Former Angra vocalist, André Matos has passed away on Saturday (8th). The news broke out during the afternoon by a series of Facebook posts from ex-Angra drummer Ricardo Confessori, who also played with Matos in Shaman, Shaman, and Angra. Former and current Angra members have been paying their respects to the late Brazilian singer as the band’s scheduled show on Saturday was cancelled. More details have surfaced on Matos’ death as a statement was posted on the late singer’s official Facebook page yesterday (9th) revealing the 47-year-old singer died from a heart attack.

Read the full statement below:

“It is with deep regret that we confirm the passing of André This Saturday morning due to a heart stop. As many know, he was an extremely reserved person – and manifested in life, for more than once, the desire not to have a wake. Respecting His will, he will be cremated today with the presence only of relatives. We thank everyone for understanding and we count on you so that André’s memory and legacy remain alive forever. Carry on.”

Matos recently performed with his band Shaman on Sunday (2nd) during the Free Pass Metal Festival at the Espaço das Américas in São Paulo. Matos also shared the stage with Avantasia for a guest appearance during the song “Reach Out for the Light.”

Matos performed with Angra from 1991 up until 2000 and worked on albums Angels Cry (1993), Holy Land (1996) and Fireworks (1998). In addition to his solo career, Matos was also part of Shaman and Viper. Matos was an impeccable singer who simply loved to sing as he collaborated with many artists including being part of Avantasia’s The Metal Opera (Part 1 & 2) – 2001 & 2002, 2010’s The Wicked Symphony, Epica’s 2005’s Consign to Oblivion, and more.

Tobias Sammet, Kamelot, Dragonforce, Epica, Fabio Lione, and more have responded to this huge loss and you can read a few tributes below:

“Fate brought us together, separated us, gathered us and now preached more this with us. It is with deep pain in our hearts that we say goodbye to Andre once again, this time definitively. In addition to the wound that you never had, and even knowing that we spend glorious moments next to our companion and friend, there will forever be the best of R.I.P R.I.P Hugo mariutti Louis Mariutti Ricardo Confessori Fábio Ribeiro With Rick song”

“With a lot of pain we received the news of the passing of Angra is in mourning. Andre was indispensable for the success and consecration of this band. The contribution of his talent and presence is invaluable. There are no words right now that describe the size of the void left in the hearts of those who loved him closely and far Brazil loses an irreplaceable talent of the genre heavy metal and with it dies the hope of seeing it on our stages again. May the angels receive your soul and may the goddess of fire keep the flame of her artistic legacy alight always R.I.P. Andre Matos”

“With a lot of pain I receive the news of the passing of I am devastated. André was indispensable for the success and consecration of my career. In the foundation of the art that performance, is the result of a meteoric friendship and partnership, a very beautiful story that I feel not ending with a hug. There are no words right now that describe the size of the void left in my heart that loved him closely and far. Brazil loses an irreplaceable talent of the heavy-metal genre and with it dies the hope of share the stage together again. May the angels receive your soul and may the goddess of fire keep the flame of her artistic legacy alight always R.I.P. André Matos Rafael Bittencourt”

“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”

It is with great sadness that we have learned about the passing of Andre Matos (Official). Without a doubt, Brazil, and the music scene in general, have lost an incredible talent. Today though – more than anything – we’re mourning the friend we have lost… https://t.co/8DGVY8wwsM pic.twitter.com/iwuAUjgQ1P — Kamelot Official (@KamelotOfficial) June 9, 2019

Horrendous news to hear one of my contemporaries has passed at the very young age of 47, RIP Andre Matos, although we met only once, I’ll remember you as one of the great singers and performers of our generation! https://t.co/OpLOjMVzup — Jeff Scott Soto (@jeffscottsoto) June 8, 2019

Our thoughts go out to Matos’ friends and family during this sad time as his voice will “Carry On.”