During his appearance on The Wikimetal Happy Hour , Alírio Netto fondly recalled his friendship with Andre Matos and the first time they spoke, in 2003. The topic was a shared passion: having Queen News Of The World (1977) as one of their favorites. During the conversation, the musician didn't hesitate to compare Andre to another huge musical influence for both of them: Freddie Mercury .
“What caught my attention about Andre was that he had the same characteristics that made me fall in love with Freddie Mercury, who was an artist who migrated to other styles, liked classical music and wasn't afraid to take risks,” says Alírio.
“When Angels Cry came out it was a shock, but when Holy Land came out I said, 'Wow, who is this guy? This is our Freddie Mercury.' I don't know any other heavy metal singer in the world who has done what Andre has done. I am lucky and proud to be Brazilian and to have a guy like him, who is a global icon. I learned a lot watching him, being a fan of Andre, and he continues to teach me even after he's gone,” he concludes.
Alírio also spoke about the experience of being invited to join Shaman after Andre Matos' death, and the learning difficulties he encountered along the way. “I always played Queen songs on the piano – and they are both incredible pianists – but Freddie Mercury didn't study to be a concert pianist like Andre did, so performing Andre's music was on another level. And that's where I tell you it's an opportunity to learn. Every new song by Andre that I have to learn makes me a better, more complete musician, because besides being an excellent instrumentalist and singer, he was a very sensitive composer. And that's evident in the music of all the projects he had.”
“A guy who lived music the way he did is a source of pride for everyone. I'm saddened by the situation. If you asked me, I'd prefer he were alive. Because we lost our greatest. But from where he is, he continues to teach me and help me become a more complete artist,” he concludes.
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