Marcel Jacob, long-time bassist for TALISMAN and LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM has died at the age of 45.

A staple to the Swedish hard rock/metal music scene, in 1978 Jacob had formed the band RISING FORCE with YNGWIE MALMSTEEN and later was involved in the pre-EUROPE band called FORCE. Jacob was also featured in HUMAN CLAY, JOHN NORUM's solo band, HUMANANIMAL and LION'S SHARE.

Talisman singer Jeff Scott Soto (Yngwie Malmsteen, JOURNEY, TAKARA) has issued the following statement:

"It is with deep regret and remorse I, along with fellow members of Talisman, am announcing our brother, long time colleague and overall greatest musician we've ever played with, Marcel Jacob, is no longer with us as of today (Tuesday July 21st). Marcel took his own life after many years of personal and health issues he was battling.

We were mere days from starting what would have been our eighth Talisman studio album together, celebrating the 20 year anniversary of the band. I spoke with him just yesterday about finalizing the details that would get us started only to get the news this afternoon that my friend merely gave up on it all.

I want him to be remembered as everything I have already mentioned above but more so, he helped influence so many musicians & songwriters. He was a quiet, gentle soul with a very intense passion for his craft. I have been associated with him since 1994 but it was when we started Talisman is when he truly became a brother, one of my dearest friends.

It is far too early to say anything now but I plan to organize a memorial for his legacy, although not known by the masses, the ones who do see him as the genius I know he was.

RIP my friend, you will be sorely missed, you will be in my heart forever and I'll see you on the other side. I hope now you will get your dream and jam with Phil Lynott!!"