Machine Head Cancel Entire European Tour Due to Coronavirus
Machine Head have become the latest act to cancel an entire tour preemptively as the result of the coronavirus, joining Fleshgod Apocalypse’s announcement earlier today, and the largest metal band to do so in Europe.
Worldwide, 122,289 cases have been confirmed with 4,389 deaths, according to Worldometer. In the U.S., where the first case was detected only 10 days ago, there are already 1,016 confirmed cases and 31 deaths.
The band issued the following statement moments ago:
“It is with heavy heart that we must announce the postponement of our upcoming EU/UK tour in support of the 25th anniversary of Burn My Eyes.
“As residents of the Bay Area, we’ve been hit hard and have witnessed firsthand what has been going on. Public gatherings of more than 1000 have been banned in San Jose, and events in downtown San Francisco including major concerts and conferences have been shut down.
“We have been watching the situation overseas on a daily basis, in contact with all promoters, and local governments for the status of our concert there. As of a week ago, we had 6 concert cancelled until the 2nd week of April, due the banning of public gathering over 1,000 people (or in some cases 100 people). Even at that point, we still held out hope that things would be contained, and that the public gathering ordinances would be lifted but the time our tour started.
“As of today, we now have 14 shows cancelled until the first week of April, with 7 of them cancelled indefinitely. And it appears as of an hour ago, another 3 have been cancelled.
“15 minutes ago the World Health Organization just declared the Coronavirus a pandemic.
“Of paramount importance to us is the heath and safety of the Head Cases. We’ve worked hard with all our management, booking agents, and business associates to find other solutions or options, but the levels of risk to our audience and their communities is simply too high for our comfort level. In addition to that, we also have a unique group of extraordinarily passionate fans who travel from all over the continent to watch our shows. We are eternally humbled by the dedication and devotion of the Head Cases, however in this case, travel is something not recommended.
“So it is with deep frustration and regret that we are forced to make this announcements. The Burn My Eyes 25th anniversary tour is to be postponed and shows rescheduled for a later date, hopefully in the Fall, but possibly later.
“We look forward to our next concerts with you all, and the ability to publicly gather together and play raging heavy metal for you and vent all of our collective frustration, as a result of this insane moment in history, out in the circle pit.
“Stay safe, stay calm, and be well friends.
“- Robb and Machine Head”
Several bands have canceled tours of Asia, where the virus first appeared in humans, in the past couple of weeks, including Slipknot, Lacuna Coil and Trivium. The rest of the world has been following suit as contagion has slowly been spreading.
We will keep you apprised of the latest coronavirus developments as they impact the metal world, with more tour cancelations likely to come.
