Chris Notes: This song was written by Mark Tremonti, guitarist of the band ‘Alter Bridge’ (and prior, the highly successful Creed). Mark wrote this song after his mother had passed away when writing for the first Alter Bridge album release in 2004 and it has always been a favorite song of mine since its release. When I lost both of my parents within the same year in 2009 the song took on a whole other level of meaning for me and for quite a while I actually could not listen to it. Since their passing I have made a few attempts to write a song that pays tribute to them but have never yet composed anything I felt was worthy. Meanwhile, ‘In Loving Memory’ remained a song that stated what I wanted to compose all to well. This last summer ‘Thief in the Night’ did a show along with our friend and world-class artist, Dilana. I suggested to Johnny (vocals) the idea of covering the song acoustically during the acoustic portion of our ‘Thief in the Night’ set. The response to the song was great (a fan in the audience shot it and put it up on YouTube) and I decided I wanted to go in the studio and record our own arrangement. After Johnny and I started working together in 2010 on the ‘Thief in the Night’ first album 'Under the Influence' we eventually did some shows with Dilana and they both became interested in doing a collaboration. When I presented the idea of doing this song, ‘In Loving Memory’ they both jumped on board. Johnny and Dilana’s vocals on this song are in my opinion fantastic. Johnny brings a depth that is very strong with total conviction to the lyrics and Dilana adds so much dimension and emotion that the combination creates a powerful impact with the song. The idea to invite Dilana to be a part of it came about after my sister Sue had heard a recording of Johnny and I doing the song live on YouTube and she thought a woman’s voice would bring further emotion to the song and thus I decided it would be a great opportunity to have both Johnny and Dilana sing it. Both of them are (in my opinion) two of the best singers on the planet and I am thrilled and honored to get to work with them every time; individually and together. One final comment on the arrangement - I changed the ending by adding a brief tag of ‘Amazing Grace’. I always remember this being one of my Mother’s favorite songs (as is my own) and I felt it flowed well and made this version even more personal. Mark Tremonti has stated when asked of all Alter Bridge track which are his favorite that "second favorite is probably In Loving Memory..." (http://journeyofafrontman.com 9/26/13). I hope you will enjoy the song. For some it will be emotional I am sure.