Bad Wolves’ Tommy Vext Recovering From ‘Severe Viral Bronchial Infection’ in U.K. Hospital [Update]
Update: Vext will not appear at tonight's show in Birmingham. However, the band will play with As Lions' Austin Dickinson and Bang Bang Romeo's Stars stepping in on vocals for the band. Vext said in a statement: “Life is unpredictable. If anyone knows this, it’s me. More often than not, the universe throws a wrench in the best laid plans. This is our first trip to play shows in Europe as a band. Nothing could prepare us for the excitement and gratitude we felt for the opportunity to come over and play for the UK and EU fans who have waited so
long to see us. So imagine my disappointment when a few days ago I began feeling ill to the point I knew something was wrong enough that I had to seek medical treatment - and to accept the doctors’ advice that I not play the show in Birmingham. But as the old adage goes, “the show must go on” and luckily I have a lot of people in my life who love and support me and my band. On a moment’s notice, Stars from the Doncaster band Bang Bang Romeo and Austin Dickinson from London based As Lions agreed to learn the set list in under 24 hours, travel to Birmingham and play the show for no money, just because they believe in us and because they know we would do the same for them. I certainly understand this sentiment. I had to fill in as the vocalist for Five Finger Death Punch on several occasions. It is not easy to sit the Birmingham show out. But this is bigger than just me. It's about the fans and about our commitment to Three Days Grace. As I lie here, wishing I were feeling better, those thoughts of pity are overshadowed completely by my sense of wonder at the kindness and generosity of the human spirit and the power of music to bring people together. Thank you for all the support - I’ll be back asap, in bigger, better fighting shape. I would personally like to thank the NHS and all the doctors and nurses who assisted me for their amazing service.”
The current slate of Bad Wolves' European tour dates are in jeopardy as frontman Tommy Vext is laid up in a U.K. hospital with a "severe viral bronchial infection." He's currently awaiting word on whether he will be able to make tonight's show at the O2 Institute in Birmingham.
"Dear friends, Thank you for all your messages and concerns," Vext says in a message posted today (Oct. 4) to his official Instagram page, which can be seen below. "Unfortunately I’ve been hospitalized for the past two days recovering at Queens Medical Center in Nottingham. After many tests doctors determined I have a severe viral bronchial infection. Very similar to symptoms to pneumonia with dangerously high fever and heart arrhythmia. I am awaiting updates to see if I can be discharged and return to tour today. Please stay tuned to @badwolvesofficial and thank you for all your well wishes and positive vibes."
Bad Wolves' European run with Three Days Grace began this past Monday (Oct. 1), and it appears Vext entered Queens Medical Centre following Tuesday's show in Nottingham.
Recently, Bad Wolves started an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign to raise money to shoot a documentary, asking their fans to contribute and capture an uncensored look into the band’s life on the road. The film, Breaking the Band, is described as an “uncensored peek into the meteoric rise from an unknown band to multi-platinum status within six months.” To date, the band has raised just under $15,000, which is about 23% of their goal of $65,000.
Bad Wolves scored a huge hit earlier this year with their cover of The Cranberries’ classic “Zombie,” which was the first rock song to go platinum in 2018. Following the current European run, they will be back in North America for a string of shows beginning Nov. 6 in Wichita, Kans. See all their tour dates here.
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