MACHINE HEAD Guitarist DEMMEL Thanks Fans For Their Concern

August 20, 2008

MACHINE HEAD guitarist Phil Demmel collapsed on stage during the band's second-to-last song Sunday night (August 17) at the Nissan Pavilion in Bristow, Virginia (where the band was performing as part of the Rockstar Mayhem Energy Festival tour). Demmel was severely dehydrated and had mentioned several times to his tech that he felt lightheaded during the show.

He has since issued the following update on his condition: "I first and foremost would have to apologize to the fans who didn't get to see a full set from MACHINE HEAD. You're the reason we're out there and I'm sincerely sorry for taking that from you. Secondly, I've suffered from episodes of Cardiogenic Syncope for the last 17 years or so. Ran a series of tests that came up inconclusive. I hadn't had it happen for awhile until last December in Italy, when I passed out roughly about the time my father passed away back in the states. The incident in VA felt similar to what has happened in the past. I have to thank my techs Alan, Brian and good friend Chief for catching me. Today is the last day of the Mayhem Festival and I will be seeing my specialist within the week. I appreciate all the concern from all my family, friends and fans that has been expressed."

Danny from Rock Scarz magazine recently conducted an interview with Phil Demmel. Watch the eight-minute chat below.

MACHINE HEAD's new video, "Halo", can be viewed at this location. The clip, which was filmed on April 3 in San Francisco with director Mike Sloat ("Aesthetics of Hate", "Imperium", "Days Turn Blue to Gray"),was shot entirely in front of a green screen, and the footage was all digitally manipulated to mimic the style of the artwork from the packaging for MACHINE HEAD's new album "The Blackening".

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").

MACHINE HEAD will support SLIPKNOT on a European tour this fall. Also scheduled to appear on the bill is CHILDREN OF BODOM.

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