Phil Demmel and Dave McClain To Leave Machine Head Following One Last Tour

In what can only be considered a shocking turn of events, Robb Flynn has taken to Facebook to announce that two of his three bandmates, guitarist Phil Demmel and drummer Dave McClain, have quit the group. Bassist Jared MacEachern’s status with the band is, according to Flynn, less clear.

“We have grown apart as people,” Flynn said during a FB live session. “Musically we’ve grown apart. I have held on too tight to the reins of this band and I have suffocated those guys.” Although Flynn has long been thought of as the driving creative force behind Machine Head, he has nothing but complimentary things to say about his soon-to-be-former bandmates.

Flynn goes on to say that the band’s upcoming tour will proceed as scheduled, with Demmel, McClain, and MacEachern all still part of the band. Flynn calls the tour a “celebration” of “this era of music” and “what may be the best era of Machine Head ever, and may be the best line-up that this band ever has.” Flynn also says that he doesn’t know what the future holds.

More as the story continues to develop. In the meantime, we’re giving away tickets to the whole tour. Enter here.