Last fall saw Californian groove metal band DevilDriver pull out of their planned appearance at the ‘Rebel Rock‘ festival in Orlando, FL over COVID-19 concerns. At the time, the group’s frontman Dez Fafara stated that the decision was a result of concerns over the safety of himself, his band and crew amid the then new variants of COVID-19 emerging.
Addressing the backlash from those who felt he was overreacting at the time, Fafara offered in part:
You all need to realize I am responsible for 12 plus lives in my band and crew. I don’t take a decision to pull out of a show lightly as over 29 years I’ve missed 4 shows…
As it turns out, his concerns weren’t personally unfounded. While he didn’t provide specifics on his COVID-19 battle, it would appear he had a nasty bout, stating on Twitter today (April 28th) that it “almost took my life”. Speaking in reply to a fan today on Twitter, Fafara mentioned his battle and how it altered his perspective:
Any day above ground after surviving covid that almost took my life is a good day my friend it’s why my head ain’t in the work game right now I’m enjoying bed by 9pm and holding my wife’s hand in my sleep like an otter 🤩🤣