Metal Anarchy

As previously reported, Arch Enemy vocalist Alissa White-Gluz recently missed the band’s show in Tijuana, Mexico due to illness. Now, she has since revealed that she contracted a serious bacterial infection and that she was suffering from “the most pain [she has] ever experienced.”

White-Gluz said the following:

“Mexico – I you!

I am seriously blown away by this country. The nature is diverse and gorgeous; the people are warm, friendly, funny, creative and welcoming; the history is fascinating; the architecture is jaw-dropping; the rich culture of music and art is full of colour and beauty; the food is incredible (every city is like a vegan paradise)… I could go on.

Thank you so much for your understanding and well-wishes. I feel extremely guilty that I cannot give a normal show because you guys absolutely deserve it. I insisted that we should reschedule but that was apparently not possible. This might be TMI but since the news is out already I just want these amazing fans in Mexico to know how serious this was and that it absolutely is killing me to not be able to give you 100%.

Trust me – I have broken my ribs on stage and not missed a show, I have performed through bronchitis, complete laryngitis that took months to heal – everything. This is different.

I had a doctor come to my hotel bed two days in a row and she said “she is experiencing a total collapse.“

My body is so exhausted that I have a hard time walking.
I’m confused.
Dizzy.
Shaking.

A bacterial infection lodged in my ears and then aggressively spread to all the soft tissues of my upper body. Ears, eyes, throat, lungs, nose… I had pus leaking out of my EYES. Blood leaking out of my nose. I was freezing and sweating simultaneously and had a fever of 102F for over a week. And yes, I did several shows in this state.
I was going into shock.

It was an infection that was probably lingering for a long time and finally started winning- my body was losing and it was happening quickly. I think if I didn’t get the antibiotics when I did I would be hospitalized or dead right now.

I have never experienced a more scary medical situation before in my life. This is also the most pain I have ever experienced and I have a very high pain tolerance (like most women).

I can feel the love from you guys and it is honestly helping me heal. Thank you for your smiling faces in the crowd – they really do cheer me up.

It will be several weeks or months before I fully recover but when I do – I am demanding that we come back here so I can give you guys the best concert of your lives. Seriously – I have fallen in love with you, Mexico, and I WILL be back to give you 1000% AWG.“