Machine Head guitarist Reece Scruggs has opted to sit out the group’s summer European and UK tour for personal reasons.
Scruggs had the following to say:
“With the support and understanding of Robb [Flynn], the band, and management I’ve chosen to get off the road and step away for a while to be with my family.
To be transparent, my father was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. I’ve sacrificed a lot in pursuit of my music career over the years. When I received this news I knew I had to make a sacrifice in favor of my family. I can’t possibly describe the appreciation I have for Robb and the MH camp for not batting an eye when I expressed my want to be at home during this difficult time.”
Filling in for Scruggs on most of the shows will be Decapitated (and ex-Machine Head) guitarist Waclaw Kieltyka, with Zack Ohren taking his spot on select dates.
Machine Head commented:
“Reece has our absolute support and we know full well that the Head Cases around the world share our sentiments. We ask that both fans, peers, and media please respect his privacy during this challenging time.
“Joining us to fill in this massive void for the lion’s share of the upcoming shows will be good friend (and former bandmate), ‘Vogg’ Waclaw Kieltyka, alongside long-time producer, collaborator, and Darkness Everywhere member Zack Ohren on select dates where/when Vogg’s band Decapitated is already scheduled to perform.”