TAKARA Mainman Pays Tribute To Fallen TALISMAN/Ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN Bassist

Guitarist Neal Grusky of the long-running American hard rock band TAKARA — whose early recordings featured the vocals of legendary singer Jeff Scott Soto (TALISMAN, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, JOURNEY) — has issued the following statement regarding the passing of Swedish bassist extraordinaire Marcel Jacob:

"No words can describe my reaction to the news of Marcel Jacob's passing [on July 21]. His influence, body of work, and intensely inspiring/brilliant musical contributions have blazed paths in the world of melodic hard rock that have been profound. His entrance into the music world changed it for the positive. He now leaves it better than it was. The melodic hard rock music scene will surely be a different place without his passionate contributions.

"Words cannot express my personal condolences to his family, friends, and band mates. I personally feel Marcel had a profound impact on the '90s music scene. At a time when the world seemed to be somewhat disinterested in melodic rock, Marcel pushed on, and continued to create his music, no matter the environment.

"I personally feel very sad about the loss of a truly gifted bassist/ writer and human being. His music, and legacy will continue to live on forever. His influence will surely continue have an impact for generations to come.

"May your soul, and spirit be in peace wherever you are."

Marcel Jacob was a Swedish musician, best known as the bassist in the hard rock bands TALISMAN and LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM.

In 1978, he formed the band RISING FORCE together with guitarist Yngwie J. Malmsteen. Four years later, Jacob joined the band FORCE, which later changed its name to EUROPE, replacing John Levén, who took Jacob's place in RISING FORCE. During his time in FORCE, Jacob wrote the song "Black Journey for My Soul" together with vocalist Joey Tempest. The song was eventually included on EUROPE's second album, "Wings of Tomorrow", re-titled "Scream of Anger". After spending three months in FORCE, Jacob traded places with John Levén again, who apparently had issues with Malmsteen.

In 1987, Jacob played on the album "Total Control", the first solo LP released by EUROPE guitarist John Norum. Jacob also co-wrote several of the songs included on that album.

Two years later he formed the band TALISMAN together with vocalist Jeff Scott Soto. Throughout the years TALISMAN was Jacob's major project and the band released several studio and live albums until 2007.

Jacob died on July 21, 2009. He was 45 years old. TALISMAN vocalist Jeff Scott Soto stated about Marcel's passing: "It is with deep regret and remorse I, along with fellow members of TALISMAN, am announcing our brother, longtime colleague and overall greatest musician we've ever played with, Marcel Jacob, is no longer with us as of today, Tuesday July 21, 2009. Marcel took his own life after many years of personal and health issues he was battling."