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Emerson Drive Find Inspiration Through Tragedy

Emerson Drive are opening up about the impact the suicide if their former bassist, Patrick Borque, still has on the group almost two years later. The Canadian country singers say their friend's death served as inspiration for song selection on their new CD.

"The title of the album is 'Believe' -- I think that sums up a lot of what we've gone through in the last couple years," lead singer Brad Mates tells Canoe. "To be able to go through something tragic like that, and be able to talk about it on stage to people who may have gone through a similar situation, gives people a bit of hope, because we fought through it."

Patrick's role has not been easy to fill. Even though Emerson Drive does have another bassist traveling with them, no one has ever been named as Patrick's official replacement, and Brad doubts anyone ever will. "Patrick is obviously in our hearts all the time," he says. "When you're onstage, you have your nights where you turn back and almost see him there. But he's definitely given us a story to talk about onstage and off, and I think that's a gift."

While they are still reeling from the shock of his death, which happened shortly after his resignation from the band, the band is moving forward. They believe they have a responsibility to bring hope to their fans, in spite of their personal pain. "Looking at what people are going through these days here in North America, I think that absolutely you've gotta take a look at what you're putting on your albums, and the messages that you're relaying to people," says Brad. "Because the last thing that people want to be listening to on the radio or buying on an album is something that makes them depressed."

Emerson Drive's new album, 'Believe,' has already been released in Canada. It will be released in the U.S. later this year.

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qtpi0114

I agree with "freemanscorona" 100% I love these guys!! ;-)

qtpi

May 26 2009 at 7:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
leather cheerio

who? what? does anyone know or care about this?

May 24 2009 at 2:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
NitrousO2

As a bass player, I know why a fellow bass player in a country band would commit suicide: sheer boredom. When the part you're playing in one song is basically the same as the parts you're playing in every other song - as is unarguably true in country music - I can see wanting to end it all. This is why you never see any of the top bass players playing with country acts.

May 24 2009 at 1:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Etta Clare

I believe these guys have their hearts in the right place! They loved their friend dearly and by sharing their joy and sorrow with me I now experience another of life's picture. I've learned that by letting go I am able to life now. I hope the sharing of their story will lead the way to offering another person a chance in life to create an their expression with music in Emerson Drive!

May 24 2009 at 12:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
freemanscorona

Emerson Drive is awesome, full of class and heart, and a great bunch of guys! I remember when Patrick took his life, and it affected us fans in a profound way as well. The band handled themselves with dignity and class, and to this day have shown immense care and sensitivity towards Patrick's legacy. The fans miss Patrick so much, a talented bassist with a great big smile, so we appreciate that the band continues to honor him with kind words and praise. Love you Emerson Drive!!

May 24 2009 at 12:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rob

the band was a family and family trajedy is always something that reminds us of how short life is and how hate and greed can take the good things away from us that we hold so precious....

May 24 2009 at 12:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Angela

I think this is just sad.And I agree that no one could ever replace someone you love.I lost my grandmother last year and there are people around me who are like grandmothers.Maybe that's not really helpful but...

May 24 2009 at 11:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mtav27

This band could teach the Rolling Stones some class. They never acknowledge the death or memory of their founding member, Brian Jones.

May 24 2009 at 11:37 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
camprez7

where is the "if"? Was it corrected?

May 24 2009 at 11:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to camprez7's comment
kitty34711

2nd line and no, still not corrected :/

May 24 2009 at 12:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
camprez7

after also

May 24 2009 at 11:04 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply