwie Malmsteen frontman Jeff Scott Soto – the singer immediately revealing his plans for a tribute to a musician he rated as the best in the business. “It is with deep regret and remorse that I, along with fellow members of Talisman, am announcing our brother, long time colleague & overall greatest musician we’ve ever played with, Marcel Jacob, is no longer with us as of today,” said Scott Soto.“Marcel took his own life after many years of personal and health issues he
was battling,” added Scott Soto. “We were mere days from starting what would have been our eighth Talisman studio album together, celebrating the 20 year anniversary of the band.
“I spoke with him just yesterday [Monday] about finalising the details that would get us started only to get the news this afternoon that my friend merely gave up on it all.
“I want him to be remembered as everything I have already mentioned above but more so, he helped influence so many musicians and songwriters. He was a quiet, gentle soul with a very intense passion for his craft. I have been associated with him since 1984 but it was when we started Talisman that he truly became a brother, one of my dearest friends.
“It is far too early to say anything now but I plan to organise a memorial for
his legacy, although not known by the masses, the ones who do see him as the genius I know he was.
“R.I.P. my friend, you will be sorely missed, you will be in my heart forever and I’ll see you on the other side…I hope now you will get your dream and jam with Phil Lynott!!”