Denis D'Amour

Denis "Piggy" D'Amour (September 24, 1959 – August 26, 2005) was a Canadian guitarist. D'Amour was a member of the Canadian heavy metal band Voivod from its inception in 1982 until his death from colon cancer in 2005, aged 45.

Denis D'Amour
Piggy (second from left) with Voivod in a 1986 promotional photo.
Background information
Birth nameDenis D'Amour
Also known asPiggy
Born(1959-09-24)September 24, 1959
DiedAugust 26, 2005(2005-08-26) (aged 45)
GenresHeavy metal, progressive metal, thrash metal, speed metal
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
InstrumentsGuitar, violin
Years active1982–2005
LabelsMetal Blade, Noise, MCA, Mausoleum, Hypnotic, Chophouse, The End
Associated actsVoivod

D'Amour's approach to music was anarchic and experimental rather than strict and theoretical. He was trained in classical violin as a child. He was influenced by progressive rock artists such as King Crimson, Pink Floyd and Rush.

Death

In the summer of 2005, D'Amour was diagnosed with colon cancer. Subsequently, a routine operation was scheduled though several complications led doctors to suspect further problems. The cancer had extensively progressed, rendering any operation non-viable.

D'Amour slipped into a coma in the palliative care unit of a Montreal hospital on August 25, 2005, surrounded in his final hours by family and friends. The guitarist died the next day at approximately 11:45pm.

The documentary Metal: A Headbanger's Journey, featuring an interview with D'Amour, was released on September 7, 2005.

Piggy's final recordings appear on two of Voivod's albums Katorz and Infini, released in 2006 and 2009 respectively.

Equipment

Guitars

Amps

Effects/Pedals
  • Digitech IPS 33
  • Yamaha SPX-90 II
  • BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive
  • Ibanez DM-1100 Digital Delay

Discography

Voivod albums:

References


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