Stonedead brings in Florence Black as Mason Hill frontman collapses

Stonedead Festival has announced a last-minute line-up change after Mason Hill frontman Scott Taylor’s collapsed following another festival appearance.

The singer fell ill after the band appeared at Firevolt Festival in Stockport last Saturday. He was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure.

He is now recovering but is resting under medical advice.

Stonedead have announced that Welsh rockers Florence Black will step into the breach.

Find tickets for Stonedead 2023

In a statement on social media, festival organisers said: “Unfortunately, we will no longer be joined by the fantastic Mason Hill next weekend for Stonedead 2023.

“We are absolutely gutted but we understand that, vocalist, Scott's health comes first right now and we wish him the best for a full recovery.”

“We hope that they will return to Newark in the near future.”

The statement continued: “But fear not – we have done some dealings with the devil and none other than Welsh rockers Florence Black have kindly agreed to step in at the last minute - we cannot thank them enough!”

Watch: Florence Black – ‘Start Again’

It added that the “full force power trio from Merthyr Tydfil” will be stepping up to the Stonedead stage “bringing their set packed with a punch to a field full of rockers”.

Stonedead continued: “The debut album ‘Weight of The World’ has received huge critical acclaim, climbing high in the charts and firmly placing them on the map, securing high profile support slots with the likes of Ugly Kid Joe, the Kris Barras Band and Steel Panther.

“In addition, European festival appearances landed them their biggest stadium shows in Frankfurt supporting German band Bohse Onkelz and an invitation back to join them again later in 2022, resulting in Florence Black commissioning their own sold out headline tour in the UK last October.

“We are excited to welcome the Welsh hard rockers to Newark and can’t wait to hear ‘Sun And Moon’ echo out across the arena this bank holiday.”

Watch: Mason Hill – ‘D.N.A.’

An official statement from Mason Hill said: “Mason Hill are deeply disappointed to announce their withdrawal from Stonedead Festival in Newark on Saturday 26 August.

“After their stunning performance at Firevolt Festival in Stockport last Saturday, lead singer Scott Taylor collapsed the following day and was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure. Scott is well and recovering but has received medical advice to take complete rest for 14 days, which unfortunately includes the planned performance at Stonedead.

“Mason Hill hope everyone attending Stonedead have a fantastic day and are determined to be back playing in front of such a great crowd in 2024.”

Stonedead Festival takes place Friday 25 – Saturday 26 August at the Newark Showground in Nottinghamshire.

Gallery: Stonedead 2022 in pictures

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