Swiss rocker Steve Lee (singer for Gotthard) dies in US highway accident

[Snowmaker]

I only knew of him from the last Ayreon album, but he had a great voice.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/bla...sitemID=147245

GOTTHARD's Record Label Releases Statement Regarding Singer's Passing - Oct. 6, 2010

GOTTHARD's record label, Nuclear Blast Records, has released the following statement regarding the passing of the band's singer, Steve Lee:

"The world has lost one of its greatest rock singers: GOTTHARD frontman Steve Lee was killed accidentally during a motorcycle trip in the USA on Interstate 15 between Mesquite and Las Vegas and died at the scene.

"The GOTTHARD singer had flown to the U.S. with some biker friends just this weekend to fulfil a long-cherished dream for which he'd never had the time due to his heavy touring schedule for many years. It was to be two weeks through the States on a Harley-Davidson.

"The 21 Swiss bikers started their journey on Sunday on a total of 12 motorcycles. On Tuesday, October 5, about 50 miles from Las Vegas, the group had stopped at the roadside to put on their rain gear as it had started to rain. On the slippery road, the trailer of a passing truck began to skid. The driver attempted evasive action but his trailer clipped five of the motorcycles parked at the roadside; one of them hit Steve Lee. Rescue services attempted resuscitation but efforts were stopped after 20 minutes. At 16:13 local time, Steve Lee was pronounced dead.

"Among the passengers were GOTTHARD bassist Marc Lynn and Lee's girlfriend Brigitte Voss Balzarini.

"All other fellow riders were unharmed.

"Steve Lee was 48 years old.

"With Steve Lee, we not only lose one of the world's best rock voices but also an extraordinary personality.

"Despite his enormous success, the Ticino singer had retained a very subtle eye for detail and often impressed the people around him with his sensitive observation. Due to his personality, he had a serious outlook, without losing his sense of humour and lust for life.

"Steve Lee met his environment with respect but always had, in his gentle way, a very simple, personal touch. He understood like no one else how to enjoy without going too far — to him, alcohol and parties were things he met with level-headedness.

"The singer sold several million albums throughout his career with GOTTHARD, several of them reaching platinum, double or triple platinum status. And yet all this bears no relation to the human greatness of Steve Lee on a daily basis."