Phil Fasciana, founding guitarist of Florida death metal veterans MALEVOLENT CREATION, has been admitted to the ICU in Montpelier, France after developing a severe case of bacterial pneumonia. The condition is considered critical, and doctors have indicated it may have spread to nearby organs.
Due to his hospitalization, the remaining members of the band — Ronnie Parmer (drums), Jesse Jolly (bass, lead vocals), and Chris Cannella (guitar) — will carry on with the band’s current European tour without Fasciana. Their first performance without him will take place tonight (Friday, July 17) at Razzmatazz in Barcelona, Spain.
Earlier today, Ronnie, Jesse, and Chris released a statement on social media expressing their concern and appreciation for fans’ support:
“Dear MALEVOLENT fans, far and wide: It is with immense sadness that we report our helmsman Phillip Fasciana was admitted to the ICU in Montpelier, France last night. He developed what the doctors deemed to be a severe case of bacterial pneumonia, which may have spread to surrounding organs. He has been listed as being in critical condition. His family has been notified and will be deciding on next steps, based on what is best for Phil’s condition and overall health.
“We are all crushed to see him in this situation, and it is absolutely life-threatening. So please, please keep Phil in your thoughts and/or prayers with hope he makes a full recovery. Make no mistake, this is a very bad situation and we greatly appreciate your love and understanding. It is with the support and direction of his immediate family that have requested we finish the remainder of the tour in Phil’s absence, as he needs to focus on his recovery.
“Eternal gratitude for your support — Jesse, Ronnie, Chris.”
MALEVOLENT CREATION’s most recent album, The 13th Beast, was released in January 2019 through Century Media Records. The album was notable as the only one to feature drummer Phil Cancilla and frontman/guitarist Lee Wollenschlaeger.
The band suffered another major loss in 2018 when longtime vocalist Bret Hoffmann passed away from stage 4 colon cancer at age 51. Hoffmann had a long and storied history with the group, performing on their early albums including The Ten Commandments, Retribution, and Stillborn, before multiple stints in and out of the lineup. His final recordings with the band included 2007’s Doomsday X, 2010’s Invidious Dominion, and 2015’s Dead Man’s Path.
As Fasciana fights a serious health battle, the band is honoring his and his family’s wishes by continuing the tour — with the hope of his full recovery and return to the stage.
