According to a recent Instagram post by frontman Robb Flynn, original Machine Head drummer Tony Costanza has passed away. According to Wikipedia, he was 52 years old.
“Just got the news that our original drummer for Machine Head Tony Costanza passed away,” wrote Robb on his Instagram. “Very sad to hear. Tony was involved in about half of the song on burn my eyes in someway or another, and we maintained our friendship throughout all these years. If anybody has any more information, please DM me.”
This was confirmed by Tony’s former Crisis bandmate Afzaal Nasiruddeen, who wrote on Facebook, “Tony died in his sleep this morning so I am sure he was at peace and in no pain.
“I wish his Mother all the strength she can muster as she will need every ounce of it.
“I will be starting a GofundMe page for her and Tony’s funeral expenses. Please help if you knew him and care.
“Please hold your loved ones close as the sense of loss is insurmountable sometimes.”
Tony’s credits also include Crowbar’s 2001 album Sonic Excess In Its Purest Form.
Everyone here at The Pit sends their heart out to Tony’s friends, family, collaborators and loved ones.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDem6oOh8G6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
This obviously comes on the heels of more unpleasant news for Machine Head. Just last week, Flynn announced that the band would be postponing all live performances indefinitely, and would cancel outright their rescheduled. American and European tour dates.
“It is with great disappointment and frustration that we must inform everyone of the (not so shocking news) that the due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, rescheduled tour dates for 2020 of both Europe and Australia have been cancelled,” said Robb via a statement on the band’s website.
“These dates will not be rescheduled a third time, and all Machine Head tour dates have been pushed back indefinitely.
“Venues unable to open or currently operate at capacity, along with travel restrictions, and potential quarantines has forced this decision onto us. At the moment, zero venues on the tour have been allowed to reopen, and are not expected to for the foreseeable future. As the Coronavirus continues to ravage the world, 17 of the 19 countries for the EU tour have banned US citizens, and vice-versa.
“As you will know the majority of these dates have been rescheduled once already from the original onset of the pandemic, but without any sign of a likely time when these shows can be playable or a miraculous vaccine appearing, we are making the responsible decision to cancel all our forthcoming shows.
“Full refunds will be available from point of purchase.”
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Words by Chris Krovatin
