photo by Jon Wiederhorn
After years of looking up to thrash metal titans Metallica, San Francisco's second most popular thrash group, Machine Head, finally got the chance to open for Metallica on their lengthy Death Magnetic tour. It was, perhaps, the apex of the upward arc that's accompanied Machine Head's 2007 album The Blackening, but it wasn't the only highlight. Since they began touring for the disc, they've performed powerful headline shows, raised eyebrows at outdoor festivals, played direct support to Slipknot in Europe and partied their asses off wherever they went. But while Machine Head have made lots of new fans and friends, and experienced plenty of love onstage, behind the scenes the band has been on the edge of collapse. Click more to hear our podcast with frontman Robb Flynn, who explains what went wrong and what they're doing to fix the Machine. Read more...
For the second time this year, Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel has collapsed onstage while performing. This time, Demmel fainted during the second-to-last song of the band's set Friday night in Sheffield, England.
"After considering the seriousness of Phil’s health condition, we all feel that skipping these last two shows [in Antwerp, Belgium and Luxembourg] is the best thing to do," bassist Adam Duce said in a statement. "It’s a bummer to end this tour like this after doing nine amazing weeks and three continents with Slipknot, but getting Phil back to the States to get checked out is the most important thing right now. Our sincerest thanks to Slipknot and Children of Bodom for their support and understanding.We understand that it’s a big disappointment to the fans, and Phil is very sorry about it, but we all feel that his health and safety is most important at this time."
Click "more" for the rest of the story and to watch Machine Head perform Iron Maiden's "Hallowed Be Thy Name" live. Read more...
Phil Demmel, lead guitarist for Machine Head, has issued a statement about passing out onstage in Bristow, Virginia on August 17 during the band's Rockstar Energy Mayhem set.
"I've suffered from episodes of Cardiogenic Syncope for the last 17 years or so," Demmel said. "But [doctors] ran a series of tests that came up inconclusive. I hadn't had it happen for awhile until last December in Italy, when I passed out roughly about the time my father passed away back in the States. The incident in Virginia felt similar to what has happened in the past. I have to thank my techs Alan, Brian and good friend Chief for catching me." Read more...
