Weeks after a triumphant, one-off reunion concert with Candlemass, iconic former frontman Messiah Marcolin has made a passionate public appeal to promoters, urging them to book more shows and declaring, “Now is the time to book the big festivals of 2026.” His plea directly contradicts the band’s previous stance that their performance at Rock Hard Festival Greece in September was a one-time-only event.
Speaking with Sakis Fragos of Rock Hard Greece, Marcolin was still buzzing from the “fantastic show” on September 13, which was his first with the doom metal pioneers in nearly 20 years. He has now made it clear he wants the reunion to continue.
“I never said this is the only one show we’re gonna do — Leif [Edling, Candlemass bassist] said that,” Marcolin stated (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “But I would tell all the promoters of the world, get in contact with Candlemass‘ manager… and try to book Candlemass featuring Messiah Marcolin, because I just think it’s such a shame for all the Candlemass fans in the world not to be able to see [us play]… I don’t see a reason for it not to happen again.”
He explained that the chemistry on stage was immediate and powerful. “It felt like it was yesterday [that we had last played together],” he said. “When we start playing, it’s just, like — I don’t know — it’s magic. Some bands, they have that when they play together; there’s something special that comes with it. And Candlemass always had that… It just works.” He humorously compared the experience to a family reunion: “With me and Candlemass, it’s like the family Addams. If Uncle Fester goes away for 20 years and then he comes back and he’s all weird — that’s what it was like.”
Marcolin revealed the immense personal effort he put into the one-off gig, practicing “almost every day for five months” to get his voice in shape. “There’s no luck. It’s hard work,” he said, explaining that the preparation was worth it because “the fans got a great show.”
While Marcolin says he has not discussed more shows with the band directly, he is hoping that good offers might change their minds. “Maybe they’ll change their mind if we get some really good offers from around the world… I would think now is the time to book the big festivals of 2026, next summer. I think they should give it a try, even if it’s just one or two. Who knows?” With his public plea, the ball is now in the court of festival promoters and the band’s main songwriter, Leif Edling, to decide if the magic of that one night in Athens will be repeated.
Candlemass with Messiah Marcolin Setlist – Rock Hard Festival Greece:
- “The Well Of Souls”
- “Dark Are The Veils Of Death”
- “Mirror Mirror”
- “Darkness In Paradise”
- “Bewitched”
- “Samarithan”
- “Black Dwarf”
- “Crystal Ball”
- “A Sorcerer’s Pledge”
Encore:
- “At The Gallows End”
- “Solitude”
