Bad Wolves singer Tommy Vext hospitalised on UK tour, guest vocalists stand in for him
He took ill in Nottingham
Bad Wolves singer Tommy Vext has taken ill during the band’s UK tour and is currently recovering in hospital.
Tommy was taken to hospital with an unspecified illness after the band’s second UK tour date with Three Days Grace at Nottingham Rock City on Tuesday night (2nd October).
Testament to the rock n’ roll spirit, Tommy called on the help of his Eleven Seven Label Group family and As Lions vocalist (and son of Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson) Austin Dickinson and power vocalist Stars of Bang Bang Romeo agreed to step in at the eleventh hour so their show at Birmingham O2 Institute could go ahead last night (4th October).
Fortunately, Tommy is on the mend and he is hoping to leave hospital today - if he’s permitted - and join Bad Wolves for their remaining tour dates.
Tommy comments: “Life is unpredictable. If anyone knows this, it’s me. More often than not, the universe throws a wrench in the best laid plans.
This is our first trip to play shows in Europe as a band. Nothing could prepare us for the excitement and gratitude we felt for the opportunity to come over and play for the UK and EU fans who have waited so long to see us. So imagine my disappointment when a few days ago I began feeling ill to the point I knew something was wrong enough that I had to seek medical treatment - and to accept the doctors’ advice that I not play the show in Birmingham.
“But as the old adage goes, “the show must go on” and luckily I have a lot of people in my life who love and support me and my band. On a moment’s notice, Stars from the Doncaster band Bang Bang Romeo and Austin Dickinson from London based As Lions agreed to learn the set list in under 24 hours, travel to Birmingham and play the show for no money, just because they believe in us and because they know we would do the same for them. I certainly understand this sentiment. I had to fill in as the vocalist for Five Finger Death Punch on several occasions.
“It is not easy to sit the Birmingham show out. But this is bigger than just me. It's about the fans and about our commitment to Three Days Grace. As I lie here, wishing I were feeling better, those thoughts of pity are overshadowed completely by my sense of wonder at the kindness and generosity of the human spirit and the power of music to bring people together. Thank you for all the support - I’ll be back asap, in bigger, better fighting shape. I would personally like to thank the NHS and all the doctors and nurses who assisted me for their amazing service.”
Stars from Bang Bang Romeo said: “I’m sending all my love to Tommy, it’s an honour to stand in for our Bad Wolves Eleven Seven label brothers, I wish it could be under different circumstances, but I’ll do all I can to make the band and Tommy proud. Rest Brother. Does this mean I’m in the Wolf Pack now?”
Austin Dickinson of As Lions added: “When Tommy called me I thought he was a joking but as it turns he needed a brother to lend a hand. So here we are doing for Tommy what he’s done for many others. He owes me now and I will wait until I get ill in Siberia to ask him to return the favour”.
Bad Wolves’ tour continues at Bristol St Philips Gate tonight and calls in at London, Glasgow and Manchester before hitting mainland Europe.