22/08/2025
It's been four years since the unexpected and devastating news of Eric Wagner's passing. Eric contracted COVID while on tour with The Skull and The Obsessed, and was eventually hospitalized with pneumonia.
In February 2021 I was introduced to Eric via Tom Philips, who at the time was acting as Cruz Del Sur Music A&R. Eric was looking for a label to release his solo album “In The Lonely Light of Mourning”, so this was exciting news as someone who grew up listening to Trouble. I was in disbelieve that I had a chance to work with Eric! Most of the conversations between us were carried out through Mike Smith, a truly wonderful and passionate human being. If I have to rescue a positive side of this tragic event, it's that I came across Mike (and Ron Holzner!), such a cool and down to earth guy.
The recording of “In the Lonely Light of Mourning” was finished before The Skull went on tour, it just had to be mastered. The initial plan was to release the album in Autumn, after the tour was over.
But once mastering was complete, Mike and I talked and agreed to not release it immediately, feeling that it would have been a disrespectful and greedy move. We also wanted to give the album the best treatment possible, so we contacted Katrina Von Rose, a very talented Maltese photographer who had shot a wonderful photo session with Eric. Katrina provided the beautiful picture you see on the front cover.
“In The Lonely Light of Mourning” was finally released in March 2022. I am very proud it was out on Cruz Del Sur Music, it’s one of the highlights of the label. Because it’s a real album. Not the typical useless solo album ‘by the singer of… ’. It’s made of great music. Even if that wasn’t the initial idea, it is a testament of Eric’s music and the magic he has always been able to offer with his voice. And the title track is one of the most beautiful songs ever released on this label, so sad and prophetic.
Rest in peace Eric.
ERIC WAGNER "In The Lonely Light of Mourning" RELEASE DATE: March 18, 2022CD: https://tinyurl.com/yybxfk47LP : https://tinyurl.com/2k7vf9z6 or via BANDCAMP:...
