Source: Loudwire.com
Following a bizarre few days for Ivan Moody, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH have revealed plans to continue their tour with All That Remains vocalist Phil Labonte filling in for Moody on their remaining 2016 shows.
The band is in the midst of a co-headlining tour in the U.S. with Shinedown, and just last week, they cut short a show in Worcester when Moody revealed to the audience that his “mother” was “passing along today.” Bassist Chris Kael later apologized to the crowd, stating that they needed to be with their singer, who had left the stage in an emotional state.
However, it was later revealed by his sister that Moody’s mother was not ailing, nor was any member of his family and he addressed the situation while onstage in Newark, telling the crowd there that he had “a mental moment that had nothing to do with alcohol, drugs or any of it.” He also spoke about Kanye West’s recent mental exhaustion and revealed that he “was starting to get it now.”
A statement from the band reads: “With only 8 shows to go on their current U.S. co-headlining arena tour with Shinedown, Five Finger Death Punch announced today that they have decided to honor their commitment to the fans and finish out the current tour with All That Remains vocalist Phil Labonte filling in for Five Finger Death Punch frontman Ivan Moody who has fallen ill.”
Guitarist Zoltan Bathory adds, “Ivan is our brother and we fully and wholeheartedly support him taking care of himself so he can get well as soon as possible. We discussed possibly canceling the remaining shows but the responses from the other bands on the tour were so overwhelmingly supportive that we decided to move forward and deliver the great night to the fans that they expect.”
Adds James Michael of tour support act Sixx: A.M., “All of our hearts are with Ivan right now hoping for a speedy recovery. Phil is an excellent frontman and vocalist who stepped forward in solidarity to Ivan without a moment of hesitation. Fans are in for some special treats and surprises. I’m really excited about the show tonight.”
Labonte, a close friend of Moody, tied in the band’s latest album title in his statement, adding, “I got their six and stepped up right away. I’m honored to be able to help Five Finger Death Punch to finish their tour and give Ivan a chance to take care of himself. I did the same for Killswitch Engage years ago. I was humbled to get the call and get a chance to play in front of such a great audience.”
In an unprecedented move of solidarity, artists from the four-band bill of the tour have vowed to finish the dates on a high note and stand behind Ivan in his endeavor to get well. Tonight’s FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH show at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia will feature guest performances by Phil Labonte of All That Remains, James Michael, vocalist of Sixx:A.M. and As Lions, the U.K. newcomers fronted by Austin Dickinson.
Update: The first show with Phil Labonte is in the books. See clips of his performance below.
Five Finger Death Punch/Shinedown/Sixx: A.M./As Lions Remaining Dates
12/1 — Philadelphia, Pa. — Wells Fargo Center
12/2 — Hershey, Pa. — Giant Center
12/3 — Huntington, W.V. — Big Sandy Superstore Arena
12/5 — Greenville, S.C. — Bon Secours Wellness Arena
12/6 — Charleston, S.C. — N. Charleston Civic Center
12/8 — Orlando, Fla. — Amway Arena
12/9 — Tampa, Fla. — Amalie Arena
12/10 — Duluth, Ga. — Infinite Energy Center
Watch Phil Labonte Fill In for Ivan Moody in Philadelphia on Dec. 1