With A Vengeance have added another ex-member of Bad Wolves to their lineup. Kevin Creekman will now be joining the group on bass. This news comes as the band are preparing to release their new album, “Born To Survive,” on October 30.
The band issued the following statement:
“With a Vengeance is proud to announce that former Bad Wolves bassist Kevin Creekman has officially joined the band as a full-time member as the band prepares for new music and an extensive international touring schedule.
Kevin is a Swiss-born, German-raised musician, model, actor, and social media personality whose health and wellness transformation and creative work have inspired millions. Prior to joining With a Vengeance, he toured the U.S. and Europe with Peyton Parrish, Tommy Vext’s 2021 U.S. headlining solo tour, and most recently played bass with Bad Wolves.
With Kevin joining as a full-time member, Xander Raymond Charles returns to his natural role on guitar alongside Chris Cain, restoring the band’s three-guitar lineup for the upcoming album cycle and world tour.
This change comes as Angel Vivaldi continues to focus on ongoing health matters while dedicating his time to completing his forthcoming solo album, his top creative priority.”
Frontman Tommy Vext added:
“Angel is one of the most gifted players in the world and, more importantly, a great friend. We fully support him as he focuses on his health and finishes the record he’s passionate about. He’s always part of this family, and we’d welcome him back with open arms.
Kevin has been part of my musical journey for years. I’ve watched him transform his life through discipline, perseverance, and hard work. He’s an outstanding musician and a world-class performer. We’re thrilled to have him in as a full-time member.”
Backbiter have pulled out of their North American tour with Crown Magnetar, To The Grave, and Face Yourself. The band issued the following statement:
“We will be dropping the rest of our run with Crown Magnetar, To The Grave, and Face Yourself. Due to unfortunate mental and physical health concerns amongst the band, we have to do the right thing and prioritize that above anything else. We’re sorry to everyone that planned on seeing us on this run. Thank you so much to the bands and to sound talent for this opportunity. Sorry.”
New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert has sadly passed away at the age 45. This news comes amid his lengthy battle with cancer.
The following statement was issued:
“On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep. He left this world surrounded by friends and family and took his final breaths with his wife and mother by his side, just as he wished. We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went. The amount of visitors that crowded the hospital lobby at a moment’s notice is a testament to how beloved and cherished Chad was, and always will be. He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.
‘Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades. Through more than a dozen albums, endless tours around the world, and more accolades than we ever could have imagined, Chad challenged all of us to grow as musicians, performers, and human beings. While we are devastated to lose him, we are so grateful for the incredible life he lived, the memories we shared, and the brotherhood we had. His influence will always be part of New Found Glory and his spirit will be felt on every stage we stand on, with every note we play.’
Rest in peace, Chad. We love you forever ❤️
Lisa, Jordan, Ian, Cyrus, and Dan”
DragonForce’s Marc Hudson is “stepping back” from the band “due to an ongoing issue with tinnitus.” The singer will be replaced by Alessio Garavello.
DragonForce commented:
“Due to an ongoing issue with tinnitus, Marc Hudson is stepping back from DragonForce music duties for now including the forthcoming album and touring plans in 2026/2027. In the meantime, he’ll still very much be involved with DRAGONFORCE behind the scenes, working with the band’s management on some exciting stuff you’ll start seeing later this year!
Joining us for the next chapter is our longtime friend and Marc’s former vocal coach, Alessio Garavello. He will be handing the male vocals supporting frontwoman Alissa White-Gluz.
DragonForce’s forthcoming album will feature a dual-vocals format, with new songs dropping starting next week.”
Guitarist Herman Li continued:
“For the last fifteen years, Marc has poured his heart into this band, and his voice has become such a huge part of who we are. Protecting his hearing isn’t something we’d ever ask him to compromise on. We’d much rather have him healthy and with us for the long haul than push through now and risk that. He’s still in the room with us every day, just wearing a different hat, and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
Guitarist Sam Totman added:
“When we started talking about who could step in, there was really only one name on the list. Alessio has been part of our story longer than most people realize. He helped shape Marc’s voice in the first place, so he understands these songs from the inside. But he’s not here to be anyone but himself, and he brings his own warmth and energy to everything he sings. Hearing him on the new material has lit a real spark in all of us, and we think you’re going to love him as much as we do.”
Forbidden bassist Matt Camacho and drummer Chris Kontos will be sitting out the band’s upcoming U.S. tour. During their absences, bassist Avery Thurman and drummer Eli Lucas will be filling in.
Forbidden said the following:
“Hello, Forbidden People. We’re letting you all know that Matt & Chris unfortunately can’t be a part of our upcoming US tour with Heathen & Void, starting on October 23rd. They both have personal reasons that they can’t make this trip. Please respect their privacy as we do and support their decision.
That being said, they’re both planning on being back in the fold in 2027, as we have a full slate of touring coming up to support our first new album in 16 years — a record that both Chris & Matt are a part of and made amazing contributions to.
We’ve already been preparing/rehearsing the set for the last few weeks with Eli Lucas (drums) & Avery Thurman (bass). Both of these guys are absolutely insane musicians in their own right. Eli was the runner-up as Forbidden’s drummer during our international search back in 2011. He barely missed the cut by a whisker to Sasha Horn, simply because Eli was a little too young & inexperienced at the time. Since then, he’s gained a reputation as one of the Bay Area’s best drummers. Avery is being borrowed from the legendary Blind Illusion for this tour. He’s a 21-year-old bass prodigy who’s been quickly making a name for himself with his insane technique & raging stage presence. Both of them have no shortage of energy & musical prowess. We’re ecstatic to have them aboard for the tour, with the blessings of both Matt & Chris.
We’re working on a set spanning most of our history, revolving around 18 songs that we can pull in & out each night.
See you out there on tour starting October 23rd at The Usual Place in Las Vegas.”
Camacho also commented:
“There is nothing more satisfying than playing for Forbidden fans, which is why it pains me, due to circumstances out of my control, that I will miss the upcoming US tour.
I want to thank Avery Thurman from Blind Illusion for stepping in for me, and thank Team Forbidden for understanding.
This is the first tour I will miss since 1987, and I’ll be super excited to rejoin my brothers in 2027.
HORNS UP!!!! You’re in good hands. This lineup is insane!”
Kontos added:
“Hey everyone, I wanted to share that I will not be able to join Forbidden on the upcoming US tour. It all comes down to some very important family and personal commitments, as well as timing that just doesn’t line up right now.
I’m really bummed to miss it because I was looking forward to hitting the road with the band and crew and seeing all of you out there.
Thank you so much for your understanding and support. Please show my replacement, Eli Lucas, the same respect and support you would show me. Eli is a fantastic drummer who will certainly deliver an outstanding performance on this tour.
I’m hoping I’ll have another chance to tour down the line and see you all again.”
Papa Roach have cancelled their set at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, KY due to a medical emergency involving bassist Tobin Esperance. The band issued the following statement:
“After careful consideration and advice from medical professionals, Papa Roach bassist Tobin Esperance will be unable to perform this weekend due to an unexpected emergency. Therefore, we will not be able to perform at this year’s Louder Than Life Festival, and wish everyone the best. Right now, Tobin‘s health is our immediate concern. We look forward to welcoming him back on stage in November and appreciate the continued support and respect for his privacy during this time.”
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