Former Angra singer is 'thankful' he didn't land Iron Maiden gig
Greece's Rockpages.gr recently conducted an interview with Brazilian singer Andr� Matos (ex-Angra, Shaaman). During the chat, Matos was asked what he thinks life would have been like had he been selected to replace Bruce Dickinson in Iron Maiden back in 1994. "Yes? I have already asked myself this question," he replied. "And I thank God I wasn't the 'chosen one', 'cause I wouldn't be here today. I don't know where I would be. Somewhere else or even nowhere on Earth. It's very important for me, honestly speaking, that it didn't happen. I was not psychologically prepared for such a thing? I wouldn't have the time to 'build' myself. I'm thankful that, due to this, I can walk today as a human being and as a musician."Read the entire interview at Rockpages.gr.
Matos recently inked a deal with Spv for the European release of his solo debut, "Time to be Free". The CD - which came out in Japan on August 22, 2007 via Avalon/Marquee Inc. - was produced by Roy Z (Bruce Dickinson, Halford, Judas Priest) and Sascha Paeth (Kamelot, Edguy, Rhapsody, Freedom Call) between November 2006 and February 2007 at Ultra Sonica and Brainless Brothers Studios in Sao Paulo, Brazil and at Gate Studio in Wolfsburg, Germany.
Shaaman (formerly Shaman) - the Brazilian band featuring former Angra members Matos, Luis Mariutti (bass) and Ricardo Confessori (drums) - officially called it quits in October 2006. The break-up, which was long rumored, was attributed to personal and musical differences. The group has since reformed under the Shaman moniker, featuring drummer Ricardo Confessori alongside guitarist Leo Mancini, vocalist Thiago Bianchi and bassist Fernando Quesada.