Onslaught Vocalist Sy Keeler To Sit Out Upcoming Tours, Band Announces Temporary Replacement

will put a lot of pressure on the family and increased anxiety on my son.  We also have regular visits to specialists coming up during the next six months.  Therefore, at this time, I am having to think of my family first and sadly I am unable to be away in the Americas for the duration intended."

Onslaught guitarist Nige Rockett adds: "We're extremely gutted that Sy cannot make this tour, of course, we wish Sy's family all the best in this difficult time.  We are positive things will improve in the very near future and look forward to having Sy with us back real soon."  

"It was a really tough decision for us to make also, but Sy was very supportive that we take out a replacement vocalist to make this tour happen.  So much work had already been carried out by our management / booking agents / promoters behind the scenes, it would have been unfair to let our team down, the other bands down, and most importantly, not to let our fans down."

For the tour, Onslaught have recruited original Anthrax vocalist Neil Turbin to fill in for Sy.

Nige comments on Turbin:  "On a positive note, it's gonna be awesome to have Neil Turbin on board for the tour.  For me, he's always been one of the best thrash metal vocalists out there, no question.  His work on the ANTHRAX album Fistful Of Metal was simply amazing, and I believe he's one of the only guys in the genre who could step into Sy's shoes.  I think it brings a unique edge to this tour and I'm sure the fans will really dig what they hear."

It will definitely be exciting to see the original voice of Anthrax at least once somehow.  Also appearing on the tour are Danish thrash legends Artillery, who we're also looking forward to seeing.  We ask that everyone please keep Sy, his son and his family in your thoughts and prayers in this difficult period and hope for the best.  It is gut-wrenching to know what his son is going through, so keep them in your thoughts.

Onslaught's North American tour dates are as follows:

Oct 23 - Brooklyn, NY - Saint Vitus
Oct 24 - Cambridge, MA - Middle East Club
Oct 25 - Long Branch, NJ - Brighton Bar
Oct 26 - Peterborough, NH - La Mia Casa
Oct 28 - Chicago, IL - Reggie's
Oct 29 - Indianapolis, IN - The Headquarters
Oct 30 - Lakewood, OH - The Foundry
Oct 31 - Columbus, OH - Al Rosa Villa
Nov 01 - Rochester, NY - Bug Jar
Nov 02 - Trenton, NJ - Championship Bar
Nov 03 - Springfield, VA - Empire
Nov 04 - Hartford, CT - Webster Underground
Nov 05 - Albany, NY - Bogie's
Nov 06 - Quebec City, QC - La Salle Multi
Nov 07 - Toronto, ON - Hard Luck Bar

Blog author:  Alex Stojanovic

Well, this is certainly some unpleasant news.  Onslaught have announced that vocalist Sy Keeler will sit out the band's upcoming North and South American Thrash Invasion 2014 tours scheduled for this fall due to health issues with his son. Sy says in a statement:

"I know you are going to be disappointed with my decision as am I, but I sincerely hope you can understand our situation. My reason for this decision is the ongoing health issues with my son, who has been suffering with a debilitating illness for some time.  He is still on a downward path with no sign of recovery on the horizon.  Therefore, to be away for two months

Nov 08 - Ottawa, ON - Mavericks
Nov 09 - Montreal, QC - Le Petit Campus
Nov 11 - Kingston, ON - Mansion
Nov 12 - Detroit, MI - Token Lounge
Nov 13 - Milwaukee, WI - Metal Grill
Nov 14 - Spring Lake Park, MN - Pov's 65
Nov 15 - Winnipeg, MB - Zoo Cabaret
Nov 16 - Calgary, AB - Palomino's
Nov 17 - Edmonton, AB - Pawn Shop
Nov 18 - Vancouver, BC - Red Room
Nov 19 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
Nov 20 - Spokane, WA - The Hop
Nov 21 - Victoria, BC - V-Lounge
Nov 22 - Portland, OR - Tonic Lounge
Nov 23 - San Francisco, CA - DNA Lounge
Nov 24 - Anaheim, CA - Orange County Music Hall
Nov 25 - Mesa, AZ - Red Club
Nov 26 - Los Angeles, CA - Whisky A Go-Go