Simon Oberender Dead: Beyond the Bridge Guitarist/Keyboardist Passes Away

German prog band Beyond the Bridge has confirmed the death of keyboardist/guitarist Simon Oberender. He was quite prolific in the prog metal scene, playing with Trillium, Avantasia and Edguy, as well as contributing vocals on albums by Epica, Rhapsody of Fire and Kamelot, through the years.

Metal Underground reports that the cause of death is not known at press time.

Orebender just performed with Beyond the Bridge at the ProgPower festival in Atlanta two weeks ago. It marked the band's first-ever show in the U.S. The band released their debut album, The Old Man and the Spirit, in 2012 via Frontiers Records.

The band did post an image of the late musician on its Facebook page, but further comment has not been shared. Fans have taken to commenting to express and share their grief.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Oberender and his family, as well as the band, for this tragic loss.

Watch Beyond the Bridge Recording Their Latest Album