sad Shadow Gallery news

Bear · October 31st, 2008, 10:43 AM

repost from the PPUSA forum!!

ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA

It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce the passing of Shadow Gallery vocalist, Michael A. Baker. Mike suffered a heart attack, Wednesday afternoon, October 29th, 2008. He was 45 years old. Mike was a founding member of Shadow Gallery and for the past 16 years, helped shape the sound of the band with his magical voice. Additionally, he made many appearances on rock records around the world. Those who knew him best were moved by his gentle spirit, sincere kindness, fun nature and passion for both music and sports. He was a warrior in the studio, a true professional. Mike was our friend, our singer and our brother. We loved him and will miss him enormously, but he will always be remembered in our hearts and through his music.

At this time we are setting up a condolence book on the Shadow Gallery Band website that you will be able to leave a message.

Good Bye Mike,

We will miss you and your beautiful voice.

BARfest · October 31st, 2008, 11:56 AM

yeah- i saw this-- this is really sad--I am a huge SG fan-- my prayers are w/his family-- this is way to soon to go--

i am fabio · October 31st, 2008, 12:52 PM

Terrible.

SharkBlack · October 31st, 2008, 12:52 PM

The community is all feeling a hole their collective hearts at this time... So young to lose such an awesome talent and person.

Prog_Please · October 31st, 2008, 12:57 PM

I just read the email this morning. He was one of my favorite singers. "Day Sixteen: Loser" is and will forever be my favorite Ayreon song.

Jax · October 31st, 2008, 01:51 PM

Mike was a dear friend of mine..he was an amazing vocalist, funny as hell, & had a huge caring heart. He will be greatly missed.

Thanks for the music, Bakes.

eboles · November 2nd, 2008, 09:39 AM

I've been a fan since the very first SG album and I have most everything that Mike has ever sang on as well. I will certainly miss his unique tonality and the character of his vocal sound. Rest in Peace Mike.

5150 · November 9th, 2008, 05:14 PM

Yeah, it is sad news. I would have loved to have seen these guys live ... at least once. But sadly I don't think they have ever performed live in front of an audience. I think Glenn tried.

Jax · November 9th, 2008, 09:04 PM

Nope, they never did play live for an audience, unfortunately.

Still can't believe he's gone.

BARfest · November 10th, 2008, 12:07 PM

I am still in disbelief by this-- I picked up V a few years ago and was instantly blown away by his dramatic voice, and the great songwriting.. they really had something special.

Last year when I was in Montreal and Quebec City in the middle of the cold, I remember listening to Queen of the City of the Ice..that is really one of the most beatiful songs on the planet- a song that evokes a state of mind through the lyrics and the gliding harmonies.

As far as SG playing live, I of course tried to get them here, but was told there would be no way-- their layers and backing tracks are meant to be studio only

October 31st, 2008, 10:43 AM	#1 (permalink)
Bear Got Shred?? Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 3,229	sad Shadow Gallery news repost from the PPUSA forum!! ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce the passing of Shadow Gallery vocalist, Michael A. Baker. Mike suffered a heart attack, Wednesday afternoon, October 29th, 2008. He was 45 years old. Mike was a founding member of Shadow Gallery and for the past 16 years, helped shape the sound of the band with his magical voice. Additionally, he made many appearances on rock records around the world. Those who knew him best were moved by his gentle spirit, sincere kindness, fun nature and passion for both music and sports. He was a warrior in the studio, a true professional. Mike was our friend, our singer and our brother. We loved him and will miss him enormously, but he will always be remembered in our hearts and through his music. At this time we are setting up a condolence book on the Shadow Gallery Band website that you will be able to leave a message. Good Bye Mike, We will miss you and your beautiful voice. __________________

October 31st, 2008, 11:56 AM	#2 (permalink)
BARfest Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 425	yeah- i saw this-- this is really sad--I am a huge SG fan-- my prayers are w/his family-- this is way to soon to go-- __________________ Bay Area Rock Fest www.bayarearockfest.com www.myspace.com/bayarearockfest www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/bar-fest-430/

October 31st, 2008, 12:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
i am fabio Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Nor. Cal. Posts: 382	Terrible. __________________ -Rob "If There Is Life After Death There Is No Life And If Death Does Not Exist We Do Not Live"

October 31st, 2008, 12:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
SharkBlack Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Jose, Ca Posts: 2,446	The community is all feeling a hole their collective hearts at this time... So young to lose such an awesome talent and person. __________________ www.myspace.com/raiderblack Is he smiling? Or does he want to eat you?

October 31st, 2008, 12:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
Prog_Please Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Central California, SLO Posts: 254	I just read the email this morning. He was one of my favorite singers. "Day Sixteen: Loser" is and will forever be my favorite Ayreon song. __________________ Better to reign in hell than serve in heaven.

October 31st, 2008, 01:51 PM	#6 (permalink)
Jax Forum Goddess Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 8,956	Mike was a dear friend of mine..he was an amazing vocalist, funny as hell, & had a huge caring heart. He will be greatly missed. Thanks for the music, Bakes. __________________ RIP Bakes; thanks for the music. I miss you, my friend.

November 2nd, 2008, 09:39 AM	#7 (permalink)
eboles Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: San Francisco Posts: 188	I've been a fan since the very first SG album and I have most everything that Mike has ever sang on as well. I will certainly miss his unique tonality and the character of his vocal sound. Rest in Peace Mike.

November 9th, 2008, 05:14 PM	#8 (permalink)
5150 Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 91	5150 Yeah, it is sad news. I would have loved to have seen these guys live ... at least once. But sadly I don't think they have ever performed live in front of an audience. I think Glenn tried.

November 9th, 2008, 09:04 PM	#9 (permalink)
Jax Forum Goddess Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 8,956	Nope, they never did play live for an audience, unfortunately. Still can't believe he's gone. __________________ RIP Bakes; thanks for the music. I miss you, my friend.

November 10th, 2008, 12:07 PM	#10 (permalink)
BARfest Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 425	I am still in disbelief by this-- I picked up V a few years ago and was instantly blown away by his dramatic voice, and the great songwriting.. they really had something special. Last year when I was in Montreal and Quebec City in the middle of the cold, I remember listening to Queen of the City of the Ice..that is really one of the most beatiful songs on the planet- a song that evokes a state of mind through the lyrics and the gliding harmonies. As far as SG playing live, I of course tried to get them here, but was told there would be no way-- their layers and backing tracks are meant to be studio only __________________ Bay Area Rock Fest www.bayarearockfest.com www.myspace.com/bayarearockfest www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/bar-fest-430/