Arena Statement

[Clive]

Arena Statement...
We are sad to announce that singer Rob Sowden has decided to part ways with the band. The explanation given so many times at moments like this is 'musical differences', usually as a veil for somewhat darker reasons; but actually, in this case, it is precisely the reason.
We wish Rob good luck with all his future endeavours.

In the meantime Arena WILL be performing their shows in November where they will be presenting their new vocalist, as well as material from their next album.

[Peter]

Oh dear, that's pretty tough news for all ARENA fans, Clive :/

Rob, if you read this, I wish you all the best, you were the perfect ARENA voice and frontman

[mdread666]

Ohh, and we were just getting used to a settled line up !

Well all the best Rob, in whatever you do.

Soooo, let the guessing game begin !

I see there being 3 options -

1 - John taking over vocal duties

2 - Welcoming Paul back into the band

3 - but personally I can't see it being anybody else other than Alan Reed (go on Clive, tell me I'm not wrong !)

[erik]

That's sad and unexpected news indeed. Rob, you'll be missed! I remember well your great first gig with Arena here in Holland (Speakers, Delft) and your first take on Arena songs on The Visitor Revisited, really impressive. Your vocal contribution on Contagion is one of the key ingredients that make it such a marvellous album. Well we can only respect the decision and wish you all the best!!

Good to see that Arena is taking it in stride as has been the case on previous occasions. Now really curious of course who the new guy is. Not so long a wait anymore before we can see and hear him live in action, that means some heavy rehearsing and learning lyrics!!

[Nicky007]

3 - but personally I can't see it being anybody else other than Alan Reid (go on Clive, tell me I'm not wrong !)

You probably mean Alan Reed. He was the singer of Pallas. The other is a Scottish politician.

Yeah, if it's really true that Rob Sowden is out of Arena, then Alan Reed would be an excellent choice 

But I do agree with Erik and Cap:

That's sad and unexpected news indeed. Rob, you'll be missed!

Rob, if you read this, I wish you all the best, you were the perfect ARENA voice and frontman

Rob has a very special voice and expression which contributed to making Contagion a masterpiece 

But I'm aware that in later years he wasnt fulfilled in Arena 

Rob, good luck with your projects, and keep us informed 

And Arena, good luck with finding a new singer, and hopefully we'll soon get to hear The Tinder Box 

Nicky.

[mdread666]

You probably mean Alan Reed

sure do !

[Nicky007]

Guys, check up the comments at ProgArchives:  http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=71793&FID=19

Fish as singer of Arena 

Then we could pay a visit to Clive and Fish at the hospital 

Nicky.

[Clive]

I should just repeat that we HAVE found a new singer... he's rehearsing with me in about an hour, so I'm sure it's not a dream..

[Peter]

I should just repeat that we HAVE found a new singer... he's rehearsing with me in about an hour, so I'm sure it's not a dream..

Wow, that's great. I suppose you won't let his name drop before a certain date or so?

Someone please send over their spies, to see who's entering and/or leaving Thin Ice studios

[Nicky007]

Someone please send over their spies, to see who's entering and/or leaving Thin Ice studios

But not the tall ones 

ARena 

Nicky.

[Teunis]

Just read the news. Sad about Rob leaving Arena, really loved his voice and performance as frontman! Wishing both Rob and Arena all the best for the future. Very curious who will be doing the lead vocals in Zoetermeer  .

[JJ II]

I'm very sorry to hear this. At this moment, I can't imagine Chosen, Butterfly Man or anything from Contagion without Rob singing it.

But, years have passed and possibly perceptions, dreams and tastes have evolved in different directions.

I can only thank Rob for giving his voice to some of the most treasured albums in my collection.

And I can only hope that Clive and Mick have found a darn good singer, with a great voice and performance to fill Rob's quite big shoes. It gives an opportunity to progress as well... 

Although for entirely different reason now, I'm still looking forward to the gig in November.

[Draco chimera]

We wish you all the best, Rob - we'll miss you ! Thank you for all the great vocals you provided. 
I'm loking forward to see Arena's new singer. 

[maddox]

This was unexpected.

I'm sure it wasn't a hasty decision from Rob's part, but he sure did a great job on the albums he sang upon.
I wish him all the best and hope to hear from him in the future.

And while we're at it, could it be that the new vocalist is Brain Cummings (Carpet Crawlers, Script Revisited).

Would make sense to me.

Sorry if I jump the gun to quickly but I'm curious.

Bet I'm not the only one.

[Nicky007]

Bet I'm not the only one.

Who cares about the singer, Mad ?  As long as the're some good keyboards and a guitar solo here and there !



You know, I jumped the gun too. And as noone has denied it, I'm pretty sure I got it right 

Doesnt require an Einstein btw, just putting two and twogether 

Nicky.

[PH]

Sad.
Rob was excellent...

I believe Mike Portnoy will be the new singer for Arena.

[Nicky007]

Why don't you give it a run, Paxi ?  I'm sure that Arena would sound good with a soprano 

Nicky.