Il Divo is a quartet again Swiss tenor Urs Bühler: "I was convinced this was the end"
Il Divo is once again touring the world as a quartet. Following the death of Carlos Marin two years ago, the band - which also includes a Swiss member, Urs Bühler - has now announced who will replace the Spanish singer.
No time? blue News summarizes for you
- Il Divo is a globally successful crossover quartet. David Miller, Sebastien Izambard, Carlos Marin and the Swiss Urs Bühler toured the world together for 17 years.
- In December 2021, Marín died unexpectedly at the age of 53.
- The band has now announced that replacement singer Steven LeBrie will be a full member of Il Divo in future.
Il Divo is the name of the powerful-voiced classical crossover group that has enjoyed worldwide success. David Miller, Sebastien Izambard, Carlos Marin and Urs Bühler have been making music together for almost two decades.
It is less well known that one of the four singers is Swiss: tenor Bühler grew up in Willisau LU and has long been one of the most successful singers in this country.
Il Divo was torn apart at the end of December 2021: Carlos Marin died at the age of 53. The Spanish singer had previously been battling coronavirus.
Months later, Il Divo went on a world tour again - with Steven LaBrie as a special guest. Now the band decided this week: from now on, the 35-year-old baritone is a fully-fledged member of Il Divo.
Urs Bühler: "Bye. Over. Off"
"When I heard about Carlos' death, I was convinced that this would also be the end of Il Divo. Bye. Over. Over," Urs Bühler told blue News a year ago.
"But then we received an incredible amount of support - from our fans, from the management, from the record company. They all motivated us to carry on."
According to Bühler, music also helped him during his time of mourning. The 52-year-old was able to let his feelings out every evening. "It's also good for us that we have a special guest on the current tour, Steven LaBrie, who is taking over Carlos' parts."
He continues: "David, Sebastien and I are slowly finding each other again, also emotionally, and we are talking more about the future of Il Divo. I think the decision as to whether and how we will continue will be made soon."
Urs Bühler: "Everything just fell into place"
Another year later, the decision has now been made. "Everything just fell into place. I consider myself and ourselves incredibly lucky that we found him to join us," Bühler told "People".
Sébastien Izambard adds: "We love Steven like a brother. He doesn't have gray hair yet like the other three of us, but that will come."
LaBrie was 15 years old when he heard Il Divo's music for the first time and found it "beautiful". "I'm really happy," he tells People.
The plan is for Il Divo to go on tour from October. Shortly afterwards, there will be something big to celebrate: in 2024, it will be 20 years since Il Divo performed in concert halls around the world.