Machine Head guitarist/vocalist Reece Scruggs has been forced to sit out the band’s immediate touring across Europe and the UK to assist his father in the latter’s battle with lung cancer. A statement issued by Scruggs and the band yesterdaym June 20th, revealed the news, while also confirming that former Machine Head guitarist Waclaw “Vogg” Kieltyka (of Decapitated) and producer Zack Ohren (Darkness Everywhere) will be stepping in on select dates.
“It is with heavy hearts that Machine Head must announce that our bandmate and brother Reece Scruggs will not be with us on our upcoming European / UK festival and headline run. His family at home needs him and we want him to be there with them. Reece would like to share the following:
“With the support and understanding of Robb, the band, and management I’ve chosen to get off the road and step away for a while to be with my family.
To be transparent, my father was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. I’ve sacrificed a lot in pursuit of my music career over the years. When I received this news I knew I had to make a sacrifice in favor of my family. I can’t possibly describe the appreciation I have for Robb and the MH camp for not batting an eye when I expressed my want to be at home during this difficult time.”
– Reece
Reece has our absolute support and we know full well that the Head Cases around the world share our sentiments. We ask that both fans, peers, and media please respect his privacy during this challenging time.
Joining us to fill in this massive void for the lion’s share of the upcoming shows will be good friend (and former bandmate), “Vogg” Waclaw Kieltyka, alongside long-time producer, collaborator, and Darkness Everywhere member Zack Ohren on select dates where/when Vogg’s band Decapitated is already scheduled to perform.
– Machine Head“
The dates for Machine Head‘s summer European/UK tour can be found below:
06/28 Oslo, NOR – Tons of Rock
07/01 Helsinki, FIN – Jaahallille (feat. Fleshgod Apocalypse)
07/03 Athina, GRE – Floyd
07/05 Sariyer, TUR – Headbanger’s Weekend
07/22 Linz, AUT – Posthof
07/24 Budapest, HUN – Barba Negra (feat. Fear Factory)
07/28 Thessaloniki, GRE – Soul Open Air (feat. Fear Factory)
07/30 Brasov, ROM – Rockstadt Extreme Fest
08/01 Lobnitz, GER – Full Rewind
08/02 Wacken, GER – Wacken Open Air
08/04 Katowice, POL – MCK (feat. Fear Factory & Frayle)
08/06 Zurich, SWI – Volkshaus
08/09 Walton-On-Trent, UK – Bloodstock Open Air
08/10 Kortijk, BEL – Alcatraz Festival
08/12 Luxembourg, LUX – Den Atelier (feat. The Halo Effect)
08/13 Arnhem, NET – Musis (feat. Diggeth)
08/15 Sulingen, GER – Reload Festival
08/16 Dinkelsbuhl, GER – Summer Breeze Open Air
08/17 Carhaix, FRA – Motocultor
