The heavy metal band Godsmack had to postpone their upcoming European tour after their guitarist had a tragic family loss.
Guitarist Tony Rombola’s son Joe Fay unexpectedly died last week. Vocalist/guitarist Sully Erna released a statement on behalf of Tony and his wife Sue to inform fans worldwide of Rombola’s loss, stating that it is a loss “no parent should ever have to endure.”
“Tony and Sue’s son Joe Fay passed away last week, unexpectedly, at the young age of 34,” he said in a statement. “He was one of the kindest and most humble guys I had ever met. Most importantly, he was a FAN, just like all of you. He literally lived the success of Godsmack through his Dad. He was always so excited and proud just to be around all of us, and we will all miss him deeply.
“As we await more information on how this happened, we humbly ask that you respect Tony and his family’s privacy as they take time to process this and heal.”
The tour, which was supposed to kick-off on October 29 in Stockholm, would have followed the band’s U.S. tour with Shinedown this past summer. They were due to make stops in Norway, Denmark, UK, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Poland, and Austria before wrapping-up in Hungary late November.
Erna said that the band will come back “bigger and stronger” in 2019 and will honor all of the tour dates throughout Europe. The group is touring in support of their 2018 LP When Legends Rise, which includes singles “Bulletproof” and “When Legends Rise.” The record is their first in four years, following 2014’s 1000hp.
Earlier this year, Erna explained that the new album was “just about evolving as a songwriter.”
“I wanted to stretch my wings even further, to use all of the experiences I’ve had writing different types of music over the years and apply that to finding a way to introduce a newer, fresher, more mature sound, while still maintaining the power of Godsmack,” he said.
