Former PAGAN'S MIND guitarist Thorstein Aaby, who played on the band's first two albums — "Infinity Divine" (2000) and "Celestial Entrance" (2002) — passed away today (July 24) at the age of 36. The group's statement on the matter reads as follows:
"On the night of 24th of July, our dear friend Thorstein passed on. After a long time of illness, things took a turn for the worse the last weeks.
"Thorstein has been a respected member of the local music environment since the mid-Eighties, later nationwide and also outside of Norwegian borders — all well deserved. Well known for his skills with the guitar as well as his easy-going personality, he was the kind of guy who got more and more friends for each gig he did.
"Thorstein did two albums while he was in PAGAN'S MIND — 'Infinity Divine' and 'Celestial Entrance' — and after parting with the band Thorstein quickly moved on and joined SMALLTOWN ROCKETS. SMALLTOWN ROCKETS appeared on the Norwegian KISS tribute 'Gods of Thunder' with the track 'C'mon And Love Me'.
"The last couple of years Thorstein has handled the guitar duties in the MÖTLEY CRÜE tribute band WILD SIDE. WILD SIDE also recorded some of their own material.
"This is a sad, sad day and all our thoughts goes out to Ingvild and the rest of Thorstein's family, and also to his big network of friends and fans.
"Rest in peace, dear friend. We will always miss you, and we will never forget you."
