Simone Returns to Epica

05/12/2008
. The following story was part of the Day in Rock Report for 5/12/08 - (antiMusic) Simone Simons has rejoined her bandmates in Epica and the group has announced their first shows since her return. Simone had to take a leave of absence from the group in March after being diagnosed with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), also known as the hospital bacteria. Amanda Somerville was brought in to substitute for Simone.

Now it appears that Simone has recovered as the band posted the following update on their website: "Good news: Simonewill perform with EPICA again! First show will be this upcoming Thursday in Bibelot - Dordrecht (only 30 tickets left).

"The show in Tivoli - Utrecht (cap. 1000) on the next day is a very special one. As 'The Phantom Agony' has been released five years ago, this gig will contain all 'The Phantom Agony' songs. 800 tickets have been sold for this one already. See you all next weekend!!!"

The band also announced a special collaboration last month: Epica have finished writing the scores for the choir and orchestra of the classical show, and sent it to Miskolc. The extended Remenyi Ede Chamber Orchestra and the Choir of Miskolc National Theatre have started rehearsing for the show. The main media supporter of the show, Borsod Online will release the first photos and videos of the rehearsals. Please visit their website: www.boon.hu to see the photos and video of the choir rehearsal.