The highly anticipated October U.S. tour featuring Canadian progressive metal pioneers VOIVOD, slated to commence on October 8th in Youngstown, Ohio, has been abruptly canceled. The tour was set to feature support from the Richmond, Virginia-based metal-punk trio BAT, comprising Ryan Waste, Nick Poulos, and Chris Marshall. VOIVOD released a somber statement via social media on Saturday, October 3rd, citing a "family health emergency in the VOIVOD clan" as the reason for the cancellation. The band expressed a desire to postpone rather than cancel outright, but stated they "can’t commit to any dates right now." Ticketholders are advised to seek refunds at their point of purchase, with a grace period requested for ticketing systems to be updated.
A Deepening Crisis Within the VOIVOD Family
This sudden tour cancellation casts a stark light on a series of challenging personal circumstances facing members of the VOIVOD collective. The news follows closely behind a poignant announcement made two months prior, revealing that Carol Langevin, the brother of VOIVOD’s iconic drummer Michel "Away" Langevin, had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 60. A GoFundMe campaign was subsequently launched to alleviate the financial burdens associated with his illness, including time off work, travel expenses, and unforeseen medical costs.
VOIVOD had previously shared the gravity of Carol Langevin’s diagnosis, underscoring a difficult year for the band’s extended family. Earlier in the year, the band revealed that E-Force (Eric Forrest), who fronted VOIVOD in the 1990s, had been battling prostate cancer. Despite his ongoing fight, Forrest has been actively performing with the band, stepping in for vocalist Denis "Snake" Bélanger when needed. Bélanger himself has been attending to his partner, Christine, who is courageously undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer. The collective impact of these health crises has clearly taken a profound toll, leading to the difficult decision to suspend touring activities.
The Enduring Shadow of Cancer on VOIVOD’s History
The recent health challenges within the VOIVOD camp resonate with a tragic history that has profoundly shaped the band’s trajectory. In August 2005, the metal world mourned the loss of VOIVOD’s influential guitarist, Denis "Piggy" D’Amour, who succumbed to complications from advanced colon cancer in a Montreal hospital. D’Amour’s death at the age of 41 marked a somber period, leading many to believe that VOIVOD’s journey had reached its conclusion.
However, defying expectations, the Canadian metal innovators staged a remarkable comeback in 2008. Emerging from a period of hiatus, they performed at the first Heavy MTL festival with a reconfigured lineup. Original member Jean-Yves Thériault, known as Blacky, returned to his role on bass, while Daniel "Chewy" Mongrain of MARTYR joined on guitar. What was initially perceived as a one-off reunion soon evolved into a full-fledged return to the live circuit. The following summer saw VOIVOD gracing numerous European metal festivals and supporting DOWN on a cross-Canada tour, reigniting their presence on the global stage. Mongrain’s exceptional guitar prowess quickly established him as a worthy successor to Piggy’s unique legacy, earning him widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike.
The band’s lineup saw another significant change in July 2014 when Blacky departed, with Dominic "Rocky" Laroche stepping in as the new bassist. Despite these transitions, VOIVOD has consistently maintained its artistic integrity and delivered powerful performances, a testament to their enduring spirit.
VOIVOD: A Legacy of Innovation and Resilience
Originating from Jonquière, Québec, VOIVOD has carved a unique niche in the heavy metal landscape over their four-decade career. Emerging in the early 1980s, the band initially explored the realm of speed metal before evolving their sound to incorporate elements of progressive and thrash metal, forging a distinctive sonic identity. They are widely recognized as one of the "big four" Canadian thrash metal bands, alongside SACRIFICE, RAZOR, and ANNIHILATOR. Their innovative approach and groundbreaking music have earned them considerable influence among subsequent generations of musicians across various genres, solidifying their status as an iconic ’80s metal act.
VOIVOD achieved a significant milestone in mainstream recognition with their fifth studio album, "Nothingface," released in 1989. This album remains their sole entry on The Billboard 200 chart, peaking at number 114, and is often cited as a pivotal moment in their career, showcasing their ability to blend complex musicality with accessible song structures.
Broader Implications and Community Support
The cancellation of the U.S. tour, while a personal blow to the band and their dedicated fanbase, underscores the profound impact of health crises on individuals and the interconnectedness of the music community. The proactive GoFundMe campaign for Carol Langevin exemplifies the solidarity that VOIVOD has consistently fostered among their followers, whom they refer to as the "Iron Gang." In a heartfelt message shared earlier this year, the band emphasized the importance of community support: "For more than 40 years, this community has shown us what solidarity means. Let’s show Carol, and the whole family, what the Iron Gang can do." This sentiment highlights the deep bond between VOIVOD and their supporters, who have historically rallied behind the band during times of adversity.
The implications of this tour cancellation extend beyond the immediate disappointment of missed performances. For BAT, the opening act, it represents a lost opportunity to share the stage with a legendary band and connect with a wider audience. The economic impact on the venues and associated businesses that would have hosted the tour also warrants consideration. However, the overwhelming focus remains on the well-being of the VOIVOD family. The band’s commitment to transparency and their sincere plea for understanding and support from their fans demonstrate a profound level of integrity during an exceptionally challenging period. The music world now watches with concern, hoping for positive outcomes for all those affected by these serious health battles. The band’s message, "Thank you for your understanding and support," resonates deeply, reflecting a spirit of resilience and a reliance on the unwavering dedication of their global fanbase.
