Guitarist/vocalist Reece Scruggs has announced his exit from Machine Head. The end of his tenure in that outfit follows him having to sit out touring with the band in the past to be with his father, who at the time was battling lung cancer.
Scruggs said that his time in Machine Head has recently ended on a positive note, with he and the band’s vocalist/guitarist Robb Flynn capping off their run together at a football game. Scruggs issued the below statement on the matter yesterday, October 21st:
“What an absolute blast. What a gift. Despite the score I had the time of my life and I could not be more grateful for the experience. It was a blast hanging with everyone at the Niner tailgate. Great food, plenty of drinks, and top notch hangs. I was blown away how friendly everyone was.
This trip was more than just about a football game though. The last time I was face to face with Robb we were in a Starbucks in Mexico City and I was sobbing my eyes out about my dad’s diagnosis. I told him I had to go home and be with him. I had Robb’s support and understanding before I could get the words out. And though I had the support from him and the MH crew, it was a really shitty, somber, and dark tone to end on.
Fast forward to just a few weeks ago and Robb gives me the opportunity to fly out, go to the game, and put an end to my chapter in MH on a positive note. Being an actual member, touring the world, and releasing a record with Machine Head</b. is a badge of honor I will carry with me forever, and the band and crew will always have my support.
The Robb Flynn I got to know is the kind of guy who listened to me. Understood me. Pushed me. Encouraged me. Robb Flynn had my back and supported me in the darkest time in my life. I’m so grateful for him giving me the opportunity to shake his hand and tell him thank you. It meant the world. An absolute class act.
And with that, a chapter has ended. Time to turn the page.”
Scruggs, a veteran of Havok as well, has more recently been pursuing a new band dubbed Burning Hammer. That outfit have been finishing up their debut album for Nefarious Industries. Burning Hammer finds him joined by bassist Noah Martin (Arsis, etc.) and drummer Stefen Burns (Monolith). You can check out their single “Rabid Lycanthropy” below.
