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Steve DeMarchi
Steve DeMarchi
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Key Information

Steven DeMarchi is a Canadian guitarist, backing vocalist and songwriter. He is best known as the co-founder and lead guitarist of the bands Sheriff (1979–1985) and Alias (1988–1991). DeMarchi also played guitar for The Cranberries (1996–2003) and was the main guitarist for Dolores O'Riordan (2005–2008).

As a Billboard hit songwriter, DeMarchi is known for co-writing the hit songs "More Than Words Can Say", a 1990 Number 1 hit on the BillBoard Hot AC chart and Number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and "Haunted Heart", a 1990 Number 18 hit on the US Mainstream Rock chart.

BMI presented DeMarchi with the "Million-air award" for the song "More Than Words Can Say". According to BMI's web site, only 1,500 songs including "When I'm with You" by Sheriff have achieved Million-air status (one million air plays) among the 4.5 million songs by 300,000 BMI represented artists. One million performances is equal to approximately 50,000 broadcast hours, or more than 5.7 years of continuous airplay.[1]

In 1982, DeMarchi performed live with Sheriff in Los Angeles on a nationwide television show An Evening at the Improv. In 1990, he performed live with Alias on several national television shows, including two performances on The Tonight Show - once with Johnny Carson and once with Jay Leno.

DeMarchi was the guitarist for the band The Cranberries between 1996 and 2003. Between 2005 and 2007, Dolores O'Riordan, the voice of The Cranberries and DeMarchi recorded O'Riordan's first solo record titled "Are You Listening". DeMarchi appeared with O'Riordan on many televised and radio live performances in 2007 in support of that record, and travelled to over 22 countries in Europe, North America, and South America on the 2007 O'Riordan world tour.[citation needed]

In May 2007, DeMarchi along with other band members, were featured with O’Riordan in live performances on the Carson Daly Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,[2][3] True Music on HDnet cable network television,[4] and on Heaven and Earth BBC Manchester.[5]

In January 2009, Alias (primarily DeMarchi and Curci) announced the release of their second album, appropriately titled Never Say Never. Live performances are expected during 2009 in support of this new album release.[6]

Songwriting career

[edit]

DeMarchi has collaborated with other successful songwriters like Steve Diamond, Jim Vallance, Freddy Curci, Arnold Lanni, Rick Neigher, Albert Hammond, and Jeff Paris, just to name a few.

On the 1982 Sheriff album Sheriff, DeMarchi co-wrote with Arnold Lanni the songs:

  • Track 5-Kept Me Coming
  • Track 7-Crazy Without You

DeMarchi wrote most of the songs on the 1990 Alias album Alias with Freddy Curci, (the lead vocalist of Sheriff and Alias):

  • Track 1-Say What I Wanna Say
  • Track 2-Haunted Heart
  • Track 4-The Power
  • Track 5-Heroes
  • Track 6-What To Do
  • Track 7-After All The Love Is Gone
  • Track 8-More Than Words Can Say
  • Track 10-True Emotion
  • Track 11-Standing In The Darkness

On Curci's 1994 solo album Dreamer's Road, DeMarchi collaborated in writing the songs:

  • Track 2-Dreamer's Road
  • Track 4-Just To Be Close
  • Track 8-Real Love
  • Track 9-Into the Fire
  • Track 10-Diamonds
  • Track 11-Life Goes On

On the 2006 Zion album, DeMarchi collaborated with Curci for the songs:

  • Track 2-How Much Longer Is Forever
  • Track 4-Dangerous
  • Track 7-No Surprise
  • Track 10-Who Do You Think You Are
  • Track 11-Crash The Mirror

Discography

[edit]

Sheriff

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  • 1982 Sheriff (self-titled album), Capitol Records

Alias

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  • 1990 Alias (self-titled album), EMI
  • 1990 Haunted Heart EP, EMI
  • 1991 Waiting For Love EP, EMI
  • 1992 Perfect World EP, EMI
  • 2009 Never Say Never

Freddy Curci

[edit]
  • 1994 solo album, Dreamer's Road, EMI Music Canada
  • 2000 compilation album, Then and Now, Frontiers (Italy)

Zion

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  • 2006 Zion(?), Frontiers Records

Dolores O'Riordan

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
Year Song US Hot 100 US MSR US A.C. UK Singles Album
1990 "More Than Words Can Say" 2 - 5 - Alias
1990 "Haunted Heart" - 18 - -
1991 "Waiting for Love" 13 - 17 87
1991 "Perfect World" 90 - - - Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead Soundtrack

Filmography

[edit]

1991 - Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead
Soundtrack: Performer / Producer “Perfect World”

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Steve DeMarchi is a Canadian rock guitarist, backing vocalist, and songwriter best known for co-founding the bands Sheriff and Alias, achieving major chart success in the 1980s and early 1990s, and later serving as a touring sideman for The Cranberries. Born in Toronto and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, DeMarchi began his professional career in the late 1970s as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the hard rock band Sheriff, alongside vocalist Freddy Curci and keyboardist Arnold Lanni. The band's 1982 debut album, Sheriff, featured the power ballad "When I'm With You," which topped the Canadian charts in 1983 and later peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1989 after gaining renewed popularity. Following Sheriff's breakup in 1985, DeMarchi and Curci formed the supergroup Alias in 1988, recruiting members from Heart and other acts, and released their self-titled debut album in 1990 on Capitol Records. The album's lead single, "More Than Words Can Say," reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Adult Contemporary chart, earning platinum certification in Canada and gold in the US. Alias recorded a second album, Never Say Never, in 1992, though it was not released until 2009 and achieved less commercial success. In the mid-1990s, DeMarchi transitioned to session and touring work, joining as a and from 1996 to 2003, contributing to their live performances during the height of their fame. He continued collaborating with Cranberries frontwoman as her primary from 2005 to 2008, including on her solo tours. DeMarchi's touring highlights include a 2002 performance at the Vatican with an 85-piece orchestra for an audience of 200,000 and an appearance at the alongside and . He has also made television appearances on with and multiple episodes hosted by . In recognition of his contributions to music, DeMarchi was inducted into the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame in 2016.

Early life

Upbringing in Toronto

Steve DeMarchi was born in , , , in 1961 to Italian immigrant parents who had settled in the . His family background reflected strong Italian-Canadian roots, with his mother, Cesira, and father contributing to a household influenced by post-war immigration from . DeMarchi grew up alongside his brother (known as Denny), who later pursued a career in music as a and background vocalist, including collaborations with Steve on recordings like Alias's "More Than Words Can Say." The family resided in , a suburb of , where DeMarchi spent his formative years immersed in the local community. This environment, characterized by the vibrant in the region, shaped his early cultural exposure, though specific details on his education remain limited in available records. During his teenage years, DeMarchi began engaging with the area's burgeoning music scene, performing at local venues such as the Mississauga Belle, , and Superstars, which provided initial outlets for his emerging interests. These experiences in the laid the groundwork for his later professional pursuits in music.

Musical beginnings

DeMarchi grew up in the area, where he began playing guitar in local bars during his youth, honing his skills in the vibrant music scene. His early gigs took place at venues in his hometown of , including the Mississauga Belle, , and Superstars, where he performed as part of informal local acts. These experiences immersed him in the rock-oriented club circuit, building his reputation among regional musicians before transitioning to more structured groups. By the late 1970s, DeMarchi's involvement in Toronto's emerging rock community led to collaborations that culminated in the formation of in 1979, alongside keyboardist and vocalist . Reflecting on his formative years, DeMarchi later noted, “That’s something I never would have dreamed of as a kid playing the local bars around here.”

Band career

With

was formed in 1979 in , , by vocalist , lead guitarist Steve DeMarchi, keyboardist and rhythm guitarist , bassist Wolf Hassel, and drummer Rob Elliott. DeMarchi, who contributed as both lead guitarist and backing vocalist, played a key role in shaping the band's sound during its early development through local performances. The band released its self-titled debut album, , in 1982 on , showcasing a style influenced by the era's trends. Following the album's release, Sheriff embarked on extensive touring across and the , supporting acts like and building a following in the club circuit despite modest initial commercial success. DeMarchi's guitar work, including prominent riffs and solos, was integral to the band's live energy and recorded tracks. The album's lead single, "When I'm With You," was initially released in 1983 and peaked at number 61 on the in the United States, while reaching number eight on Canada's RPM chart. A re-release in 1989 propelled the track to number one on the for one week on February 4. However, rigorous touring schedules and mounting frustrations led to internal tensions, resulting in Sheriff's dissolution in 1985.

With Alias

Alias was formed in 1988 in Toronto as a songwriting project between guitarist Steve DeMarchi and vocalist Freddy Curci, both formerly of the band Sheriff. The duo assembled a supergroup lineup including bassist Steve Fossen and drummer Michael Derosier from Heart, along with guitarist Roger Fisher, to record their debut album. DeMarchi contributed lead guitar throughout the project and served as co-producer on several tracks alongside Curci and Rick Neigher. The self-titled album Alias was released on June 18, 1990, by Capitol Records, showcasing a polished adult-oriented rock (AOR) sound with melodic hooks and power ballads. It achieved commercial success driven by the single "More Than Words Can Say," a cover of the 1960s hit by The Guess Who, which peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart in 1990. Follow-up singles included "Haunted Heart," reaching number 18 on the Mainstream Rock chart, and "Waiting for Love," which hit number 13 on the Hot 100. The album's hit-driven era marked Alias as a one-album wonder in the late-1980s hair metal landscape, blending arena rock energy with radio-friendly accessibility. Amid the promotional cycle, Alias made notable television appearances, including performances on Starring on March 8, 1991, where they showcased "Waiting for Love." The band disbanded shortly after the album's release as began to dominate the rock scene, but DeMarchi's intricate guitar solos and harmonic layering remained hallmarks of their brief output. In 2009, DeMarchi and Curci revived Alias for the release of their second album, Never Say Never, originally recorded in 1992 but shelved by Capitol Records. Issued on March 3, 2009, via Angelmilk Records, the album featured updated production and guest musicians like bassist Marco Mendoza, recapturing the group's melodic rock style while incorporating harder edges. The reunion prompted a limited tour of North American venues, including shows in Canada and the U.S., allowing fans to experience live renditions of classics alongside new material. This effort underscored the enduring legacy of DeMarchi and Curci's partnership, bridging their 1980s roots with a modern resurgence.

With Zion

In the mid-2000s, following the dissolution of Alias, Steve DeMarchi collaborated with longtime songwriting partner on the , representing a subtle evolution from their Alias-era pop-rock sound toward a more introspective melodic style. Zion emerged as Curci's initiative after a period of health challenges, drawing on established songwriting partnerships to craft material that echoed the melodic sensibilities of their earlier work while incorporating contemporary production elements. The band's self-titled debut album, , was released on December 8, 2006, via Frontiers Records in Europe and King Records in , featuring 11 tracks that blended aggressive edges with emotive ballads. DeMarchi served as a key co-songwriter, contributing to five songs alongside Curci, including "All It Takes Is a Minute," "Dangerous," and "Crash the Mirror," where his guitar-oriented compositions helped fuse driving riffs with soaring vocal hooks. Although not performing on the record—handled by session musicians like on guitars—the album highlighted DeMarchi's enduring influence on Curci's melodic rock direction. Despite favorable reception in AOR and melodic communities for its catchy melodies and strong guitar work, Zion garnered limited commercial success, remaining confined to niche markets without mainstream chart impact or widespread radio play. The project did not lead to further releases or touring, establishing Zion as a one-off endeavor, with no known unreleased material from the sessions.

Solo work and collaborations

Partnership with Freddy Curci

Following the dissolution of Alias, Steve DeMarchi and maintained a close creative alliance, focusing on songwriting and production for Curci's individual projects. Their most notable post-band collaboration came on Curci's debut solo album, Dreamer's Road, released in 1994 by Music Canada. DeMarchi co-wrote multiple tracks on the record, including the title song "Dreamer's Road," "Just to Be Close," "Real Love," "Into the Fire," "," and "Life Goes On," while also contributing electric and acoustic guitars, bass, background vocals, and co-production on several cuts. This work extended the melodic AOR sensibilities honed during their shared history in and Alias, blending heartfelt lyrics with polished rock arrangements without the structure of a full ensemble. DeMarchi further supported Curci's endeavors in 2006 by co-writing key songs for the album , a melodic rock project led by guitarist and featuring Curci on vocals, issued by Frontiers Records. Tracks like "How Much Longer Is Forever," "Dangerous," "No Surprise," "Who Do You Think You Are," and "Crash the Mirror" showcased their enduring songwriting chemistry, drawing from DeMarchi's guitar-driven riffs and Curci's emotive melodies. The duo's longstanding friendship has persisted beyond these recordings, marked by occasional joint interviews and reflections on their career. In 2016, Curci and DeMarchi appeared together for discussions on their early successes, including the behind-the-scenes story of Sheriff's "When I'm with You," highlighting their continued mutual respect and collaboration spirit.

Role in The Cranberries and with Dolores O'Riordan

Steve DeMarchi joined as a touring and in 1996, supporting the band's promotion of their third studio album, . He provided guitar contributions to the album, enhancing its rock-oriented sound during a period when the band sought to expand their live performances amid growing international success. DeMarchi's role extended through the band's subsequent tours, including the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize Concert in , where he performed alongside the core members on tracks like "Promises" from the upcoming Bury the Hatchet. Although not credited on the studio recording of Bury the Hatchet (1999), he was a key part of the "Loud and Clear" world tour that followed its release, delivering energetic renditions of songs such as "Promises" and "Animal Instinct" across and . Notable live appearances during this era included the 1999 Paris concert captured in the Beneath the Skin video release, showcasing his and harmonies that bolstered the band's dynamics. DeMarchi departed from in 2003 following the Wake Up and Smell the Coffee tour, as the band entered an extended hiatus. He then transitioned to supporting Dolores O'Riordan's solo career, serving as her primary from to 2008. This included contributions to her debut solo album Are You Listening? (2007), where he played guitar and provided backing vocals on several tracks, helping shape its blend of pop-rock and Celtic influences. During O'Riordan's Are You Listening? world tour (2007–2008), DeMarchi performed on stages across , , and , including high-energy shows in Santiago, , and Amsterdam's Paradiso, often joined by his brother Denny DeMarchi on keyboards. His tenure ended in 2008 as O'Riordan shifted focus away from extensive touring.

Later projects and activities

In 2009, Steve DeMarchi reunited with vocalist and other musicians to revive the band Alias, leading to the release of their second album, Never Say Never, on March 3, 2009. The album, originally recorded in 1992 but shelved amid the rise of , featured DeMarchi on guitar and backing vocals alongside new contributors including bassist and drummer Larry Aberman. The band announced plans for live performances that summer to promote the record, marking a significant return after nearly two decades. On September 11, 2016, DeMarchi was inducted into the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame during a ceremony at in , , alongside inductees , Cliff Hunt, and Bobby Dean Blackburn. The event honored his contributions to music, highlighting hits like Sheriff's "When I'm with You" and Alias's "More Than Words Can Say," as well as his global touring with , including a Vatican performance for 200,000 attendees with an 85-piece orchestra. In his acceptance remarks, DeMarchi reflected, "That's something I never would have dreamed of as a kid playing the local bars around here." Following the induction, DeMarchi has remained engaged with his musical legacy through occasional public reflections. He maintains an online presence to connect with fans, sharing updates on his career milestones. In January 2025, DeMarchi posted a message on the fan site, reminiscing about the 25th anniversary of his participation as additional on the band's Loud and Clear world tour in late 2000, stating, "Last November and December it was 25 years ago that I played the extra guitar... I never forget the greatest / Dolores years! Dolores we miss and love you forever!" In August 2025, DeMarchi contributed guitar to Freddy Curci's single "Are You Lonely There in Heaven."

Songwriting

Key compositions

Steve DeMarchi's songwriting is best exemplified through his enduring partnership with vocalist , which yielded several enduring rock ballads centered on themes of , , and emotional . Their , forged during their time in the band , gained prominence with Alias, where DeMarchi co-wrote the bulk of the material, blending energy with melodic balladry. A key early composition is "When I'm With You," co-written by DeMarchi and Curci for Sheriff's 1982 self-titled album. The power ballad explores romantic devotion and peaked at number 8 on Canada's RPM 100 Singles chart in 1983 and number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1989. Another standout is "More Than Words Can Say," co-written by DeMarchi and Curci for Alias's 1990 self-titled album. The song's lyrics poignantly capture the inadequacy of verbal expression in conveying profound romantic feelings—"I know it's true, everything I do is to be with you, more than words can say"—paired with a melody that starts intimately with piano and builds to an anthemic, guitar-driven chorus emphasizing emotional urgency. Its radio success stemmed from the era's demand for heartfelt power ballads, polished production by DeMarchi and Curci, and widespread adult contemporary airplay, propelling it to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart. "Haunted Heart," co-authored by DeMarchi and Curci from the same album, delves into obsessive love and lingering heartbreak through evocative imagery of a "haunted" soul trapped in romantic turmoil. The track's mid-tempo rock structure, featuring DeMarchi's layered guitar work, underscores its balladry while exploring introspective themes, reaching #2 on the Canadian singles chart and contributing to Alias's mainstream breakthrough. DeMarchi and Curci's partnership extended to the 2006 Zion album, where they co-wrote most tracks, including "How Much Longer Is Forever" and "Who Do You Think You Are," maintaining a focus on love's complexities amid rock ballad frameworks but incorporating subtler, more atmospheric elements. These compositions reflect an evolution in DeMarchi's style, transitioning from the high-energy of the and early to alternative-infused introspection, influenced by his later touring experiences with acts like .

Awards and recognition

Freddy Curci received the BMI Million-Air Award for their co-written song "More Than Words Can Say" by Alias, recognizing over one million radio airplays in the United States. This honor underscores the enduring popularity of the 1990 power ballad, which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Adult Contemporary chart, contributing to the self-titled Alias album achieving gold certification in the US (500,000 units) and platinum status in Canada (100,000 units). In 2016, DeMarchi was inducted into the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame, celebrating his roots in the city where he began his career and highlighting his contributions to through bands like and Alias. The induction recognized his local impact, from early performances at hometown venues to international success with hits co-written and performed on guitar. These accolades affirm DeMarchi's songwriting legacy, particularly his role in crafting chart-topping tracks like "When I'm With You" for , which reached number 8 in in 1983 and number 1 in the in 1989, helping the band's album earn gold certification in (50,000 units). No additional major awards or certifications for his compositions have been reported through 2025.

Discography

Albums

Steve DeMarchi's album discography spans his work as a guitarist, songwriter, and collaborator across multiple bands and projects, beginning with his role in the Canadian rock band Sheriff.

Sheriff

The band's self-titled debut album, Sheriff, was released in 1982 by Capitol Records, featuring DeMarchi on lead guitar throughout all tracks.

Alias

DeMarchi co-founded the supergroup Alias with vocalist Freddy Curci, contributing guitar and co-writing several tracks on their debut self-titled album, released in 1990 by Capitol Records. Haunted Heart EP, 1990, EMI. Waiting for Love EP, 1991, EMI. The band reconvened for their second album, Never Say Never, issued in 2009 by EMI Music Canada, where DeMarchi again handled guitar duties and co-composed material.

Zion

DeMarchi collaborated with on the 2006 album , released by Frontiers Records, providing songwriting credits for tracks including "How Much Longer Is Forever," "Dangerous," "No Surprise," and "Show Me the Money."

Collaborations

In partnership with , DeMarchi contributed to the 1990 Alias album as noted above, with some international vinyl editions appearing in 1991. For Dolores O'Riordan's solo debut Are You Listening?, DeMarchi served as guitarist on several tracks, with the album issued in 2007 by .

Singles

Steve DeMarchi's most notable single contributions came through his work with the bands Sheriff and Alias, where he served as guitarist and co-songwriter. The song "When I'm With You," co-written and performed with Sheriff, was initially released in 1983 as the second single from their debut album Sheriff. It achieved modest success at the time, peaking at number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100. Following the band's breakup, the track experienced a resurgence when re-released in 1989, climbing to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for one week and also topping the Adult Contemporary chart. In 1990, DeMarchi co-wrote and contributed guitar to Alias's breakout single "More Than Words Can Say," the second single from their self-titled debut album. The power ballad reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, spending 23 weeks on the chart, and topped the Hot Adult Contemporary chart for four weeks. It also achieved platinum certification in Canada. The earlier Alias single "Haunted Heart," released the same year as the band's debut single, peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, marking an initial hard rock entry for the group before the broader pop success of their follow-up. DeMarchi's later collaborations, including those with Zion alongside Freddy Curci, did not yield charting singles on major as of 2025, though tracks from their 2006 album —such as "How Much Longer Is Forever" and "Dangerous," co-written by DeMarchi—were released as promotional singles in melodic rock circles without significant commercial chart impact. No reissues of these works have appeared on U.S. charts by 2025.

Other media appearances

Film contributions

Steve DeMarchi has made notable contributions to film soundtracks through his roles as guitarist, producer, and songwriter with the bands and Alias, where his work has been licensed for cinematic use. A key example is the track "" by Alias, which DeMarchi co-produced with and Rick Neigher for the soundtrack of the 1991 comedy Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead, starring . Written by and Steven M. Krikorian, the song was recorded specifically for the film and appears as the second track on the official , contributing a melodic rock element to the movie's coming-of-age narrative. DeMarchi's guitar work with Sheriff also led to widespread licensing of their 1982 power ballad "When I'm With You," co-written by . The song was included on the for the 2001 comedy , where it underscores key emotional moments in the film's road-trip story. Further licensing extended "When I'm With You" to the 2007 Canadian ensemble comedy , enhancing scenes of romantic tension, and the 2011 hockey film Goon, where it amplifies the protagonist's personal growth amid sports action. These placements demonstrate the song's lasting appeal in films exploring themes of love and self-discovery. Up to 2025, DeMarchi's film involvement has centered on such song licensing and production credits rather than original scoring, with no additional composing roles for motion picture soundtracks identified.

Television and live performances

DeMarchi's early television exposure came in 1982 as the guitarist for the Canadian rock band , where he performed their eventual hit "When I'm With You" live on the nationwide broadcast An Evening at the Improv in . In 1990, following the formation of the supergroup Alias—which included DeMarchi on guitar alongside former Sheriff vocalist Freddy Curci and ex-Heart members—he appeared on several national television programs to promote the band's self-titled debut album. Notably, Alias delivered live performances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, including a rendition of "Waiting for Love," marking a significant U.S. broadcast milestone for the group. DeMarchi joined as a touring and in 1996, contributing to the band's extensive world tours through 2003 during their peak commercial era. He participated in major promotional efforts, including the Bury the Hatchet tour (1999–2000), documented in the live release Beneath the Skin – Live in , where he provided and harmonies on tracks like "Promises" and "Loud and Clear." The Loud and Clear World Tour highlighted this period, featuring high-profile stops such as the 1998 in , where shared the stage with artists like and , and a performance at the Vatican for an audience of 200,000 accompanied by an 85-piece orchestra. These tours encompassed acoustic sets reminiscent of the band's earlier style, emphasizing stripped-down arrangements of hits like "" and "Linger" in intimate television and live settings. In recognition of his contributions to music, DeMarchi was inducted into the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame on September 11, 2016, during a ceremony that celebrated his career spanning local venues to global stages.

References

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