Eyehategod Recruit Philip Anselmo to Front Band for New Orleans + Richmond Shows [Update]
Eyehategod are currently supporting their fifth studio album, a self-titled set that was released by Philip Anselmo's Housecore Records in 2014, and the band is about to get an assist from Anselmo on a pair of shows. Vocalist Mike IX Williams has had some health issues of late, so the group called upon Anselmo to fill in.
The Down and Superjoint singer will join the band for a New Orleans show at the Southport Music Hall on Aug. 19 as well as the band's scheduled appearance at the 7th Annual GWAR-B-Q in Richmond, Va. on Aug. 20.
Williams issued a statement, revealing Anselmo has his blessing. "Due to some recent very important health issues I am dealing with, I would like to announce that Philip H. Anselmo (Down, Pantera, Superjoint etc..) will be filling in for me at two special EYEHATEGOD gigs; New Orleans, LA's Southport Hall - August 19th and the 7th annual GwarBBQ - August 20th in Richmond, Va. Phil has my full blessings for these shows & with all forces willing, I will return to the stage as soon as I am physically able," stated Williams in a Facebook posting.
It's been a rough year for Anselmo who was under fire for yelling "White power" while posing a Nazi salute at the Dimebash event back in January. Though he apologized for his actions, the backlash led Down to either withdraw or be removed from some of their scheduled appearances. Anselmo even suggested that his bandmates move on without him, but they stood behind the singer. He also suggested that the band should bow out of all festivals for the year as well. Later in the year, Anselmo did resurface at a Q&A session in Louisville, and he has returned to making music with a new band called Scour.
Update: Organizers from the upcoming GWAR-B-Q have issued a statement on Philip Anselmo joining Eyehategod for their upcoming dates and Anselmo himself offers his thoughts as well. The statement reads as follows:
We have explosive earth news, Bohabs! It seems Mike IX Williams, unfortunately, will be unable to join us for GWAR B-Q on August 20th, as planned, but don't worry, because the legendary PHILIP H. ANSELMO is making the trek to Richmond to front EYEHATEGOD before the rabid masses! As your Lords and Masters were seasoning Anselmo to serve as tasty shred for the almighty meat grinder, he had this to say, "When our brothers in one of New Orleans' most influential music outfits needs me, I'm there, 1000%. There is no secret that I adore my brethren in Eyehategod, as I've always supported them through thick and thin. This present situation will be no different. In light of Michael D. William's health issues, which he needs to address more importantly than any other point in his life, and should be respected by anyone with a heart, I will do my best to fill in for him. Those are mighty big shoes to fill, but I shall do my best, once again. I do believe I speak on behalf of the concerned parties when I state that we ALL NEED Mike IX Williams to heal, recover, and get better ASAP. These gigs are NOT about me; it is about keeping the obligations of EHG so, as a band and force, they are able to stay true to their commitments to these two gigs. My admiration of Mike and all his works, especially EHG, knows zero boundaries, hence, me doing these gigs. Here's to Mike's recovery, and here's to supporting these shows on his behalf. Much love to everyone."
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