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Chad Gray Cancels Two '30 Years Of Madness' Dates Amid Vocal Issues
By @sharedot · · 7 pages
- Singing
- Vocal Health
- Chad Gray
- Mudvayne
- Tour News
Mudvayne and HELLYEAH singer Chad Gray has canceled his San Diego and Santa Ana '30 Years Of Madness' shows, citing vocal issues and illness.
What Happened
Mudvayne and HELLYEAH vocalist Chad Gray announced on October 4 that he would not perform in San Diego, CA, on October 5 or Santa Ana, CA, on October 6, scrapping the next two dates of his 30 Years Of Madness Tour. In a statement to fans, Gray said he had been dealing with 'deep vocal issues' and then fell sick on the day of his Aftershock Festival appearance, leaving him 'completely on my ass.' He apologized to his 'Metal family' in both cities, saying the cancellations 'absolutely breaks my heart' but that he believes it is the better decision for fans and for himself. Outlets including The Mosh Network, theprp.com and Metal Addicts all carried his statement.
Why It's Surprising
For a singer known for powering three decades of Mudvayne and HELLYEAH material on tour, pulling two California dates back-to-back signals that the vocal trouble is more than routine tour fatigue. Gray himself framed it that way, telling fans he needs time to rest so he can 'protect my voice, my health, and hopefully keep this tour going.' According to Metal Addicts, the tour is a career-spanning celebration that gives fans a rare chance to hear songs from both Mudvayne and HELLYEAH in one special live setting, which makes the missed performances a real loss for devoted singing fans in those markets.
The Evidence
I've been dealing with some deep vocal issues, and then that day I got sick.' Metal Addicts identifies the affected venues as the House Of Blues in San Diego and the Observatory OC in Santa Ana. Fans who saw his Aftershock set would already have noticed the strain he describes. Gray also apologized directly: 'I'm so incredibly sorry to my Metal family in San Diego and Santa Ana... I truly believe it's the better decision for all of you and for me.'
The Stakes
There is real money and fan goodwill riding on the outcome. The Mosh Network reports that Ticketmaster purchasers will receive automatic refunds for the two canceled dates, while third-party reseller buyers must go back to their point of purchase. Meet-and-greet holders face a choice, too: theprp.com notes Gray is offering to transfer those packages to the October 7 Las Vegas show at Fremont Country Club, or reimburse anyone who cannot make the new date. Beyond logistics, the bigger stake is the singer's instrument itself — his voice — which he says he must protect to keep the remainder of the tour alive.
What Comes Next
As things stand, the tour is expected to continue October 7 at the Fremont Country Club in Las Vegas, with the full run resuming October 10 in San Antonio, TX, supported by Butcher Babies and Devil's Cut. Metal Addicts reports Gray is backed on the trek by a band featuring Mudvayne touring guitarist Marcus Rafferty on guitar, Devin Attard on drums, Nick Villarreal on bass and Joe Bonasorte on guitar. The remaining announced dates run through October 20 in Nashville, TN, at Brooklyn Bowl. Gray says he hopes to return to San Diego and Santa Ana 'to replay the shows the way they're supposed to be played.'