BUTCHER BABIES co-vocalist Carla Harvey will sit out the band’s upcoming European tour with FEAR FACTORY and IGNEA in order to undergo emergency surgery on her left eye.
Harvey shared the news of her absence from the trek earlier today in a social media post. The 47-year-old singer, who co-founded BUTCHER BABIES in 2010 with fellow vocalist Heidi Shepherd, posted a photo of her performing with her bandmates, and she included the following message: “Here’s a picture of a girl in her happy place; unfortunately i won’t be in that happy place on the upcoming @butcherbabies Euro run. Love you all but i have to sit this one out!
“I have a history of problematic vision and I had to have a major surgery about 10 years ago in my right eye for a retinal detachment. On our summer tour the telltale symptoms repeated themselves in my left eye. I’ve been hoping to avoid major surgery but it is clear that it must be done. My emergency surgery will include a healing process of laying face down for a number of days with a gas bubble in my eye.”
Carla added: “This is the first time in fifteen years i won’t be able to join my friends on stage but right now my health and sight take precedence for me. While I am gutted that I cannot make the tour the risk of me waiting till after a tour to do such a surgery is too great and includes permanent vision loss. The beauty of having two vocalists is that Heidi can cover for me until i’m better!
“Hoping to make it out for part of this euro run…go to the shows, have a blast and support my bandmates for me! I’ll see you soon!”
In the comments section, Shepherd voiced her support for her bandmate, writing: “Sending all the love and healing. We’ll hold down the fort while you heal. We need those beautiful eyes to work!!! Love you!”
BUTCHER BABIES‘ tour with FEAR FACTORY and IGNEA is scheduled to kick off on October 27 in Nottingham, United Kingdom and conclude on December 16 in Helsinki, Finland.
BUTCHER BABIES released a double album “Eye For An Eye…” and “…’Til The World’s Blind”, in July. The double album celebrates the tenth anniversary of BUTCHER BABIES‘ critically acclaimed debut, “Goliath”, released on July 9, 2013 via Century Media Records.
BUTCHER BABIES‘ previous album, 2017’s “Lilith” was produced by Steve Evetts (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, SEPULTURA, SUICIDE SILENCE) and marked the band’s recording debut with drummer Chase Brickenden, who replaced Chris Warner in 2016.
In July 2019, longtime BUTCHER BABIES bassist Jason Klein announced his departure from the band. He has since been replaced by Ricky Bonazza.