Nevermore's guitarist Steve Smyth has recently been diagnosed with end stage kidney failure, the result of a
congenital birth defect.
Smyth defiantly says: Smyth comments: "I have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, and have been advised to preserve my health as much as possible at this time, as I am facing 'complete renal failure' within six months, and ultimately, a transplant. Due to my recently diagnosed condition, I have decided not to join the band on the In Flames US tour. I want to be fair to the fans, and be able to give them a show I know I can deliver night after night. I will, however, join Nevermore on all four of the European festivals on our itinerary in early June: Gods of Metal, Rock Hard, Rott Fest, and Sweden Rock, after which, the doctors should have some news about the next step in my treatment. I will say this: I will fight this, and I will be back!"
Jag Panzer guitarist Chris Broderick will fill in for Smyth on the US leg of Nevermore's tour, before Smyth rejoins the band for their European dates.