Corrosion of Conformity Drummer Reed Mullin Suffers Alcohol Related Seizure
Corrosion of Conformity have been on the road supporting Lamb of God and Clutch since the end of April. With two dates remaining, the band will continue without the services of longtime drummer Reed Mullin.
Mullin, who is a founding member of Corrosion of Conformity, experienced a seizure before the band took the stage in Alberta, Canada last night (June 5) after downing large amounts of alcohol. Fortunately for the band, Clutch drummer Jean Paul Gaster and Lamb of God stickman Chris Adler filled in at the last minute and will do so for the remainder of the trek.
Corrosion of Conformity's Mike Dean released a lengthy statement on the band's Facebook page concerning the incident. The musician also relayed that this is not a unique event, as the same circumstances affected the band's tour with Clutch years ago where they were forced to miss five shows. The full statement reads:
Last night In Edmonton, Alberta, COC drummer Reed Mullin had a seizure just as we were about to take the stage. This was preceded by prolonged, extreme and unhealthy levels of alcohol consumption, not taking care of himself and who-knows-what else. Reed has been unwell for awhile and we are praying he gets the help he needs and that he seek treatment for alcohol and drug dependency, not to mention general lifestyle assistance. This tragic event echoes a nearly identical incident in Pittsburgh a few years back, where Reed had a seizure just before taking the stage when the three-piece version of the band were also opening for Clutch. Both instances were preceded by concerns about Reed's well being and appearance. That incident resulted in five canceled shows. So years of assurances go by and we come full circle back to the same avoidable tragedy. This time we are leaving Reed with the medical experts in Edmonton and pressing on [with] the help of Jean Paul Gaster [Clutch] and Chris Adler [Lamb of God], who quickly learned some songs. The show went on and will go on but we will not enable Reed to continue killing himself on our watch.
Again we ask everyone for prayers for Reed and understanding for our predicament. All the best to everyone and Reed get help. - With a heavy heart, Mike Dean
Mullin helped form Corrosion of Conformity in 1982 at the age of 16. The drummer remained in the band until 2001, rejoining the outfit when they reformed in 2010. In total, Mullin has played on eight Corrosion of Conformity albums.
Earlier on the tour, Metallica's James Hetfield — an outspoken fan of the band — joined them onstage on May 29 to perform the classic "Seven Days" off 1994's Deliverance.
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