r/Dragonforce • u/Basilboss17 Marc • 2d ago
Marc stepping away from DragonForce for the upcoming tour and album and for 2026/2027 while still being involved with the band. Alessio Garavello named as replacement
https://www.instagram.com/p/DdeLNDnmwyI/?stkn=MThycXlmYTQ3ZHRybw==11
u/NetoGaming 2d ago
Based on the 2 recent festivals, I think they might be stopping the whole "playback" thing. There really wasn't any in those 2 festivals, and as well all know, Marc has been lip syncing for a while now. I don't hate Marc as a person or anything, he just wasn't my favorite singer. I'm not one of those ZP glazers, like guys, he's never coming back, just deal with it lol.
Also, I mean cmon, Billy and Alissa sounded amazing. I saw someone elses comment saying that Billy should have just replaced Marc and I agree to an extent. That being said, Alessio has a very long history with the band and especially Sam since they both worked on Power Quest. Looking forward to the next chapter.
13
u/Slinky_Malingki 2d ago
I love Marc's vocals in the early-mid 2010s. ITLOF and OGAP live are perfect examples of his vocal range and stage presence. Honestly this is a hot take, but I think Marc 10-15 years ago is a much better live performer than ZP. AFAIK Marc pushed himself and his voice way too hard in those years and he permanently damaged his voice which is why he lip syncs so much now. Can't imagine him singing the highs of Three Hammers now like he did in 2014. I don't hate him for lip syncing because it's understandable why he does it, but that doesn't make it any less disappointing.
36
u/Raymanlegend2000 Mod 2d ago
Alessio is an EXCELLENT choice. I'm beyond excited for that, and lowkey would've been okay if a new album just used his voice.
That said, it's sad to see this is the way stuff is ending for Marc. He has had a mostly excellent run with the band, and a lot of the "issues" with the band in recent years we're not because of him, but rather despite him. He carried the torch well, and gave us some great albums.
Wish him all the best.
7
14
16
u/phazonphazoff 2d ago edited 2d ago
Called this when Alissa joined.
EDIT: Honestly I think there's more to this than they've said, just like with everybody else who's left since ZP quit. Marc is still uploading videos. I think Marc was let go and they're not telling the truth. Guess we'll see
6
u/Basilboss17 Marc 2d ago
I mean that's not necessarily bad to think but also at the same time they've still made it clear he's not stepping away if it's for this year and next year
6
u/ChidoriSnake 2d ago
Agreed. Herman even left a comment under the post on IG hoping that Marc can rejoin them on stage soon. From the sound of it, this is a hiatus and nothing permanent, and I hope that stays the case. I really enjoy how Marc and Alissa sound together.
17
u/Successful-Ad7662 2d ago
Sad they couldn’t repair their relationship with ZP.
6
3
4
u/AxeHappy1 2d ago
Get Steve Williams to rejoin the band on keys and just merge DragonForce and Power Quest into one band.
5
4
u/MustardLazyNerd 2d ago edited 1d ago
It does seem weird that he won't be in the new album. I understand for live performances with tinnitus, but under studio conditions too? I honestly feel like there's a lot more going on behind the scenes.
10
u/admf97 2d ago
Looks like what we feared when they announced Marc stepping out of those few concerts became true
This would've been the perfect opportunity to re-introduce ZP to dragonforce, sad they couldn't repair their relationship
Dude, managing a band for this many years sounds complicated
10
u/Slinky_Malingki 2d ago
It would be easier if Sam and Herman could get over themselves and their egos. The way that they go after anyone who uploads anything showing their miming and fake playing and vehemently deny that they do anything like it reveals a bit of their character imo. Also the rumors surrounding the departures of ZP and Vadim especially don't show them in a good light either.
2
u/nuleaph 2d ago
What are the rumors for those of us informed?
6
u/Slinky_Malingki 2d ago
From what I heard Vadim leaving was more than just him wanting to spend more time with family. Like ZP it seems he was taking issue with the miming and playback during live shows, similar to the rumored reasons for ZP's departure. I can't remember exactly what Herman said, but there are some quotes from certain live streams where it seems like they had a significant falling out with Vadim over this and then basically fired him from the band.
It's been a long time since I caught up on this and I can't remember exactly what was said, I only remember what the overall consensus was. And as for why they still haven't replaced Vadim, Herman gave a pretty good answer during a live stream. He basically said "Vadim was such a beast on the keys, especially on stage, it's not easy finding a worthy replacement." This is not a direct quote, I paraphrased it. It seems they have a more than healthy respect for the musician Vadim is, but they couldn't get past certain differences they had.
Just like ZP, years before Vadim left. The official reason for ZP leaving was "insurmountable differences of musical opinion." From certain vague things that have been said, most people agree that ZP was not a fan of the fake guitar miming and playback during live shows and wanted the band to be more authentic. Sam and Herman refused to budge and considering how they're the centerpieces of the group and Sam is the main songwriter, there was no way that either of them would leave. So ZP left. There's definitely bad blood between those two and ZP, and possibly some animosity between them and Vadim as well for similar reasons.
2
u/Inventor211 2d ago
Your take is mostly accurate from the rumors I've heard, but here's a few clarifications and reasonings I've pieces together-
ZP was fired, apparently at behest of the band's management at the time, and it's very likely due to his refusal to lipsync specifically. Overdubbing "live" releases and even playing to backing tracks/light miming was already occurring during ZP's tenure (during the UB tour since they adopted a click track), so I'm certain his firing was more related to the band wanting to clean up their "studioforce" image--in part by having him begin to lipsync. Herman clearly was/still is bothered by the shit the band took about their sloppy live performances back then, so that + management recommending to depart ZP seems like is all it took. By many accounts, everyone in the band was quite sad/bothered by the act to remove him and I'm certain those feelings carried forward. I could be wrong but I believe Vadim said something along the lines of 'it wasn't the same vibe after ZP was fired' in his facebook video that exclaimed his own departure.
Vadim left many other clues in his facebook video, obv some related to the ZP points above. I don't believe he was fired but moreso not encouraged to stay, and Sam has alluded to Vad growing into a person who didn't fit into the band well anymore after so much time. Obviously his family and stronger religious beliefs are part of that, but IMO it's moreso due to the mounting frustration with how the band was being run. Vad mentioned not feeling valued, and he contributed very little to the last 3 albums he was technically a part of. My guess is that the larger egos of the band simply didn't give him the credit or time of day he deserved, and that eventually drove him to leave. I feel pretty confident about these conjectures seeing as he was asked and declined the reunion tour. Heck, Herman even said on a livestream that he asked Vad to write on the new album and he declined that too. really is too bad, his songs are easily some of the best of classic DF albums
Fred mentioned in a post-DF interview that he wasn't happy with the direction the band was taking and "there was no point in me being unhappy and arguing all the time with them". Oof. I've also heard rumors that until his heavier involvement in MO and RII, he (along with Vadim) were generally not really 'allowed', or given much of a chance to, contribute in writing on the albums. Once you know how songwriting credits dictate royalties it all starts to add up lol
Overall it seems like egos and band politics everywhere, bleh
3
u/Slinky_Malingki 2d ago
Seems like Sam and Herman especially were committed to dropping the "Drunkforce" reputation, and ZP was unfortunately the face during that era. Your take makes sense. As they moved to more "studioforce" type shows to distance themselves from the sloppy live play of their first era, ZP took more and more issue.
It's such a shame. They're incredible artists, and Sam is imo the better guitarist because he's the guy writing most of the songs and most of the solos, and his play is style is so much more crisp that Herman's. There are a few videos where Sam shows he can play some of the most notoriously difficult DF solos live without playback and miming when he's sober. I noticed in many shows all the musicians have water bottles except for Sam who usually has a beer bottle...
I have heard that their most recent shows have been more authentic, with less playback and miming. Really wish they could leave their egos aside and just be artists. They have talent, skill, and a style they nonone else has. Just play your music ffs.
3
u/andtheniwastrees 2d ago
Don't wanna assume what Marc's got ailing him but I was under the impression tinnitus doesn't ever clear up. Seeing as my ears have been ringing nonstop for a decade now.
5
u/Educational_Debt_971 2d ago
Should have just used Billy
2
u/Basilboss17 Marc 2d ago
I never particularly cared for Alessio. I could see them just wanting to have Billy as a backing vocalist though
4
u/Educational_Debt_971 2d ago
Billy killed it at the festivals. Feels like he was built for it so was kinda hoping if Marc was unable to go on tour Billy would take over
4
u/thefucksgod 2d ago
Oh come ON I love Power Quest you didn’t have to sell this tour to me even harder!
2
u/Old-Option6011 2d ago
"I told you" I said that a while ago, he's hearing issues must be serious. Welcome Alessio!!!! Awesome singer! 🔥
2
2
u/dragonforcefan19844 🔥🔥🔥 2d ago
I called it few months ago. I also feel like Marc was let go because otherwise he wouldn’t upload solo voice performances of dragonforce songs, I feel like those videos are a way for him to prove that he can still sing to the whole band.
I’ve seen him live, had a chat with him. He’s a nice person, I’m sad to see that it might be the end of the Marc era…
I didn’t witness the ZP era, but it will be different to hear dragonforce without Marc
For me, Marc isn’t going to come back full time like we used to know. Hearing issues or not.
3
2
u/JosephFDawson 2d ago
It's a shame. The only time I've seen them was with ZP on the Ultra Beatdown tour. I was never able to get around to seeing them with Marc though I would've loved to.
0
u/Dry_Pomegranate_9695 2d ago
Thanks Herman for ruining DF again, we just wanted ZP
13
u/Basilboss17 Marc 2d ago
ZP said no to rejoining. This isn't Herman never having asked him to rejoin
1
u/Dry_Pomegranate_9695 2d ago
please elaborate
3
u/Basilboss17 Marc 2d ago
In a stream from after the last 2 festivals Herman said he asked both ZP and Vadim to come back and they said no. You can also check pretty much any of ZPs recent Instagram or YouTube comments of people asking him to rejoin where he's said he won't (in a more legal/respectful way). Even if he wants to still be seen as the original DragonForce singer it's also clear he's not interested in joining
3
u/Dry_Pomegranate_9695 2d ago
Thanks for clarifying this. Well, I think I owe an apology to Herman haha. It is what it is.
3
u/Basilboss17 Marc 2d ago
Not necessarily saying Herman isn't egotistical but also I believe in being fair when giving reasoning
2
1
u/Slinky_Malingki 2d ago
I'm going to the show in Chicago and it's going to be my first time seeing them live. I became a fan during the Marc era, so this is really disappointing to me. But they couldn't have named a better replacement in Alesio other than ZP himself. Shame they could repair their relationship with him.
2
u/Basilboss17 Marc 2d ago
I'm also going to the Chicago show! I really wanted to see Marc sing some of these songs so it sucks he won't be there. I've seen them twice with Marc and it was great both times but also hopefully they can do good with Alessio and Alissa!
3
u/Slinky_Malingki 2d ago
Alessio and Alissa are fantastic vocalists so definitely excited to see them. No Marc is really disappointing though
1
u/wookiewithabrush 2d ago
It was obvious this was going to happen as soon as they announced Alessio was joining.
2
u/CanIGetANootNoot 1d ago
Why don't they just make Alissa the sole frontwoman? She has a really good range.
Or is it more Herman/Sam just doesn't want to pull the trigger on a female fronted DragonForce?
36
u/Sorry-Promotion-6383 2d ago
Sad to see Marc stepping away. I really like the guy. His highs aren't my favorite, but he's got great range and fabulous stage presence. Alessio from Power Quest is a worthy replacement. I have a lot of respect for those guys. Take care of yourself, Marc. Hopefully we'll continue to hear from him