Melvins drummer Dale Crover will not be behind the kit on the band’s upcoming tour with Boris, as he is undergoing emergency spinal surgery. Filling in will be Coady Willis, who has played in the band on their two-drummer tours. Here’s the full statement from Melvins:
WE ARE SAD TO ANNOUNCE THAT LITERALLY DAYS BEFORE LEAVING ON TOUR, OUR DRUMMER DALE CROVER LEARNED HE NEEDED IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY SPINAL SURGERY WHICH WILL TAKE HIM OUT OF COMMISSION FOR MONTHS. HE’S DOING AS WELL AS CAN BE EXPECTED CONSIDERING THE SEVERITY OF THE SITUATION.
THE ONE STROKE OF LUCK IN ALL THIS WAS THAT COADY WILLIS — PART OF THE MELVINS’ FAMILY FOR 8+ YEARS, WHO LITERALLY TRAINED IN SITTING BY DALE’S SIDE ON TOO MANY TOURS TO COUNT — IS ABLE TO STEP IN AND TAKE OVER ON DRUMS.
WITH MR. PHYLZZZ ALREADY ON THE ROAD HEADING TO L.A. FROM CHICAGO AND BORIS FLYING IN FROM JAPAN, WE ALL FELT WE NEEDED TO SUPPORT DALE AND THE OTHER BANDS ON THE BILL, AS WELL AS THE TICKET HOLDERS, BY CONTINUING WITH THE TOUR AS SCHEDULED.
WE ASK EVERYONE’S SOLIDARITY DURING THIS DARK TIME. OBVIOUSLY, OUR PRIMARY CONCERN RIGHT NOW IS DALE’S HEALTH, AND WE’RE DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE ON OUR END TO MAKE SURE HE GETS WHAT HE NEEDS TO MAKE A FULL RECOVERY.
We’re hoping for a full recovery as well — get better soon, Dave!
The Melvins and Boris’ tour, which is also with Mr Phylzzz and starts August 24 in Los Angeles, hits NYC for Desertfest at Knockdown Center on September 16.
Pick up limited red/blue vinyl variants of Gluey Porch Treatments and Bullhead, each with reimagined cover art by Mackie Osborne and limited to 250 copies, in the BV store.