Mark Jansen and Simone Simons , from Epica , were a couple at the beginning of the band. In a recent interview, the Dutch guitarist commented on what his "unique relationship" with his ex-girlfriend and bandmate is like.
When he formed the band in 2002, Jansen was in a relationship with the singer and decided to invite her to join the group the following year. The relationship ended some time later, but their connection remained strong as friends and musical partners.
“We’re very close friends. I was talking to her an hour ago, we’re great friends. We understand each other,” the guitarist told the Loaded Radio podcast (via Blabbermouth ). “I think it’s very rare to have a good relationship with an ex-girlfriend, few people manage it. And few new partners would approve of that, but our partners have no problem with it. It’s a truly unique relationship.”
“For both of us, Epica is our passion, our love, and we would never give that up just because the relationship ended,” Jansen continued. “And then, in the end, we even became close friends. That’s great. So I’m very grateful that things worked out this way.”
In February, Epica released the album Omega , the eighth album in the Dutch band's discography – more than enough proof that the duo has a great relationship after their brief romantic involvement.
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