FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH performed with Phil Labonte and Howard Jones in the vocal spot while opening for METALLICA in L.A. due to Ivan Moody falling ill
Due to a severe case of the flu, Ivan Moody, the lead singer of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, was unable to perform during the band’s show on Sunday night (August 27) at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The concert was part of the lineup supporting METALLICA. Stepping in to cover for him at the event were Phil Labonte (from ALL THAT REMAINS), Howard Jones (formerly of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE), and AJ Channer (from FIRE FROM THE GODS).
Prior to taking the stage at SoFi Stadium, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH released the following statement via social media: “To our friends in L.A.! Ivan fell ill with a terrible flu and won’t be able to perform tonight. We are grateful that our good friends Phil Labonte (ALL THAT REMAINS), Howard Jones (ex-KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, ex-LIGHT THE TORCH and SION) and AJ Channer (FIRE FROM THE GODS) are stepping up and will take over his vocal duties for what will surely be a special show.
“Join us in wishing our brother Ivan well, he’ll be back very soon.”
— Five Finger Death Punch (@FFDP) August 28, 2023
On August 6, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, FFDP marked their inaugural performance as the opening act for METALLICA on the “M72” tour. The event also saw additional support from ICE NINE KILLS.
Initially slated to accompany METALLICA during their European spring dates, which included the Johan Cruijf Arena in Amsterdam, Netherlands on April 29, Stade De France in Paris, France on May 17, and Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Germany on May 28, FFDP unfortunately had to withdraw due to lead singer Ivan Moody‘s recovery from hernia surgery. Subsequently, NIGHTWISH vocalist Floor Jansen took over in Amsterdam, while EPICA stepped in for Paris and Hamburg performances.
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH are continuing to promote their ninth album, titled “AfterLife,” which arrived in August 2022 through Better Noise.
