Machine Head Guitarist Reece Scruggs to Miss Summer European and UK Tour

It sucks to say that Machine Head guitarist Reece Scruggs is sitting out the band’s upcoming summer European and UK tour. He’s got a more than good reason, but of course he will be missed.

The band announced it in a post of support, which included statements from the band and Scruggs himself. Machine Head also let us know who will be filling in for Scruggs for most of the shows, which will be guitarist Waclaw Kieltyka (Decapitated, ex-Machine Head), with Zack Ohren filling in on select dates. Here’s how they started the statement on Instagram:

“Head Cases, leave Reece some love in the comments.‍???? It is with heavy hearts that Machine Head must announce that our bandmate and brother Reece Scruggs will not be with us on our upcoming European / UK festival and headline run. His family at home needs him and we want him to be there with them. Reece would like to share the following:”

This is where Reece’s statement comes in:

“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.”

Machine Head’s statement read as follows:

“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.”

A GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to help with Reece’s father’s medical and living expenses can be found here.

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