Saturday, January 14, 2012

What Is David Glasper Doing In Southeast Asia?

Somewhere in southeast Asia, there is a man who can be found strumming his guitar in the afternoons, playing acoustic tunes only for a cameraman and the occasional small crowd who happen to be present at that time. But he's unlike your average street performer.

He's a middle-aged musician who once was a teen heartthrob in his native England. Along with two schoolmates, he formed a band and recorded three U.S. top-10 hits, two of which peaked inside the top-5. At one point in time, fellow Englishman George Michael rated his voice as one of the best he's ever heard.

So who is this fallen angel of a singer? His name is David Glasper, and his voice has gone unnoticed for far too long.

Glasper first achieved fame in the late 1980s as the frontman for Breathe, a British pop band. Their debut album, All That Jazz, was released in 1988, and three singles - "Don't Tell Me Lies" (#10 in U.S.), "Hands to Heaven" (#2), and "How Can I Fall?" (#3) - thrust the young man from Wales into the spotlight practically overnight. With his smooth vocals and heartfelt emotion, Glasper was poised to have a long, prosperous career. But after the release of his band's sophomore album, Peace of Mind, in 1990, contemporary tastes soon shifted from sophisticated pop to hard-rocking grunge and rap. While two singles - "Say a Prayer" (#21) and "Does She Love That Man?" (#34) - had moderate success in the U.S., it was evident Glasper's pop appeal was drawing its final breath by the early 1990s.

For well over a decade, up until the mid 2000s, Glasper remained out of the public eye. Aside from a single songwriting credit for Clay Crosse's debut CCM album My Place Is With You in 1993, it's unknown what Glasper was up to during this time, both professionally and personally. But by 2006, he resurfaced with a MySpace account, back when MySpace was still cool. He even released a few demos of original recordings for fans to hear, as if to say he hadn't fallen off the face of the Earth just yet.

But soon he did.

Somehow, someway, Glasper went from England to Thailand, had (or brought) a family there, and removed himself from all forms of global communication. Again, when exactly he did this is unknown. But what is known, albeit vaguely, is that he began having serious personal problems in the late 2000s. Among other troubling tidbits gathered throughout the World Wide Web is that Glasper's wife passed away, and this put him into a tailspin. He fled to neighboring Laos for three years, where he struggled to cope with said problems.

Then, on May 16, 2011, the first video of Glasper in twenty years surfaced on YouTube. The five minute clip featured him singing a rough demo of a song called "Soul Confidant" outdoors and shirtless. Not exactly the most flattering way to make a comeback after such a long hiatus, but it marked one of the few signs of his existence to a global audience since his singing days with Breathe. Later videos show him sporting a dragon tattoo over his right arm and ostensibly performing more demos before a small crowd.

So what exactly is he doing in southeast Asia? Depending on how you look at it, he's either at the end of his rope or grasping onto a stronger one. Like many other musicians whose success came primarily in the 1980s, his impact on pop culture has long since passed. But unlike many of those same musicians, Glasper has gone halfway around the world living in virtual obscurity, all the while dealing with his personal issues. Most would say from this that his troubles have gotten the best of him in spite of his success, even though he's still alive and only 46 years old (as of this post). But word on the web is that his experiences over these past several years have reinvigorated the songwriter within him to record a studio album's worth of new material. A forthcoming album, according to these posts, is expected sometime in 2012.

For longtime fans of Breathe and 1980s adult contemporary pop, this is a breath of fresh air from a voice whose presence has been sorely missed from the airwaves. It's not so much that David Glasper was an overlooked talent in a time dominated by fellow Brits, but in that he disappeared as quickly as when he first hit the charts with Breathe. To see him resurface, after a two decade hiatus and considering the circumstances he went through in recent years, is to see a man sharpened by adversity. It's a long-awaited redemption story finally coming full circle. All that's missing is the music to match the man's God-given talent.


Photo courtesy of Melissa Ott

77 comments:

  1. Great stuff. Terrific voice, incredible songs, incredible delivery. Songs still make their appearance at proms, weddings, mixtapes, anniversaries, etc. and collectively get millions of hits on youtube today. The guy may be a victim of his own success if he is having trouble and can't see his options.

    Some of the marketing narrowed his audience today; young handsome straight white guy singing ballads in the 80's and 90's... terrific to sell to girls at the time but I know I as a guy wouldn't go to a record signing though I think he is one of the best singers around. It just is what it is with these things. But his voice and the songs transcend that.

    Like I said, he still has an audience and if he did the whole independent thing with facebook, twitter, direct sales from a website, etc., he could tour and do very well. I dunno what the deal is economically but he is obviously making music and interested perhaps in sharing it. Why not?

    I definitely would get to a show to hear him or buy his music and I find it a shame that he isn't around and unfortunate that he is going through some stuff- even enough so to comment about it.

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    1. I agree with what you are saying in regards to David doing the independent route. I understand he doesn't like the internet. It can help him tremendously. I know many people who would see him perform again. Have you checked out his youtube demos? They are great! He has matured, as we all do, but he is still David, a great vocalist/songwriter/guitarist. I wish he used the internet so he could understand that he is well supported and missed!

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    2. I agree Mel, many miss his voice and hope he knows there is support out here for him. Such talent really needs to be shared.

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    3. Thank you for this great article about David Glasper. I, too, am a big fan of Breathe and David Glasper's voice.

      Your article does a great justice for David as we, the fans, counting down the days he finally emerge musically in the entertainment world once again.

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    4. David has dealt with very difficult personal turmoil. Losing his friend and band mate Ian "Spike" Spice and later his wife. I sympathize and empathize his pain. I wish David would resurface. Maybe not so much to the entire world but at least resurface to me as a friend to give him a well-deserved hug. I love David and only want the best for him.

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  2. David Glasper was favourite voice of mine from the 80's. Still IS a favourite voice of mine. So sad to find out of David's struggles. I've very often wondered where that angelic voice went. Now, sadly I know. Quite a story.

    I fell in love with David's voice from the first words I heard him sing with Breathe. His vocals on both of their albums were like magic in my opinion, unlike so much of today's music.

    I think he still has so much to offer emotionally, as well as musically both vocally & lyrically. I hope with help from family, friends, fans past & present David finds his way again and back to music. I hope he finds him self surrounded by good people to get him back on track and doing what his talents are clearly meant to do.

    I love music and have spent a lifetime wishing I had the talents of a beautiful, striking voice. If I had even a wee bit of the talent he so obviously still has today, I wouldn't waste a minute.

    I would love to have new music to listen too and see him perform. From what I've seen in just a few hours tells me many more feel the same as I do. Here's to hoping that with some help from his friends/fans known & unknown we will be hearing from again soon, better than ever. I hope he truly finds his way back to the music industry and a fresh start at life.

    David, I know it can't be easy, but keep trying. I've had my share of struggles so, I know it's hard. Life only gives so many chances, do waste any of them. Run with them. Don't give up.

    Joanne Reid

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  3. Dave was on a self destruct path after his dad died in the early nineties and Breathe got dropped by the label, his wife died last year. As a friend i really hope he turns his life around as his talent is huge, but there is an old saying....you can lead a horse to water, but you cant make it drink.

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    1. Such life events are unfortuate, we all have our shares of challenges in life, it's just how we overcome them. Where there's a will, there's a way, hopefully he will see the gifts he still has to give. Keep your chin up, David! Positive vibes are being sent your way!!! :)

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    2. Evalina Zofia HawrylukMarch 13, 2021 at 12:07 AM

      Right. Many have gone through worse & don't disappear. I get it. For me, given 18 months to live then being bed ridden for 8 years was no picnic, but I got through & never look back. Life is too short to drown oneself in unhappiness. That requires way too much energy.

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    3. Evalina Zofia HawrylukMarch 13, 2021 at 12:22 AM

      Right. Many have been through much worse. Life is too short to run away & live in obscure unhappiness. I get it. I was given 18 months to live, then spent 8 years bed ridden. By God's grace, I'm cured & I never looked back. That requires too much energy. It's so much better to be happy. That is a choice we all make. I was actually a bit shocked when a friend showed me a picture of the lead singer. He's so worn & weary- looking as if he had worked pounding rock his entire life. A far cry from his younger days. Ah well. We make these choices in our lives.

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  4. Definitely a God-given talent - interesting choice of words, as one of the things I've noted from so many of the Breathe songs is the strong spiritual under-current, either direct ("raise your hands to heave and pray") to the more subtle. Breathe was also one of the few refreshingly clean pop musical acts from the 80-90's timeframe, with lyrics you could sing without offending...

    It would be great to hear more - anything - from this group again.

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  5. Was just listening to one of Breathe's songs and decided to do a search- I'm so glad I did. He has one of my all-time favorite voices, so beautiful! I truly hope he did start/make another album. I will definitely be buying it. Thanks for this post!

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  6. So happy I found this article. I was wondering what had happend to this wonderful voice. One of the first ting I searched back in the mid 90s when the internets started…Was what happened to Breathe? I couldnt find anything. I hope he returns to the airwaves. His listeners re still here a waiting for a new album. Im listening to the Peace of Mind album right now. Thanks Spotify!

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  7. I hope to find him soon and bring his act to Manila. The Filipinos love David and Breathe's music a lot.

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    1. He's in Thailand, just a few miles away from us! I live in the Philippines too. Go David! Share your talent with the world! iamyourteacher.com

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  8. He is working on a solo album. I received a tweet today from David or who tweets on his behalf. I very much look forward to any music from him! Very excited for him and those of us who missed him and support him now. Spread the word! Help this talent keep finding his way back to using and sharing his talents.

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  9. Breathes two albums are regularly played on my playlist. I have often wondered what happened to the band, and I have fond memories of listening to All That Jazz in my car, driving with my then girlfriend (now wife). Even today, twety two years after we got married, we had that album playing on the stereo, and we were singing along with it.

    I hope David does come through with some new material. That sort of talent deserves to be heard.

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  10. Taken from the lyrics from their hit "Hands to Heaven", "So raise your hands to heaven and pray. That we'll be back together someday". Would love to see these guys reunite, heal old wounds and there's fans like me still waiting for them to play again.

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  11. David has more YT vids on the channel and is underway with making a better effort in connecting. Yes, he's still not into the net just yet but through his trusted friend and not manager Kris, David puts up vids as demos. The music is still in him and he wishes to share it at this time. Let's hope he keeps the wheels turning - Traci #TeamDavid

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  12. Loved Breathe, have their CDs, just heard one of their songs on the radio this morn. & looked them up to see what became of them. David was such a talent, had that great breathy quality to his voice, just like George Michael. Would love it if David made a comeback.

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  13. I was driving in my car the other day and slipped in a disc I had of 80's music. I had forgotten about Breathe and all the songs I had from them on that disc! My girlfriend ( who is a little younger than I ) asked me who that was. I said ,"Breathe! Man they were good!! " She asked me what ever happened to that singer??? He's excellent!!! I concurred!! So I began to search...What DID happen. So glad he's working his way back! Step by step!!!! ;-)

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  14. Timeless music from a top,but underrated band that was Breathe. Hope David finds contentment in his life. He deserves much happiness. By far the best voice I have ever heard.

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  15. Miss hearing David Glasper's smooth voice from musical group, Breathe, but we happy to discover new tracks from him on iTunes. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/david-glasper/id792472913

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  16. In All Honesty Lyrics Please.! He must move on for a better future awaits him, he must go on....

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  17. All I can think is his life points to BIGGER PROBLEMS than deaths. Lots of people lose their dads and wives. The strongest ones do not attempt to cope with SUBSTANCES before or after..............

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  18. WOW! That is a pretty powerful statement! First of all, you know this to be true?? Also, who are you to stand in judgement of him? We all have trials and tribulations on the road of life. You don't know what he was feeling, only he does. It sounds like the man was suffering from depression and could have been self medicating so he didn't have to feel. I worked extensively in the mental health and substance abuse. No one wakes up in the morning and says I want to become an addict. It happens for various reasons mental health, trauma etc. Just because he may have turned to substance does not mean he isn't a strong person. It means he was at his limit at the traumas in his life. I would hope that if you know this information-if true, you would put your energies toward trying to help him, rather than condemn him.

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  19. I had the pleasure of having a beer and a burger with David last night. He's a great guy He isn't in Thailand though, but I'm not saying where..thats his business.

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    1. Great to know he's doing fine. Did he sing a few lines of his song? Thanks Mark. :-)

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    2. Здравствуйте, опубликуется ли моё сообщение.Я очень переживаю за него,понимаю Девида,не осуждаю.Я потеряла папу в 2013 году, знаю, как это больно.Но я хочу сказать, что Девид самый самый,как хочется его обнять, сказать, как он нужен,помочь ему...Очень дорог сердцу.Живу в России

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    3. Marc C ... you've got to be kidding. David is like a ghost leopard. No one can find him apparently, even with the reach of the Internet. The hiding makes anyone wonder what's really going on. If anyone can prove a sighting, that would be miraculous. This is definitely a self-made mystery. Wish i could reach him. :(((

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  20. Managed to find his new songs from this youtube page, watermuse music. lets support by buying his songs thru itunes, etc. (links are in each song video).


    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrjhtupjstH02ReqGXgOGw

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  21. David has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. I am now 50....I too have suffered many things.God is my strength. May God continue to help you David.Someone in Virginia (USA) misses and admires your talent.

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  22. i'm a fan i hope he will be back on the track soon with a great Revival of his Group

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  23. Beautiful voice!!!

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  24. "Woman" from Peace of Mind is simply the most gorgeous ode to a love. I always wanted a man to feel the way about me in the way he expresses with the beautiful lyrics that capture such yearning and intensity and a silky voice that would still encite a swoon. What a romantic love song.I pray for him, hopefully he will be strong enough to break free of addiction, pain, and loss. There is beauty on the other side.

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  25. Come back and perform in U.S I would love to hear your voice. My Favorite is How Can I Fall!

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  26. Seria maravilloso volverlo a ver cantando

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  27. David, come back to us!

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  28. David,I pray for you everyday. Come home.

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  29. How can i fall of Breathe, is my favorite song of all my life. David Glasper does not know everything he made me feel, when I heard this song the first time, I was just a kid ... I love David's voice, lyrics, even the official video ... I always hear it on Fridays or on Saturdays, and it keeps making me feel like the first time I heard this beautiful song.

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    1. Amen..music does that..I kept hearing this music in my head today and had to investigate..love his voice and music(past,present,future)!🥰

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  30. How can i fall of Breathe, is my favorite song of all my life. David Glasper does not know everything he made me feel, when I heard this song the first time, I was just a kid ... I love David's voice, lyrics, even the official video ... I always hear it on Fridays or on Saturdays, and it keeps making me feel like the first time I heard this beautiful song.[ ] I love you, David Glasper. In El Salvador we have people that we have not forgotten you.

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  31. Hope he can turn it around and make a comeback with touring, You can do it dave!!!

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  32. fantastic david add me to facebook please as a friend breathe my favorite group

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  33. Does anyone know how Ian 'Spike' Spice Breathe's drummer died? Was it a drug overdose?

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    1. I've wondered about that myself, but haven't been able to find any information. In fact, even finding a date of death has been impossible. A GRO search yields no results, so Ian Michael Spice may not have died in England or Wales. His parents Michael and Pamela were married in 1962, and his younger brother Colin was born in 1969. Marcus Lillington might know, but he doesn't appear to have ever commented publicly.

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    2. I saw something that it was speculated that he died in a car crash, albeit it is unknown exactly where it happened.

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    3. Someone on the Youtube comment sections told me that 'Spike died from drugs'.If memory serves it was someone who knew the band.

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    4. I know the Youtube comment that you're talking about, that person was a collector of Breathe's items, I think they are just guessing what happened to him though...

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    5. Ian died in Bali, Indonesia in September of 2000. Car accident. He is definitely missed.

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  34. I so love David's voice. His songs "How Can I Fall" and "Hands To Heaven" are my favorite of all time. Listening to these songs takes me way back and gives me this undescribable joyous feeling. My 29-month old granddaughter loves his music as well. Whenever she hears the songs she instantly smiles and begins to sing and dance. It's beautiful. I've checked him on Utube and found his voice And music still touch my heart and soul. David Glasper I thank you for your beautiful music and I will forever be your fan.

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  35. Above comment Rachel Torres, redding ca.

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  36. Does anyone have any updates on David Glasper??

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    1. if you follow his Facebook page the people who are in contact with him give updates, though the most recent one was back in April 2020

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  37. What is he doing in southeast asia? Most unemployed, dateless, sexless white males are doing - try to pick up local airheads in GI bars

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    1. GI bars were in Vietnam war. That ended 35 years ago. Idiot.

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    2. And he had a long time girlfriend when I knew him.

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    3. There's plenty of blacks here too you
      Racist prick

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  38. David was in Phnom Penh. I had to leave in Nov 2019 but I used to bump into him in the street occasionally. He was healthy but poor, didn't even have a phone. Spent his days in his room learning the piano and writing songs.

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  39. He used to live in Laos. Had regular contact with him as we lived in small town. He's nice guy, short on cash but always has time to chat. He's had some issues but not something I would mention here. And as for the stupid comment above there are many people living in south East Asia and not for reasons you described. You're an ignorant, narrow minded, little person. Back under your rock troll.

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  40. Well where ever that heavenly voice is..(David Glasper)someone needs to find him rescue him and bring him back to the U.S..we need him!💝💖

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  41. Some people don't to be saved. David is living the life he chooses to live.

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  42. David is back with his family in England. He is wanting to have a quiet life now. He is still working on songs. Just leave him be and let him have peace. He is a good mane who has been through a lot. He deserves to have privacy and peace.

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    1. He isn't in England, stop spreading misinformation. he is still in Thailand, living out his life.

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  43. Breathe was and still is one of my favorite bands of all time. David's voice was so sweet when I hear his music now it makes me cry because it takes me back to special time in my life. I wish him nothing but the best.

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  44. I used to love to dance to “Hands to Heaven”. That song means a lot to me. It’s good to know you’re not alone when it comes to missing someone or something and that there are people out there that feel the same way or are going through the same thing. And his future is not yet written; I hope the birth of his granddaughter went well and wish him much happiness and even more love.

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  45. In his videos I see as still beautiful man with an equally beautiful voice. When he sings he looks as if he is deep in prayer. His circumstances may be starkly simple and obscure but he has the power of his voice and music.

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  46. Please tell him that his fans are still here and support him. His voice was up there with George Michaels

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  47. I only recently discovered Breathe/David Glasper's work and it has become some of my absolute favorite music. "How Can I Fall?" is a gigantic masterpiece of a song. "Hands to Heaven" is stunning. They have so many great tracks. David's story appears to be sad in many respects. I pray for him. I hope he knows how many people in this world are deeply moved by the music he created and how much it means to so many. I hope this brings him joy and encouragement when he is facing whatever difficulties. Selfishly, I want to see David make a massive come back with new material, touring and regular interaction with his many fans. I wish him all the best. With tremendous respect, God Bless!!

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  48. I loved David Glasper then and still love him now no matter what he's been through to me he is still David.

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  49. I pray he's doing well I love his voice

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  50. Hello, I've missed you

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