Epica Bassist Forced to Sit Out European Tour Due to Health Issues

Symphonic metal band Epica kicked off their European tour this week in support of their new disc ‘Requiem For The Indifferent,’ however, it was without their new bassist Rob Van der loo. Van der loo, who recently joined the band replacing the departing Yves Huts, was forced to sit out this leg of the tour due to some unforeseen medical issues.

Van der loo released the following statement, regarding the unexpected turn of events and how it impacts the tour:

“Yesterday I’ve experienced some serious and unexpected health issues. To make sure I can be treated correctly, I have to run a couple of tests at the hospital, and my doctors also advised me to take some rest before going on full power again. Though this is hard for me to accept, it’s also something which I have to respect since health is a very precious thing. This does mean that I won’t be able to be on the [EPICA] European tour until all examinations are done (hopefully within the next couple of days). Of course I will join the band as soon as possible, but unfortunately I can’t give an exact date as of yet. I wish the rest of the band and crew all the best for the start of the tour and I really can’t wait to join!”

Proving that the show must go on, Epica is committed to continuing the tour in Van der loo’s absence, issuing a statement of their own about the situation:

“Despite these unforeseen circumstances, we’ll kick off the European tour today with a temporary solution for Rob’s absence. While we await his return we wish him a swift recovery. The show must go on!”

No word yet on what that temporary solution is but the tour kicked off on April 13 in Lyon, France and runs through May, wrapping up in Greece.

Loudwire would like to wish Van der loo a speedy recovery!