MACHINE HEAD Drummer To Rejoin Bandmates Tomorrow

February 14, 2008

San Francisco Bay Area metallers MACHINE HEAD have issued the following statement:

"The MACHINE HEAD family wishes to extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to the McClain family for the tragic loss of Dave's mother, Mary Douglas. Dave was on the first flight to San Antonio, Texas yesterday so that he could be there with his sister. The resulting circumstances understandably but unfortunately forced the band to cancel Tuesday night's [February 12] performance on late notice, and MACHINE HEAD would like to sincerely thank all of the fans in Green Bay, Wisconsin for their understanding. The band were, however, able to perform tonight (Wednesday night),in La Crosse, WI, once again with the amazing help of their metal brothers, as Mark Castillo from BURY YOUR DEAD, Robb Rivera from NONPOINT and Vinnie Paul from HELLYEAH all stepped up to help MACHINE HEAD perform. Mark Castillo played drums on 'Imperium', 'Now I Lay Thee Down' and 'Davidian', Robb Rivera played drums on 'Aesthetics of Hate' and 'Old', and Vinnie Paul played drums on 'Halo'."

Says vocalist Robb Flynn, "Having just went through a similar situation not two months ago, it's really a testament to metal, to see guys and their crews come together like this for another comrade in need... they really fucking brought it tonight for Dave!" Adds guitarist Phil Demmel, "We'd like to thank our friends who filled in admirably in Dave's absence, on four hours notice they learned the songs and gave La Crosse a serious ass-kicking".

Dave McClain will rejoin his bandmates for the Davenport, Iowa show this Friday, February 15, and wishes to extend his sincerest apologies to the fans of Green Bay and La Crosse; he was incredibly moved by the support and wishes from everyone there.

A photo of Dave with his mother can be viewed at this location.

MACHINE HEAD guitarist Phil Demmel sat out several dates on the band's European tour in December due to the death of his father. He eventually rejoined his bandmates for the final show of "The Black Crusade" trek on December 14 in Helsinki, Finland.

MACHINE HEAD garnered the first Grammy nomination of its career for "Aesthetics of Hate", a monstrous track from the critically hailed album "The Blackening", released in March 2007. The song was nominated for "Best Metal Performance" (SLAYER eventually won the award for "The Final Six").

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