Peru will be the next country Il Divo will host on its Greatest Hits tour, where the band will pay tribute to former bandmate Carlos Marín, who died in December 2021 from COVID-19. The show will take place on May 21 at Lima’s Arena Perú Explanada.
The group arrives on the occasion of the release of the new album, For once in my life: A celebration of Motown, which includes a tribute to some of the best songs from the historic Motown Records label, with special guests like Boyz II Men and Smokey Robinson. However, due to the sudden loss of Marín in 2021 due to COVID-19, the tribute band decided to also use this tour to pay tribute to their fallen bandmate, who was a part of group for more than two decades.
Il Divo was formed in 2003 by Simon Cowell. From its beginnings Carlos Marín, Urs Bühler, David Miller and Sébastien Izambard were the vocalists. During his career, Il Divo has sold more than 30 million albums, and his hits include Time To Say Goodbye, Amazing Grace, Sei Parte Ormai Di Me, Unchained Melody, Regresa A Mí, La Promesa, among others.
For this tour, the quartet consists of its traditional singers, plus a special guest appearance by Mexican-American baritone Steven LaBrie. Many of their followers wondered if the band would end after the death of Carlos Marín, but the public started writing to them and expressing what their music meant in their lives, which gave the band a reason to continued.
“Carlos was a larger-than-life personality, with a rare combination of an incredibly beautiful, God-given voice and an absolutely incredible talent. His passion, joy and sense of humor made him such a magical person and his laugh would always lift anyone up. He was loved by millions of fans around the world and we were lucky and honored to be able to perform with him in our midst for so many years. We will greatly miss his joy, friendship and brilliant voice. In his honor, we will create the Carlos Marin Foundation and pay tribute to his song in our upcoming concerts. May he be remembered by all for his beautiful soul, his incredible talent, and may he forever rest in peace,” Marín’s bandmates said on their tour page.
With a wide trajectory, experience and familiar voice, Il Divo continues to delight its audience with music ranging from classical to traditional. Tickets for the concert can be purchased online through Teleticket.
Natalia Velez Lopera is a Colombian writer living and reporting in Colombia.
