Marcel Jacob, bassist and founding member of long-running melodic hard rock band Talisman, has died, taking his own life at the age of 45.

Talisman frontman Jeff Scott Soto has issued the following statement:

Marcel Jacob
January 30, 1964 – July 21, 2009

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, Tue July 21, 2009. 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 8th Talisman studio album together, celebrating the 20 year anniversary of the band. I spoke with him just yesterday about finalising 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 and 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.

R.I.P. 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!!

Jeff Scott Soto

Jacob was an early member of the band Rising Force together with Yngwie Malmsteen. In 1987 he played on the album Total Control, the first solo album released by Europe guitarist John Norum. Jacob also co-wrote several of the songs included on that album. In 1989 he formed the band Talisman together with vocalist Jeff Scott Soto. The Stockholm-born musician also appeared on the Yngwie Malmsteen albums Marching Out (1985) and Inspiration (1996).