03/13/2013 16:48

Mystic-Force

Mystic-Force's ex-vocalist Bobby Hicks dead

Official press release from US prog metal band Mystic-Force, March 11, 2013:

"A very sad week in the Mystic-Force family with the sudden tragic loss of former vocalist - Bobby Hicks who past away in Virginia on Tuesday, March 5th. The reported cause of death was an internal infection due to liver failure. Bobby was diagnosed a few months prior and was told he had less then a year, however the progression of his illness took him much sooner then expected. Born on August 29th, 1960, he was at the age of 52 upon his passing. Much too young for anyone, the music world has lost another Vocal God!!!

Bobby Hicks was the original vocalist for the American (Baltimore, MD.) based progressive power metal group Mystic-Force and recorded his dynamic vocal skills on three studio albums with the group including 'Take Command' (1990), 'The Eternal Quest' (1993) and 'A Step Beyond' (1995), among several early demos, EP's, compilation albums and a bootleg Live album entitled 'Stagestruck...Live' (1991). Joining the group in 1986 Bobby Hicks proved to be that of a professional front man and together with the band toured North America with their high energy live show, entertaining audiences for years to follow. Together as a team with vocalist - Bobby Hicks, bassist - Keith Menser, guitarist - Rich Davis, and drummer - Chris Lembach, Mystic-Force soon began to establish itself within the International music scene. Building a strong worldwide fan base on the strength of their recorded music and live performances. Bobby Hicks and Mystic-Force parted ways in 1995 following the release of the group's third album 'A Step Beyond'. The band moved onto it's mark II: line-up with new vocalist - William Wren (ex- Oracle) and issued it's fourth studio album 'Man vs. Machine'.

Following his departure from Mystic-Force Bobby Hicks continued his musical journey with another Baltimore based band called Manifest and recorded material with this group, which was recently issued on CD in Europe. His final stand was working with a Virginia based band called Cryptameria, which also recorded a demo together with Bobby... this marking the final testimony of Mr. Hicks incredible vocal talents. Bobby Hicks earned the nickname "The Golden Throat" due to his powerful range and pure natural tone the man was gifted.

In recent years Mystic-Force has tried to regain working relations with Bobby Hicks with several attempts, however all lines of communication were broken upon him moving out of the state of Maryland and never reconnecting. He was located in Virginia with sent offerings, however no return reply other then silence. Mystic-Force was booked to perform at the Keep It True 2012 festival in Germany and a tour was booked to support the re-issued debut album 'Take Command'. An original line-up reunion was once again the plan at hand, however proved to be another failed attempt and Mystic-Force forged onto the very successful tour with a new line-up. Upon their concerts in Germany, Greece and the states the Force fans made it clear that Bobby Hicks was both deeply loved and his voice was long missed.

The groups founding member bassist - Keith Menser commented: "Upon learning of Bobby's death I fount myself in complete shock, then once the facts were confirmed a deep sense of dark depression hit me like a freight train. In the years working together Bob and myself became very close friends, together we both wrote most of the lyrics as a writing team. He was a very down to earth person, a creative writer and we understood each others lyrical mind set. In 1995 when his working relations ended with Mystic-Force I stayed in touch with Bobby, our friendship remained strong and we even talked of a future project band-album together. This all ended when his father passed away and Bobby decided to up root n move away leaving all of his past behind. Mystic-Force lost a great singer when we parted ways with Bobby, I personally lost a dear friend upon him moving away with no trails but always felt we would one day reconnect and once again create music together. Well sadly enough that dream has now vanished due to his passing and though Bobby had so much more talent to give without question he has left his mark in the hearts of many as a great vocalist. The people who knew him as a friend knew he was a good person with a huge heart. I'll forever hold onto all the great memories we experienced together. Bobby's in heaven now singing with all the other "Vocal Gods" who have fallen thru the years, he's hanging out with his true idols Ronnie James Dio, Carl Albert and Johnny Cash among them. May you rest in peace my friend... You've past on but never to be forgotten... I'll see you on the other side my Mystic-Brother".

The current Mark III: Mystic-Force line-up featuring vocalist - Rick Mythiasin (Steel Prophet / ex- Agent Steel / ex- Redemption) are working on a new studio album entitled 'Modern Day Fury', this album will be dedicated to the memory of former vocalist Bobby Hicks."

(source: Mystic-Force)