The metal rockers of Atreyu are slated to head out on a European tour soon, but just ahead of their SlamDunk Festival appearance this weekend, vocalist Alex Varkatzas had to back out due to health issues.
“Wish I was coming to you with good news, I’ll try to keep it brief,” Varkatzas shared in a video posted to Instagram. “I will not be coming with Atreyu on the next European tour. They will be carrying on without me. This is because of health reasons and medical advice I received.”
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In a lengthy note accompanying the video, he wrote that he had “aggregated a ruptured disk” while the group was on their “Spring Invasion” tour with Motionless in White. The added complication of a hernia is forcing him to take time off, and he has an upcoming appointment that will discuss the possibility of hernia surgery before the group heads out on the new cross-country Rockstar Disrupt Festival tour.
“I’m terribly sorry & thank you for the faith in our band. a HUGE, I’m sorry to: Slam Dunk Fest, FortaRock, Rock Im Park, Rock Am Ring & the rest of the promoters,” he said. “Finally to anyone who was looking forward to see me perform with the band on this run. I know you are disappointed & all I can do is offer my sincerest apologies & fully explain the situation. Something I normally wouldn’t like to do. So there it is. I wish my brothers in Atreyu a safe & fun tour.”
For the time being, Atreyu’s other lead vocalist Brandon Saller will step in, along with the group’s bassist Marc McKnight.
“Catch my brothers kicking ass and taking names all across Europe this summer without me,” Varkatzas said. “Go check ’em out. Brandon’s gonna be up front, Marc’s gonna be doing some screams. It’s gonna be rippin’.”
Atreyu will appear at SlamDunk Festival in Leeds and Hatfield this weekend, followed by sets at Fryshuset, Fortarock, and Rock Im Park and Rock am Ring. They will also perform in Norway, Hungary, Germany, and the Czech Republic before heading back to the states to perform on various dates of Disrupt and anniversary shows for Vans Warped Tour.
Visit Ticket Club to find tickets to see Atreyu on tour this year
