MEGADETH Guitarist KIKO LOUREIRO Pays Tribute To ANDRÉ MATOS: 'Destiny United Us For Nine Years'

Former ANGRA and current MEGADETH guitarist Kiko Loureiro has paid tribute to Brazilian singer André Matos, who died earlier today at the age of 47.

Matos formed ANGRA in 1991 and appeared on the band's first three albums, before leaving to launch SHAMAN. André then went on to pursue a solo career while continuing to stay involved with a number of outside projects.

Loureiro wrote on his Facebook page: "What a sad morning. A phone call and the news that André Matos passed away.

"Life is too fragile. I cried. Since I was 14 years old back in the Rio Branco school, André was already a benchmark. We all wanted to be like him. The unparalleled voice, the talent for the piano. Luckily, the destiny united us for nine years.

"In the years we spent together, we have created and lived incredible things which are kept in the most special place in my memory. The crazy dream of having a world-famous heavy metal band that we talked about while sitting on the bus going to rehearsals. The songs he wrote are timeless (play 'Carry On'!),the albums… from our first precarious shows to the big tours in Europe. Everything is coming back to my mind now. From his peerless high notes to the glance over the round glasses.
"André, you were and will always be so important to us all.

"This week he said he wanted to play together again after 20 years. Too sad.

"Your voice, your songs and your piano will be eternal for all of us fans.

"Thank you, André. RIP"

Kiko joined ANGRA in 1993, only two years after the act was founded, and was the band's longest-serving member after guitarist Rafael Bittencourt. He appeared on each of the group's first eight studio efforts, including 2014's "Secret Garden".