Romanian rock band Phoenix is preparing a tour in memory of their founder and leader Nicu Covaci, which is slated to start in November. Also, a rock opera titled “Nemuritorul/The Ever Living” is in the making, guitarist Cristi Gram told AGERPRES on the occasion of the concert the band gave alongside drummer Ovidiu Lipan “Tandarica” at Romula Fest, the ancient history reenactment festival held on Saturday in Dobrosloveni – Olt County.

“Nicu [Covaci] wanted us to continue and that’s what we’ll do, carrying on his wish. We’ll move on and go sing everywhere people call us,” said violinist Lavinia Sateanu, answering a question about the future projects of the formation.

Guitarist Cristi Gram elaborated, stating that the band is preparing songs that have never been played live so far, and the tour could start in November.

“We want to perform ”Orasul scufundat/The Sunken City’, ‘Fluier in cer/Flute in the Sky’, ‘Singur/All Alone’, ‘Haituit/Hounded’, these are songs that were representative for Nicu, all of them,” said Cristi Gram.

He went on to say that “Nemuritorul”, a rock opera dedicated to Nicu Covaci, is also in the works in the band’s current format, and that “it will be a complete concept, an all-out show. With the lineup that Nicu left as a legacy, Lavinia Sateanu – violin, Costin Adam – vocals, Vlady Sateanu – bass and vocals, Flavius Hosu – drums and vocals in the future, and myself – guitar and vocals,” added Cristi Gram.

The guitarist emphasized that the band will continue in the lineup left by Nicu Covaci, because it is tight-knit like family.

“We are a formation, we no longer just collaborate, we are a family, Nicu Covaci left us like this and this is how we want to stay,” Cristi Gram also declared.

Speaking about the relationship with former Phoenix members, violinist Lavinia Sateanu said that Ovidiu Lipan “Tandarica” performs with the band, and songster Mircea Baniciu is also open to collaboration.

Vocalist Costin Adam pointed out that as long as there is availability, Phoenix is ready to collaborate with former members of the band.

“Phoenix is a legacy we are all part of. To the extent that there is availability, we will collaborate in the future, why not? But the Phoenix lineup remains the one left by Nicolae Covaci,” Costin Adam said.

Speaking about the band’s style, bassist Vlady Sateanu said that they try to preserve the already established melodic lines and aesthetics, yet with a present-day twist.