It's no secret that Dez Fafara damn near died from COVID – it's the reason Coal Chamber even got around to talking again. Unfortunately Fafara's struggles with the ailment aren't over, as DevilDriver has had to pull out of Bloodstock due to COVID-related heart issues. Fafara later added that the reason for the delayed cancellation was due to being on a tour bus, and the email to Bloodstock organizers not going through.
"Hello Bloodstockers, this is Dez from DevilDriver.
"In 2021, I came down with Covid which left me with heart problems. I had to live downstairs in my house, as I could barely walk more than a few feet without collapsing. I, in fact was saying goodbye to my family at the time and didn't think I would pull through.
"I took 2022 off and very slowly started to walk one block, then two blocks, and had to fight my way back very hard – it took me 14 months to get to a point where I could perform again on stage.
"My cardiologist (who saved my life) has asked me to not take any long flights this year at all as we monitor the situation. It has been a very long road for myself and my family, but am returning to form. Even on tour [in the U.S.] now with DevilDriver, I must do the show, then go straight to my bunk to rest, as I still have inflammation in my lower heart and it's that what's preventing me from taking flights overseas. So it is with the heaviest of hearts that DevilDriver must pull down our long awaited Bloodstock performance. I am sorry if this causes any inconvenience and I hope within the next 12-24 months to get the all clear from my doctor to fly and tour overseas.
"I want you all to know it's thinking about touring, being on stage again, and playing music that's actually helped me to survive this. I love you all please be good to each other and I'm grateful for any prayers you can send our way as they will certainly be well received. We certainly would not be pulling out had health not come into play.
"We sent Bloodstock a mail regarding this a little ago, but due to us being on a tour bus, we have now realized it went to our outbox and had not sent, so that's where the confusion is with Coal Chamber announcing US shows at that time. We see Bloodstock as extended family to us and feel horrible our mail didn't get sent.
"Stay blessed, Dez Fafara."
In semi-related news, Nonpoint has also dropped off Bloodstock, though the festival did not publish a statement detailing why. On 's cancellation, organizers offered the following comment.
"Putting on a festival involves a lot of moving parts, and we are as disappointed and frustrated as you when things crop up which we have no control over – after all, we want to deliver the very best possible festival for you and work hard year round to curate an excellent line-up. Rest assured, we are already working diligently to bring in additional bands, and will announce those in due course.
"In the interim, Dez from DevilDriver has asked us to share the following message; we wish Dez all the best with his continuing recovery."
