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MACHINE HEAD Guitarist PHIL DEMMEL Collapses On Stage In Finland
- July 25, 2009
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MACHINE HEAD guitarist Phil Demmel is fine after dramatically collapsing on stage earlier today (Saturday, July 25) during the finale to the band's blistering set at the Sonisphere festival in Pori, Finland. Although he had to be helped off stage, he exclusively told Team Sonisphere that he is now feeling okay. "Basically I want to apologize to all the fans for cheating them of their last song," he said. After breaking the news on Twitter, Team Sonisphere was inundated with messages from worried fans. "I feel I short-changed the fans and really want to make it up for them," Phil said backstage afterwards. "Thanks for all the concern." This is not the first time Phil — who suffers from a rare condition called cardiogenic syncope (which means that the heart sometimes fails to pump enough blood to the brain, resulting in the sufferer blacking out) — has collapsed on stage. MACHINE HEAD was forced to cancel the last two shows of its European tour with SLIPKNOT last December after Demmel blacked out during the second-to-last song of the band's set in Sheffield, England. (See fan-filmed video footage of the incident below.) In a February 2009 interview with HeadbangersBlog.com, MACHINE HEAD frontman Robb Flynn stated about Demmel's previous collapses, "It had been happening a bit on this last tour, most dramatically in Paris where, for no apparent reason, at one in the afternoon, he collapsed face first into a wooden table and broke two glass ashtrays on his chest and had to go to the hospital. For the most part, none were public or onstage, so they weren't publicized, but we're very concerned, worried, and a little scared about what's going on. It's confusing. And because it's so random, frankly, it seems dangerous. The doctors he's been seeing, in my opinion, haven't been doing enough, and the advice they've given him is ridiculous. But he seems to be feeling good, and it hasn't happened since then, which is a great sign. He's working to change his habits and to be a little healthier (eating, exercise, stretching) but other than the first few days out, his habits haven't really changed much." Photo credit: Dirt Junior
Demmel collapsing on stage in Sheffield, England (December 2008):
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COMMENT | PHIL DEMMEL
posted by :
7/25/2009 5:27:47 PM
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HOLY FUCK,GET WELL SOON BUDDY,THAT FOOTAGE IS SCARY.
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COMMENT | I hate to say it...
posted by :
7/25/2009 5:38:30 PM
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But it's time for Phil to come off the road. Machine Head needs to either stop touring for awhile or replace him, but this dude has had this happen several times now. The time is coming where he has a stroke or brain hemmorrage from this and dies right on stage.
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COMMENT | Wow!
posted by :
7/25/2009 5:39:49 PM
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The crowd actually thought that he did it on purpose!!!
Get well, dude!!!
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COMMENT | Health needs to be a bigger priority
posted by : MarkCarras
7/25/2009 5:41:17 PM
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I hope Phil can find a way to keep this problem in check. Seems to be extremely rare and there isn't a ton of info on it out there.
I'm reading up on it at http://www.ehow.com/about_5109714_cardiogenic-syncope.html to find out more.
Hope you can find a way to keep going nuts on stage without this thing getting the best of you.
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COMMENT |
posted by : MetallicaPuppet
7/25/2009 5:42:15 PM
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Holy shit! I'm glad he wasn't on the very edge of the stage when he blacked out because he could have fell off and broke his neck and killed himself. Wow, he was shredding like a motherfucker all the way to the end!
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COMMENT |
posted by :
7/25/2009 5:43:51 PM
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THEREBEL HAS A POINT,WHY DOES SHITTY THINGS HAPPEN TO THE GOOD GUYS.AND IF THE CROWD THOUGHT HE DID THAT ON PURPOSE THEN THATS A DUMB CROWD.
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COMMENT |
posted by : jaysus
7/25/2009 5:46:04 PM
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my girlfriend studied that condition in her college studies, your heart can stop for 5 seconds hence the black out. fuckin dangerous shit, he needs his medicaton to keep that shit in check.
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COMMENT | Treatment
posted by : MarkCarras
7/25/2009 5:48:38 PM
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Found this...
"Since each case of cardiogenic syncope is very different, you and your doctor will need to work together to find the right treatment approach for your unique situation. Since this condition is usually the result of another medical condition, you must find the underlying problem(s) and then treat them first. Treatment can include medication, insertion of a pacemaker or catheter, as well as many other options. The options available may depend on your age, level of physical activity, previous medical history and the severity and frequency of the fainting spells."
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COMMENT |
posted by : jaysus
7/25/2009 5:53:54 PM
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''But it's time for Phil to come off the road. Machine Head needs to either stop touring for awhile or replace him, but this dude has had this happen several times now. The time is coming where he has a stroke or brain hemmorrage from this and dies right on stage. ''
not necessarilly, from what i've been told (by someone who know about this) he really just needs to get his medication properly sorted out, it can be controlled. no reason to stop touring.
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COMMENT | TREATMENT
posted by :
7/25/2009 5:54:32 PM
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IF ITS THE RESULT OF ANOTHER CONDITION WOULDNT YOU THINK THE DOCS WOULD HAVE FOUND OUT WHAT IT WAS??AND ARNT MUSICIANS SUPPOSED TO HAVE MEDICALS BEFORE GOING ON TOUR FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES??BUT THESE MEDICALS MIGHT NOT BE SO THOROUGH.
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COMMENT | damn...
posted by : rr00
7/25/2009 5:59:59 PM
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That is scary stuff. Get well, Phil, and hope you get this sorted out so you can continue entertaining your fans.. not to mention having a prosperous life following your gigging career!
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COMMENT |
posted by :
7/25/2009 6:05:28 PM
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Vio-lence!!!!!!
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COMMENT | SMITHY
posted by :
7/25/2009 6:05:28 PM
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STOP USING CAPS LOCKS ITS ANNOYING AS FUCK, hope he gets better soon, never really listened to them but saw em with slayer and megadeth in vancouver and it was awesome
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COMMENT | ArmitankSlayer
posted by :
7/25/2009 6:13:23 PM
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sorry dude,my eyesight aint what it was so i got to use caps lock or i cant see what im writing:-)
seriously though,going to stick the blackening on and toast phill with a beer.
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COMMENT |
posted by : Megamoca coffee
7/25/2009 6:17:40 PM
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I'm not a doctor but i think he heas the early stages of M.S,hope i'm wrong
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COMMENT |
posted by :
7/25/2009 6:20:38 PM
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i hope your wrong too bro.
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COMMENT |
posted by :
7/25/2009 6:24:41 PM
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Hope something can be done for him, love his work and M.H. tunes.
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COMMENT | :
posted by : savallas
7/25/2009 6:39:25 PM
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i think the best thing they can do is replace phil. first of all for his own good, for the band and the fans. they wait for so long to see the band live but the show is cancel cuz phill collapse again. Is time to end this.
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COMMENT |
posted by : Aces_High99
7/25/2009 6:47:09 PM
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"not necessarilly, from what i've been told (by someone who know about this) he really just needs to get his medication properly sorted out, it can be controlled. no reason to stop touring."
Yeah, but this is at least the third or fourth time he's collapsed on-stage.
I know Machine Head isn't rolling in the dough like Metallica or Maiden, but Phil certainly must have access to quality physicians. If he and his doctors haven't figured out how to manage his condition by now, then when?
So, with that in mind, I would have to agree with therebel. Of course, it's entirely Phil's choice...if he wants to damn the torpedoes and forge ahead, no one should be able to take that away from him.
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COMMENT | Phil is a VITAL...
posted by :
7/25/2009 6:48:56 PM
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part of MH. Anyone talking about replacing him is not thinking things through clearly before saying such a statement. My advice is to stop touring AS MUCH as they have been. Its honestly time to get back in studio and start crankin out the next MH Epic for years to come. It gives Phil time to get his condition straightened out and seek out the RIGHT medical treatment. I hope he has some great coverage from his health insurance... Keep on Shreddin Phil!!!
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COMMENT | Hey smithy
posted by : grumpy1
7/25/2009 6:53:11 PM
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I've never heard of a band getting any sort of 'check ups' before touring. Most musician's don't even have health insurance, so they aren't going to get anyone (label etc.) to pay for stuff like that.
Nice idea, and a pretty good one, but the reality is that most bands are flying by the skin of their teeth and don't have money for that kinda stuff. Even reasonably big bands like MH.
At the end of the day, there just isn't much money, unless you are Metallica or Ozzy or some shit.
Get well Phil! Find a new doctor bro!
-jimdefied
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COMMENT | Grumpy1
posted by :
7/25/2009 7:09:46 PM
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Im sure iv read it somewhere,maybe it is just the bigger bands that get it done like you mentioned.Makes you think tho..
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COMMENT | stay well phil
posted by :
7/25/2009 7:29:23 PM
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hope he gets the care he needs this is the best mh lineup. i dont wanna hear talk of a replacement.
now bring us new material.
np - damageplan - crawl
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COMMENT | i actually have the same thing
posted by : ovacord9
7/25/2009 7:43:17 PM
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and the knowledge that it can happen anytime fucking sucks.
i feel for him
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COMMENT | Get well man...
posted by :
7/25/2009 7:52:12 PM
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Get well soon Phil. Take care of yourself...we want you around for a long time to come dude.
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COMMENT | MH
posted by :
7/25/2009 7:56:22 PM
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Holy crap! I really hope he's fine. That video is scary shit. Best wishes to ya bro!
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COMMENT | ^
posted by : RiotAct666
7/25/2009 8:22:43 PM
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Its musicducks now & down sucks420 etc.
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COMMENT |
posted by : Mordack-
7/25/2009 8:28:56 PM
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This is happening too often to him. It's a terrible thing because it couldnt be happening to a nicer guy. Hope he can get this under control and not have to give up playing in Machine Head.
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COMMENT | It looks to me...
posted by :
7/25/2009 8:55:07 PM
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that as he fell his body turned slightly thereby stopping his skull from taking a direct strike. That fainting spell could not have happened in a better spot,if you get my meaning...like MetallicaPuppet says: If he were in a spot near the edge of the stage he could have fallen and that could have been devastating!
I'm a diabetic and I know how easy you can " mess up " your med intake...if that is what is happening, he's just gotta " buckle down " and follow or work with his doc diligently. I really hope that it could be as simple as that because Phil is one of the good ones!
Best Wishes Sir!
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COMMENT |
posted by : C.I.U
7/25/2009 9:25:57 PM
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Hope ya Come through this o.k phil.
Definitly keep up the exercise and the proper lifestyle habits(which must be hard being in a metal band on the road). But if you're hitting the booze too hard or other shit, then this could fuck ya up!
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COMMENT | question
posted by :
7/25/2009 9:38:58 PM
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i have a question....some of you guys who play guitar might know this....with his condition.....+ while a lead guitarist is shredding like he is right before he collapses...what i wanna know is while you are playing a solo like this does one hold there breath...i have seen guitar players when shredding they make some funny faces like there holding there breath....if so it cant be good for him.....especially with his condition
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COMMENT | Phil's a warrior....
posted by : labora
7/25/2009 10:16:15 PM
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The man still carries on knowing he has this condition night after night. He's a true fucking warrior. I take my hat off to the man.
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COMMENT | Mid-air collision with the ground.
posted by : CarcPazu
7/25/2009 10:56:38 PM
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holy shit, that was fucked up. He collapsed right while ripping a solo. It looks like the adrenaline brought up by the solo was too much for his heart.
Poor guy, I hope he's gonna get better.
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COMMENT | Phil
posted by :
7/25/2009 11:24:16 PM
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awsome guitar player,but time to stop touring.Just help write tunes,and stay home bro,its not worth it.That was sweet though,shredding into oblivion!!Shit was so intense I passed the fuck out..lol Get well bro!!!
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COMMENT | holding ones breath
posted by :
7/25/2009 11:30:59 PM
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yes I tend to hold my breath in when playing something really intense and that sounds killer.Shit man,sometimes I get short on breath,thats what killer metal does
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COMMENT |
posted by : smarX
7/26/2009 12:09:39 AM
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Hope you get better quickly phil. It aint machine fucking head without you!
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COMMENT |
posted by : Le_Voleur
7/26/2009 12:10:53 AM
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get well dude.I'm happy he wasn't near the edge of the stage.
I think that he gets some fair load of guilt everytime he wakes up and finds out that the show has been cancelled because of him but hold on bro, your health counts more than everything.best luck
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COMMENT |
posted by :
7/26/2009 1:41:08 AM
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damn ... get a proper traetment, so you can have a normal life, maybe he´s not taking his medication, anyway, health is first, then MH, think about it dude, we want to hear more from you, at least from the studio
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COMMENT | That video was terrible!
posted by :
7/26/2009 1:45:31 AM
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Get well Phil!
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COMMENT |
posted by : ZvartZaft
7/26/2009 1:47:42 AM
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I hope he gets well soon! He's such a great lead guitar player!
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COMMENT |
posted by : CaseOfDeadBodies
7/26/2009 1:55:10 AM
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My best wishes to Phil, get well, Machine Head needs their bro jamming in good health!
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COMMENT | Horns UP, brother!
posted by : themetalden.com
7/26/2009 2:41:50 AM
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Get well... you're truly one of the BEST!
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COMMENT |
posted by : juanneman
7/26/2009 2:47:52 AM
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Well Phil, it is up to you: if you do not change your habits, it will get worse. Do it for yourself, you will be glad you did.
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COMMENT | what?!?
posted by :
7/26/2009 4:06:24 AM
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I would rather suck dick then see Mader back in MH. Phil's the man. I got pretty damn sad watching that video. Get well soon Phil.
Labora...couldn't agree with you more.
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COMMENT | wtf???
posted by :
7/26/2009 4:09:44 AM
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i wish Phil the best..he really does fucking rock!!!! Machine head wouldnt be the same without him.
MACHINE FUCKIN' HEAD
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COMMENT |
posted by : black_art
7/26/2009 5:46:09 AM
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damn hope he gets well and finds a way to keep that in check so he can keep playing live , cause he rocks :)=
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COMMENT | WOW!!!
posted by : NxH85
7/26/2009 5:50:03 AM
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Oh my god!! I hope they can find out whats going on. Probably due to some sort of stress or something like that.
Either case by be, I think its just a sign that phil (or even the band) need a break from touring. To phil, get well soon man. =)
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COMMENT | Damn....
posted by :
7/26/2009 6:58:57 AM
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Again? Poor guy. I just hope the best for the guy and if touring and performing like this isn't good for his health then it might be best for him to call it a day. I'm not saying he needs to quit I just hope he does the best thing for his health.
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COMMENT | wow
posted by : fermentis
7/26/2009 10:24:35 AM
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scary
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COMMENT | whoah
posted by :
7/26/2009 11:14:42 AM
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this is the first time i've ever heard of someone else with this. well, i had NEURO-cardiogenic syncope...dont know if theres a difference. i had it when i was a child and it would cause me to pass out. i didn't know it could carry over into adulthood.
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COMMENT |
posted by : Aces_High99
7/26/2009 12:35:39 PM
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Holding your breath while playing music isn't a good idea no matter what you're doing.
Playing intense music, like metal, onstage is somewhat like sports. Not saying these are like Lance Armstrong, but you've gotta pace yourself during a two-hour concert, and that includes breathing properly.
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COMMENT | Vital part of the band...
posted by :
7/26/2009 12:37:58 PM
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He's a vital part of the band, sure. He could also become a liability if this were to keep up or escalate. I'm no doctor but I have family in the field and have researched it via asking those who know
This condition COLD be fatal or cause something to happen that could fatally injure Phil. Forget the band, forget being Metal. What's more important, being Metal or being alive?
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COMMENT | jake12474
posted by :
7/26/2009 1:30:00 PM
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I catch myself doing it from time to time, don't even realize it until afterward.
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COMMENT |
posted by :
7/26/2009 2:38:55 PM
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Why is still in the band if he has had this condition? He's a liability
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COMMENT | ????????????
posted by :
7/26/2009 3:34:24 PM
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yah...thats what i mean...he has this condition....and if hes jamming hard....and holds his breath for 4-5 seconds....it seems like it could be the cause of his fainting spells....
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COMMENT | Mayhem Tour
posted by : MuseumOfFear
7/26/2009 4:13:52 PM
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I saw this happen last summer on the Mayhem tour in VA. This really bothers me. He & Rob are the best guitar team MH has ever had. I hope he gets better.
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COMMENT | Best Wishes.
posted by :
7/26/2009 5:00:16 PM
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From a metal head and A Machine Head Fan, I wish you all the best for a speedy recovery!
I myself have a congential Heart defect, and know only too well how it can influence day to day life....
Heres for a quick recovery, Il see you all in the pit...
MW
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COMMENT |
posted by : kingnothing23
7/26/2009 10:04:51 PM
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Damn that really sucked. Get well Phil!
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