DevilDriver have reluctantly withdrawn from this year’s Bloodstock Festival because, as revealed in a statement from frontman Dez Fafara, a doctor is advising the singer against flying overseas as he still contends with prolonged heart issues stemming from a bout with COVID back in 2021.
In an interview with Radioactive Mike Z earlier this month, Fafara outlined just how serious his COVID battle was. He genuinely thought he was going to die and was giving somber instructions to his wife Anahstasia regarding funeral arrangements. She even initiated communication between Fafara and members of Coal Chamber, which helped spur their reunion in the end.
Ultimately, the vocalist pulled through and even though he’s now physically able to return to the stage and perform, he’s not exactly at 100 percent.
In a statement released through Bloodstock’s social media channels, Fafara laments DevilDriver’s withdrawal while detailing just how much of a toll COVID took on him as well as what his current physical state looks like.
“In 2021, I came down with Covid which left me with heart problems. I had to live downstairs in my house, as I could barely walk more than a few feet without collapsing. I, in fact was saying goodbye to my family at the time and didn’t think I would pull through,” he begins.
Fafara goes on to say that his recovery began with walking one block and then two, gradually increasing the physical load on his body. “It took me 14 months to get to a point where I could perform again onstage,” he adds.
Ultimately, the vocalist pulled through and even though he’s now physically able to return to the stage and perform, he’s not exactly at 100 percent.
Fafara goes on to say that his recovery began with walking one block and then two, gradually increasing the physical load on his body. “It took me 14 months to get to a point where I could perform again onstage,” he adds.
“We see Bloodstock as extended family to us and feel horrible our mail didn’t get set,” Fafara concluces

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