Bay Area thrash metal veterans Forbidden have announced that drummer Chris Kontos and bassist Matt Camacho will sit out the band’s upcoming U.S. tour with Heathen and Void.
According to a statement shared by the band, both musicians are unable to make the trek for personal reasons. Forbidden stressed that Kontos and Camacho remain part of the group and are expected to return in 2027, when the band plans to tour in support of its first new album in 16 years.
Stepping in for the upcoming run will be drummer Eli Lucas and bassist Avery Thurman of Blind Illusion.
Lucas has a history with Forbidden dating back to 2011, when he was runner-up during the band’s international search for a new drummer. Forbidden said Lucas narrowly missed out on the position at the time to Sasha Horn due to his age and relative lack of experience.
Thurman, meanwhile, joins the tour from fellow Bay Area metal band Blind Illusion.
Kontos issued his own statement regarding his absence from the tour, explaining that family and personal commitments, along with scheduling issues, prevented him from participating.
“I’m really bummed to miss it because I was looking forward to hitting the road with the band and crew and seeing all of you out there,” Kontos said. “Please show my replacement, Eli Lucas, the same respect and support you would show me.”
Camacho also addressed his absence, saying that circumstances outside of his control will cause him to miss his first Forbidden tour since 1987.
“There is nothing more satisfying than playing for Forbidden fans, which is why it pains me, due to circumstances out of my control, that I will miss the upcoming US tour,” Camacho stated.
He added that he plans to rejoin the band in 2027.
Forbidden have been rehearsing with Lucas and Thurman in preparation for the tour, which launches October 23 at The Usual Place in Las Vegas. The band says it is putting together a set spanning much of its history, centered around approximately 18 songs that can be rotated in and out from night to night.
The trek with Heathen and Void runs through November 22, concluding in Los Angeles. Forbidden’s upcoming dates are as follows:
Oct 23 – Las Vegas, NV – The Usual Place
Oct 25 – Salt Lake City, UT – Urban Lounge
Oct 26 – Denver, CO – Federal Theatre
Oct 28 – Iowa City, IA – Gabe’s
Oct 29 – St. Paul, MN – Turf Club
Oct 30 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s Rock Club
Oct 31 – Lakewood, OH – Mercury Music Lounge
Nov 1 – New Kensington, PA – Preserving Underground
Nov 2 – Leesburg, VA – Tally Ho Theater
Nov 4 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium (Upstairs)
Nov 5 – Brooklyn, NY – Saint Vitus
Nov 7 – Albany, NY – Empire Underground
Nov 8 – Lititz, PA – Mickey’s Black Box
Nov 9 – Greensboro, NC – Hangar 1819
Nov 10 – Greenville, SC – Radio Room
Nov 12 – Winter Park, FL – Conduit
Nov 13 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Altar)
Nov 15 – Destin, FL – Club LA
Nov 17 – Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live
Nov 18 – Dallas, TX – Trees
Nov 20 – Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
Nov 21 – Tucson, AZ – Club Congress
Nov 22 – Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom
Photo by Phil Emerson
