November 29th, 2002

Hi everyone,

How tricky life can be!

I cannot believe that a thing like that came in my way and especially now, during such an important production! I’ve always been a positive thinking man and somehow felt invincible. Well, for the first time in my life,  I have to admit that something knocked me out and forced me to take a serious rest, a thing I’m not really used to, since I’m a very energetic kind of guy. I always loved to push myself to the limit, yes, and it seems that exactly that caused the virus’ attack. 
You can easily get infected with Mononucleosis when your organism has reached a low level after stress or months of heavy training like I had. Mononucleosis - Epstein-Barr is unfortunately a very common virus and can leave heavy damages in ones health. It is a kissing disease and can be caught anytime anywhere. Knock on wood! Its first symptoms are swollen glands, high fever and then you’ll be lying in bed wishing you’d never been born. It takes at least 6 months to recover. And again, knock on wood! My heart is bleeding for the decisions being made right now and for not being able to give my full performance on the Helloween production and had Mickey Dee play the rest of the songs on the album, except for two songs which I had done. The good thing is, that I’m already feeling much better, though I know that it’s still gonna take a while to get 100% back on my feet again and be able to jump and bang around like a madman!  

Thanks to my family and friends who stand by my side right now and give me positive energy. 

See you all again soon!!

Peace,                                                                                                         
Mark Cross

November 28th, 2002

Helloween is currently in the studio recording their new album. It is very unfortunate to announce that Mark Cross could not complete all drums on the album, due to the malicious (EBV) Epstein-Barr virus alias Mononucleosis, that had struck him early September. He will need at least 5-6 months of full recovery. It destroys the entire immune system and leaves no energy…… Therefore Mark is still too weak to do any kind of intense activities at the moment and strictly needs to rest by the doctors orders. We all agreed on having Motorhead’s Mickey Dee as the replacement for the recordings only! To avoid possible rumours, Mark Cross remains the drummer of Helloween and we’re looking forward to tour next year.

Helloween                                                                                      

July 2002

ELECTRIC EYE confirmed for the 23rd of July at the "LOGO Club" on Grindelallee in Hamburg, Germany and on the 27th of July as the headliner on the "ORANIENBAUM OPEN AIR" Festival in Oranienbaum (Dessau), Germany.

More info at Monster Productions: +49 (40) 807- 83340  

June 2002

HELLOWEEN started the pre production for the new album. Further news and details will be announced on the Helloween homepage  very soon!

June 2002

ELECTRIC EYE confirmed for the 27th of July at the  "ORANIENBAUM OPEN AIR" Oranienbaum Festwiese near Dessau, Germany.
23.07.02 "LOGO Club" Grindelallee, Hamburg Germany

March 28th 2002

ELECTRIC EYE confirmed for the H-O-A (Headbangers open air festival) on the 21st of June 2002in Brande Germany                            
Info & Tickets under Headbangers Ballroom or Metaltix
Headbangers Hotline: +49 (4127) 929-981 

ELECTRIC EYE
A Tribute to Judas Priest

JC: Vocals (X-13, Kickhunter)
MATTHIAS LANGE: Guitar (Metalium)
MARK CROSS: Drums (Helloween)
ROLLI FELDMANN: Guitar (X-13, Shockmachine, Kickhunter)
MARKUS BIG M. CORBY: Bass (Paragon)