Arch Enemy played an instrumental show in Tijuana, Mexico on December 3rd after frontwoman Alissa White-Gluz became ill and was unable to perform.
The Swedish melodic band’s frontwoman was hit with a severe bacterial infection, which forced her to miss the show. Alissa White Gluz shared a statement about her illness to her official Instagram to discuss, writing:
“Mexico – I <3 you!
I am seriously blown away by this country. The nature is diverse and gorgeous; the people are warm, friendly, funny, creative and welcoming; the history is fascinating; the architecture is jaw-dropping; the rich culture of music and art is full of colour and beauty; the food is incredible (every city is like a vegan paradise)… I could go on.
Thank you so much for your understanding and well-wishes. I feel extremely guilty that I cannot give a normal show because you guys absolutely deserve it. I insisted that we should reschedule but that was apparently not possible. This might be TMI but since the news is out already I just want these amazing fans in Mexico to know how serious this was and that it absolutely is killing me to not be able to give you 100%.
Trust me – I have broken my ribs on stage and not missed a show, I have performed through bronchitis, complete laryngitis that took months to heal – everything. This is different.
I had a doctor come to my hotel bed two days in a row and she said “she is experiencing a total collapse.
My body is so exhausted that I have a hard time walking.
I’m confused.
Dizzy.
Shaking.
A bacterial infection lodged in my ears and then aggressively spread to all the soft tissues of my upper body. Ears, eyes, throat, lungs, nose… I had pus leaking out of my EYES. Blood leaking out of my nose. I was freezing and sweating simultaneously and had a fever of 102F for over a week. And yes, I did several shows in this state.
I was going into shock.
It was an infection that was probably lingering for a long time and finally started winning- my body was losing and it was happening quickly. I think if I didn’t get the antibiotics when I did I would be hospitalized or dead right now.
I have never experienced a more scary medical situation before in my life. This is also the most pain I have ever experienced and I have a very high pain tolerance (like most women).
I can feel the love from you guys and it is honestly helping me heal. Thank you for your smiling faces in the crowd – they really do cheer me up.
It will be several weeks or months before I fully recover but when I do – I am demanding that we come back here so I can give you guys the best concert of your lives. Seriously – I have fallen in love with you, Mexico, and I WILL be back to give you 1000% AWG.”
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Arch Enemy will be releasing their upcoming album, Blood Dynasty, on March 28th via Century Media.