Drummer Shaun Foist has made the difficult decision to step down from touring with multi-platinum hard rockers Breaking Benjamin. Foist‘s decision came about in response to suffering from the symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease, a progressive autoimmune disease that has affected his ability to perform with the band. As he explained in the below statement issued earlier today, August 28th, he has been battling those symptoms since 2017 and he hopes to eventually return after getting a handle on his health.
Breaking Benjamin won’t be missing any dates of their immediate touring in light of the lineup change, having recruited Asking Alexandria‘s James Cassells to take over behind the kit in what appears to be a persistent role. Foist stated:
“Friends, family, and most importantly, the fans—
I’ve battled Hashimoto’s disease since 2017, facing fatigue, leg weakness, stiffness, weight changes, and overall drum playing control issues. During the ‘Awaken The Fallen‘ tour, I was experiencing extreme leg fatigue and complications, making drumming nearly impossible. we ran tests on my back that came out fine thankfully, but tests confirmed Hashimoto’s had flared, pushing my thyroid into “hyper” mode, causing weakness and weight loss.
After speaking with my family and doctors, I’ve decided to step away from the road at this time to focus on healing. Please continue supporting the band and enjoying the shows. I care deeply about our legacy, and I don’t want my health to affect performances. Thank you for the years of love and support.
I will play drums again.”
Cassells said of his new role:
“Still wrapping my head around this… I’m beyond stoked to announce that I’ll be hitting the road with Breaking Benjamin this fall and moving forward. They’ve shaped so much of who I am as a musician, and their impact on rock music speaks for itself.
It’s a huge honor to be part of this, and I can’t wait to get out there and play for you all. Let’s go.”
Cassells still lists himself as the drummer for Asking Alexandria on his social media and confirmed he’ll at least be performing with that band at this year’s ‘When We Were Young‘ festival in Las Vegas. Asking Alexandria have most recently been touring with Pablo Viveros (ex-Chelsea Grin, etc.) behind the drum kit in place of Cassells.
Breaking Benjamin with Three Days Grace & Return To Dust:
08/29 Ridgedale, MO – Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
08/30 Pryor, OK – Rocklahoma
09/01 Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
09/03 Austin, TX – Moody Center
09/06 Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
09/08 Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
09/10 Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
09/11 Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
09/13 Scranton, PA – The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
09/14 Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
09/17 Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
09/19 Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life
09/20 Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
09/21 Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life
09/23 Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena
09/25 Englewood, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
09/27 Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
09/30 Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
10/01 Ridgefield, WA – Cascades Amphitheater
10/03 Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center
10/06 Ontario, CA – Toyota Arena
10/08 Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena
10/10 Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
10/12 Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater
