Nach übereinstimmenden Medienberichten ist HEAVY LOAD Sänger und Gitarrist RAGNE WAHLQUIST im Alter von 69 Jahren, mitten in den Aufnahmen zum nächsten Album verstorben. Er hatte mit seinem Bruder Styrbjörn HEAVY LOAD im Jahr 1976 gegründet. Zwei Jahre später wurde ihr erstes Album “ Full Speed at High Level“ und danach die Klassiker der Metalgeschichte: „Metal Conquest“ (1981),“Death Or Glory“ (1982) und „Stronger Than Evil“ (1983) veröffentlicht.
Die Ur-Viking bzw. ersten Metaller Schwedens, hatten nach 40 Jahren Albumpause 2023 ihre “Riders of the Ancient Storm” Platte vorgelegt.
Sein Bruder hat inzwischen folgendes Statement herausgegeben:
„My beloved big brother, the musical genius, my life companion, mentor and inspiration has passed away – suddenly and unexpectedly leaving me in a state of shock and deepest grief. My heart is in shatters.
We shared the same artistic passion, vision and fervor, always creating our music together. We inspired each other and developed our music, sound and artwork together; although, he often acted as my mentor. These last years we have been extremely inspired. And, even more so this last year during which we have worked passionately and intensely with our forthcoming album. It is quite far developed. Three songs are completed and mixed and many more are almost done. All are recorded in our own studio which was built by Ragne and me during two years.
When Ragne passed away he was waiting for me to come to the studio to resume our recordings and mixing after our short break during New Years Eve. Just about thirty minutes after having spoken with Ragne on the phone about what we should do in the studio during the day, I received a phone call from a family member who had just found him lying unconscious in the garden and informed me that they had called for an ambulance.
We, the others in Heavy Load, are determined to finish the album and let Ragne’s, and our music, reach out to the world. I know, in the depth of my heart, that this is what he wants us to do. In addition, we intend to go on with new albums and new concerts in the same spirit as Ragne.
Ragne I love you and I feel that you will always stand by me, and be with me.
When I compose and play I do it with your heart. When I sing, I sing with your heart.
All my love to all of you, our dear friends around the world.“
Styrbjörn Wahlquist
Wir schließen uns an: Thank you for the Music and rest in peace.