Swiss Stars Stand Together for RAG’N’BONE MAN
Foto: Alberto Venzago
It is with great sadness that we have just learned of the sudden and tragic death of the mother of Rory Graham (RAG ‘N’ BONE MAN). Last November, as a team, we got to know Rory as a loving, sensitive, family man. The whole Art on Ice family is deeply saddened for his loss and our thoughts are with him, his family and everyone who was close to his mother. Of course, we understand that under these circumstances RAG ’N’ BONE MAN will not be travelling to perform at our show over the next 10 days. Rory himself and also RAG ’N’ BONE MAN’s management have expressly asked us to continue with the Art on Ice tour, as planned, including RAG ’N’ BONE MAN’s songs. We are extremely grateful for this empathetic gesture at a time when Rory has many other, much more important priorities.
In the last few hours, we have called upon three additional top artists who have all wanted to step-in and interpret RAG ’N’ BONE MAN’s peerless songs. Marc Sway and Marius Bear are two of Switzerland’s best and we’re also pleased to welcome award-winning U.S. recording artist, Judi Jackson.
“I’m desperately sorry for RAG ’N’ BONE MAN,”says Marc Sway, “In this situation I have absolutely no hesitation in cancelling all my appointments and will do my best to stand in for Rory. We’re inheriting an emotional legacy; he and his family will be very much in my thoughts when I’m on stage.”
Marius Bear’s thoughts are equally clear. “RAG ’N’ BONE MAN is a superb artiste. My thoughts are with him and his family. It is a great honour for me to sing these songs for him and for the Art on Ice audiences.”
Judi Jackson, who is currently living in London, is making a special journey to the shows: “For almost 30 years, Art on Ice has been at the pinnacle of entertainment in Switzerland. Also it’s a very sad reason; I just can’t wait to add my name to the list of legendary singers, skaters and stars to perform in this iconic production.”
It is the first time in the history of Art on Ice that a guest star has been unable to appear. We deeply regret this and in accordance with RAG ’N’ BONE MAN’s express wishes, the coming weekend’s shows in Zurich and next week’s shows in Fribourg and Davos will take place as scheduled. We would once again like to express our sincere thanks to all those involved on and off-stage for their sensitive handling of the situation, and for the extra effort they will have to make due to the reorganisation of the shows.
Warmest regards,
Reto Caviezel, Oliver Höner and the whole Art on Ice family