VOLBEAT Frontman 'Doing Fine' Following On-Stage Collapse

Singer/guitarist Michael Poulsen of Danish metal rock 'n' rollers VOLBEAT is "doing fine" following his on-stage collapse last night (Sunday, November 29) during the band's performance at 013 in Tilburg, the Netherlands.

In a statement posted on the group's official web site, Poulsen writes, "I'm on my feet again, and I'm doing fine.

"I got really sick when the [European] tour started, shitting/puking all over the place, muscle ache and high fever, and couldn't really eat any thing without feeling bad. But that had happened so many times before, and nothing was going stop me doing what I love the most — being on stage and playing the songs for you guys and ladies.

"10 minutes before stage time [in Tilburg], I felt really bad and dizzy, and my whole body was really heavy, and I felt weak and I had chest pain while breathing.

"I only remember playing the first two songs. Every time I was trying to breathe, I felt dizzy and couldn't see anything else that sharp light/stars. I couldn't do my vocals well or move well since the energy was simply not there. My mind and body was not working together and it ended with a collapse, and I was rushed to the nearest hospital. The doctors said that it was crazy to play the shows while I was sick, and they were surprised that it first happened now. All the tests they did at the hospital was fine, and everything looked good. Actually I'm in really good shape and my heart and blood is fine.

"I'm sorry to let you people down, but in my heart I know you understand, and I thank you so much for your concern and kind words and support; I owe you every thing.

"I will be back on my feet to kick some ass again in the U.S. from [December] 5th supporting METALLICA.

"There will be another show in the beginning of the new year, so keep an eye on our website."

According to one person who attended last night's concert, "Poulsen said at the beginning of the show that he was very ill but didn't want to disappoint the fans. About half an hour into the concert, during the song 'A Warrior's Call', Poulsen suddenly collapsed. He then was rushed to hospital. The [rest of the] concert was cancelled..."

Video footage taken right after Poulsen collapsed on stage in Tilburg can be viewed below (courtesy of Rickwon).

VOLBEAT recently entered Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark to record a song for Danish boxing champion Mikkel Kessler. Kessler is using the track, "A Warrior's Call", as an intro to his fights as part of the "Super Six" tournament.

Poulsen is a huge boxing aficianado, so when Mikkel asked the band to write his theme song, they immediately accepted.

Log on to www.volbeat.dk to get the track for free.

"Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood", the third studio album from VOLBEAT, received a U.S. release on March 17 via Mascot Records. The follow-up to "Rock The Rebel / Metal The Devil" features 14 tracks, including a SOCIAL DISTORTION cover as a bonus cut on all editions. Seven of the songs share a common lyrical theme, which will be continued on future records, and the artwork is also based on this storyline. The CD was recorded at Hansen Studios with producer Jacob Hansen, who also worked with the group on its previous two records.