Artcell to continue local shows without Lincoln; Bakhtiar joins as touring vocalist
One of Bangladesh's most influential progressive rock and heavy metal bands, Artcell, has announced that it will continue performing local concerts without its longtime frontman and founding member, George Lincoln D'Costa, who is currently residing in Canada due to personal commitments.
In a significant development for the band, former Bay of Bengal vocalist Bakhtiar Hossain has joined Artcell as a touring vocalist for its performances in Bangladesh.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The decision was confirmed to The Daily Star by Artcell drummer, Kazi Sajjadul Asheqeen Shaju. The band also shared a video message addressing fans and explaining the circumstances behind the move.
Speaking in the video, Lincoln reflected on his absence from the band and the country.
"This is the first time in 27 years that I have been away from the country, my band, and my fans for such a long period. I've always tried to be present whenever needed. This situation is new for me, but it cannot be avoided. The journey of Artcell cannot stop because of one person. The show must go on, and we believe Bakhtiar understands the legacy of Artcell. We are welcoming him into our family," he said.
Shaju revealed that Artcell's upcoming performance on July 10 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship International Conference Center (BCFICC) in Dhaka will mark the first time the band performs in Bangladesh without Lincoln on stage.
"Bakhtiar will perform as our vocalist and will accompany us as a touring member at our local concerts," Shaju said.
He added that the band felt a responsibility to be transparent with its fans regarding the difficult decision.
"We connect with our audience primarily through live performances, and they deserve to know what's happening. It was a tough decision, but all of us, including Lincoln, agreed that if we continued waiting indefinitely for his return, people might eventually forget our existence. To keep the band active and alive, this step became necessary."
Shaju also clarified that Lincoln will continue to perform with Artcell during international shows, particularly in Canada.
Artcell guitarist Kazi Faisal Ahmed echoed similar sentiments in the announcement video.
"We have stayed away from the stage for quite some time because we were hoping Lincoln would return. Since that is not happening anytime soon, we had to make a decision," he said.
Veteran guitarist Iqbal Asif Jewel described the situation as one of the most challenging periods in the band's history.
"The respect, legacy, and philosophy of Artcell must continue. Lincoln remains our frontman, and this decision was made with his support and understanding," Jewel said.
Founded in 1999, Artcell has long been regarded as one of Bangladesh's pioneering progressive metal bands. The current lineup includes lead guitarist Ershad Zaman, bassist Saef Al Nazi Cézanne, drummer-frontman Shaju, and guitarists Faisal Ahmed and Iqbal Asif Jewel.
Artcell is scheduled to perform at the X Force Presents Overload Festival on July 10 at the Hall of Fame, BCFICC, alongside prominent bands including Aurthohin and Cryptic Fate.
As the band prepares for a new chapter, Artcell says it is excited to welcome Bakhtiar and return to the stage while preserving the legacy it has built over more than two decades.
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