Today in Sick Metal Dudes: Voivod’s Denis “Snake” Bélanger and Overkill’s Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth

The past week has not been a healthy one for metal musicians. Meshuggah’s Jens Kidman fell ill and had to miss the first several shows of the band’s tour with Animals as Leaders and Intronaut while the band played on without him, and that was just the beginning: the frontmen of both Voivod and Overkill have fallen ill forcing their bands to cancel shows.

Voivod frontman Denis “Snake” Bélanger has diverticulitis, an inflammation of intestinal pouches, and will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks while he heals up from a corrective procedure. All of the band’s SXSW appearances have been canceled, but the Santiago, Chile MetalFest appearance in April will go on as planned.

Overkill frontman Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth isn’t doing so well either: he’s been diagnosed with “walking pneumonia” and has been advised to rest until it clears up. According to the band’s Facebook page they had to cancel their appearance with Testament this past Friday night on Long Island, but we haven’t gotten any word yet as to whether the band played Saturday or Sunday in Worcester and Buffalo (we’d assume not).

One bit of good news: Jens Kidman felt well enough to perform most of Meshuggah’s set with the band in NYC on Friday night. He sounded a bit horse, but performed quite well all things considered. The band, of course, killed it.

We’re not sure what’s going around, but it ain’t good, and we wish Snake and Bobby Blitz a speedy recovery. Remember to wash those hands, boys and girls!