CANDLEMASS HONOUR LONDON METALFEST SHOW WITH SPECIAL GUEST VOCALISTS AFTER JOHAN LÄNGQVIST IS HOSPITALISED
Candlemass vocalist Johan Längqvist was rushed to hospital in Stockholm on Thursday morning following a medical emergency, forcing him to miss the band’s headline performance at the inaugural London MetalFest.
In a statement released before the show, Candlemass confirmed that Längqvist had undergone extensive testing and remained under medical care while doctors attempted to determine the cause of his illness. The band wished him a speedy recovery but made it clear that the London performance would continue.
Speaking from the stage, founding bassist Leif Edling told the audience that Johan remained in hospital and that the band had received few further updates. He added that doctors were expected to carry out more tests over the weekend to establish what had caused his illness.
Chilean vocalist Felipe Plaza Kutzbach, best known for his work with Procession, stepped in to lead a set drawn entirely from the classic Epicus Doomicus Metallicus and Nightfall albums. The evening then produced two further surprises. Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan of Venom joined Candlemass for “Under the Oak”, before former My Dying Bride and current High Parasite vocalist Aaron Stainthorpe led “Solitude”, accompanied by Dolan and Plaza Kutzbach.
What could have become a deeply disappointing cancellation instead turned into a unique celebration of doom metal and a memorable conclusion to the first London MetalFest.
Everyone at The Riff Collective wishes Johan Längqvist a full and speedy recovery. Our complete review of London MetalFest, featuring an extensive gallery of photographs by José Crespo, will be published soon.
The Riff Collective
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